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Course Name
Adobe Illustrator CS3: Essentials

Contact Hours: 10

Course Description


Ranging from casual hobbyists to the most seasoned professionals, our users quickly learn new software applications and broaden their knowledge of programs currently used. Narrated in an entertaining format by industry experts and leading authors, our video-based software training titles are critical tools for anyone wanting to learn tips, techniques, and best practices from the most respected names in the business.

These easy to follow, in-depth lessons show you how to create top quality artwork using Adobe Illustrator CS3. Our lessons focus on best practices for producing better images easier and faster – ensuring the most unique and professional work for print or the web. Get up to speed on the unique capabilities of Adobe Illustrator CS3 today!

The student will have access to this course for 1 year. This self-directed course can be completed within 90 days or sooner depending on time and learning capabilities of the student.


Outcome
By completing this course you will:
  1. Examine professionally-prepared, real-world Illustrator files to understand clearly what makes Illustrator the best tool for the job of creating top-quality line-based artwork.
  2. Learn the essentials of Illustrator with clear, simple instructions that make this powerful application easy to understand and use.
  3. Create a library of shapes, patterns and more for use in your own projects.
  4. Prepare your artwork for print or export it for use in websites or other online output.

Assessment
Project files are included with this course to aid in your learning. There are no exams or tests.


Outline
Part 1

Lesson 1: WELCOME TO ILLUSTRATOR CS3
  • Vectors vs. Pixels
  • Understanding Points, Paths, Fills & Strokes
  • Exploring the New Welcome Screen
  • Opening an Existing Document
  • Saving & Closing Documents
Lesson 2: THE ILLUSTRATOR INTERFACE
  • Using the Menu Bar & Status Bar
  • Working with the Tool Box
  • Using the Control Palette
  • Using the Palette Dock
  • Saving & Loading Workspaces
  • Setting Preferences
  • Zooming & Panning a Document
  • Working with the Layers Palette
Lesson 3: CREATING & COLORING OBJECTS
  • Working with Rulers, Guides & Grids
  • Drawing Rectangles & Ovals
  • Selecting & Deleting Objects
  • Duplicating Objects
  • Dividing an Object
  • Drawing Polygons & Stars
  • Drawing Lines, Arcs, Spirals & Grids
  • Changing Fills & Strokes
  • Changing Opacity & Using the Eyedropper Tool
  • Using the Color Palette
  • Understanding Live Color
Lesson 4: MANIPULATING OBJECTS
  • Using Simple Transformations
  • Rotating Objects
  • Using the Transform Menu
  • Shearing & Reflecting Objects
  • Using the Transform Each Command
  • Aligning & Distributing Objects
  • Distorting Objects
      Lesson 6: USING THE PEN TOOL
      • Understanding Anchor Points
      • Drawing Straight Lines
      • Drawing Curves
      • Working with Curved Corner Points
      • Working with Combination Corner Points
      • Converting Anchor Points
      Lesson 7: WORKING WITH POINTS & PATHS
      • Using the Direct Selection Tool
      • Transforming Points & Path Segments
      • Splitting & Joining Paths
      • Aligning Points
      • Adding & Removing Points
      • Using the Pathfinder Palette
      • Final Comments & Credits
      Part 2

      Lesson 1: WORKING WITH PIXEL-BASED IMAGES
      • Placing Images
      • Replacing & Linking Files
      • Managing Links
      • Masking Images
      • Modifying Images
      Lesson 2: CREATING TYPE
      • Using the Type Tool
      • Placing Type
      • Applying Character & Paragraph Formatting
      • Using Character & Paragraph Styles
      • Adding Type to a Shape
      • Creating Type on a Path
      • Enveloping Type
      Lesson 3: THE APPEARANCE PALETTE & LIVE EFFECTS 
      • Applying Filters
      • Applying Graphic Styles
      • Creating New Graphic Styles
      • Modifying Existing Graphic Styles
      • Working with the Appearance Palette
      • Understanding Effects
      • Applying Multiple Effects
      • Applying Photoshop® Effects
      • Applying 3D Effects
      Lesson 4: EXPORTING ARTWORK
      • Viewing Pixel Preview & Converting the Color Space
      • Optimizing for the Web
      • Slicing an Image
      • Preparing a Document for Rollovers
      Lesson 5: PRINTING DOCUMENTS
      • Setting the Crop Area
      • Preparing for Printing
      • Printing the Document
      Lesson 6: TIPS & TRICKS
      • Saving Views
      • Creating Patterns
      • Transforming Patterns
      • Creating Global Colors
      • Working with Symbols
      • Using Actions
      • Creating Dynamic Text Background
      • Final Comments & Credits