# Illustrator in a Day

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/illustrator-1day>

## Overview

Learn Adobe Illustrator Fundamentals and start creating and editing vector graphics using Illustrator’s powerful drawing tools. You will quickly learn how to draw shapes and lines, apply color, trace images, and combine graphics with photos or type to create polished designs.

This 6-hour class focuses on the essentials and is ideal for those who use Illustrator occasionally and only have one day or two evenings available. If you would like a deeper dive into the software, consider the 18-hour [Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp](https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/illustrator). For portfolio-focused training, explore the [Graphic Design Bootcamp](https://www.graduateschool.edu/certificates/graphic-design-course-nyc) or the [Graphic Design Certificate Program](https://www.graduateschool.edu/certificates/graphic-design).

## What you'll learn

- Learn how to create different types of vector graphics, including icons and illustrations
- Combine basic shapes and use Pathfinders to build more complex vector artwork
- Convert hand sketches or pixel-based artwork into clean vector graphics
- Combine photos, type, and vector graphics to create designs for social media and other projects

## Curriculum

### Section 1

#### Drawing with Basic Shape Tools

- Drawing Ovals & Perfect Circles
- Creating Precise Shapes
- Setting Fill & Stroke Color
- Using the Eyedropper to Copy Formatting
- Navigating a File: Zooming & Scrolling
- Outline & Preview Views

#### Shape Controls

- Rounded Rectangles
- Polygon Tool & Triangles
- Star Tool
- Scaling Corners & Strokes

#### Line Tools, Variable Width Strokes, & Rotate Tool

- Line, Arc, & Spiral tools
- Width tool & Variable Width Strokes
- Rotate tool
- Flipping Horizontally

#### Building Complex Shapes with Basic Shapes

- Using the Direct Selection Tool to Move Individual Points
- Using the Pen tool to Remove Anchor Points
- Deleting Anchor Points
- Joining
- Aligning
- Working with Groups

### Section 2

#### Pathfinder

- Comparing Pathfinders
- Pathfinders vs Shape Modes
- Live Compound Shapes

#### Image Trace

- Image Trace
- Converting Hand-Drawn Sketches into Vectors
- Adding Color with Live Paint

#### Social Media Graphics with Type, Photos, & Vectors

- Importing Photos
- Sample Colors with the Eyedropper Tool
- Adding Type
- Adding Vector Shapes
- Using the Curvature Tool to Curve Lines
- Working with Multiple Artboards
- Saving Illustrator Files That Contain Linked Photos

#### Exporting as JPEG, PNG, & SVG

- Exporting SVG Files
- Exporting Multiple Artboards with “Export for Screens”
- Exporting Parts of a File Using “Assets Export”

## Schedule
- May 26, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- May 27, 2026 – Jun 1, 2026 — Live Online
- Jun 21, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Jul 13, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Aug 10, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Sep 1, 2026 – Sep 3, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 22, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Oct 26, 2026 – Oct 28, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 8, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $425