What is the Fastest Way to Learn Illustrator?

No matter your skill level, finding the most efficient way to learn Illustrator can save you both time and money. This is especially relevant if you need to learn the software for an upcoming project, for professional growth or a career change, or even to finally tackle that hobby project you’ve been thinking about for years. In this article, we walk you through the different skill levels for Illustrator, and discuss which formats work best at those levels. Keep in mind that when you’re ready to find your ideal course, Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool can help you locate one.

Introductory Skills

For those who are new to Illustrator and need to learn the foundational skills, an introductory course is best. These classes cover things like the interface, basic drawing tools, simple design concepts, and perhaps a few hands-on projects to help reinforce what you’ve learned. If you’re looking to quickly gain basic skills, there are several class formats that might work best for you, such as one-day classes, workshops, or free online resources. Those who have a little extra time can also use all three!

One-Day Classes

One-day classes are ideal for learners who want an immersive introduction to Illustrator, but aren’t able to commit to a regular length course, bootcamp, or certificate program. These classes are often hosted by schools, businesses, or professional institutions, and provide opportunities for students to network with their peers without having to dedicate too much time to the course. Students will leave a one-day course confident in their ability to use Illustrator, and should be able to produce simple designs. It’s worth noting that one-day courses are slightly different from workshops, as they often require a full day’s commitment, whereas workshops may only take a few hours, or may be a few days.

Workshops

Workshops are tailored to be highly interactive, and can go anywhere from a few hours to a few days, with most happening over the course of one day. These sessions often focus on a very specific component of Illustrator. Whether that’s the pen tool, vector graphic design, typography, or even logo creation. Workshops are led by industry professionals, and foster a collaborative learning environment by providing engaging and interactive hands-on activities to do throughout the session. You’ll be able to build up a network, gain fundamental skills with Illustrator, and gain a better understanding of how this application can work for you in your personal and professional life. 

Free Online Resources

Free online resources are probably the most familiar way for people to start learning about new software and application. They do not require a commitment, and are a great way to get in touch with the community to learn tips, tricks, and techniques that have been learned over years. Platforms like YouTube, Adobe’s website, and blogs are a wealth of information that you can pick from without any additional cost to you. Though fre resources are certainly a cost-friendly way to learn the fundamentals of Illustrator, they often require a high degree of self-motivation and discipline, and they are often not as in-depth or comprehensive as professional services or certificate programs. That being said, they are an excellent way to transition into those courses, so that you have a basic understanding of the platform before diving into the more structured and intense learning experiences of higher-level courses. 

Intermediate Skills

Intermediate skills build on your introductory skills, and provide you more opportunities to become familiar with the platform. Things like modifying layers, creating gradients, blends, and patterns, and working with new brushes are some of the topics that might be covered. Classes geared towards intermediate-level students are a bit longer and more intense. For that reason, we’ve highlighted the course formats that best work for students at the mid-point of their Illustrator journey.

Bootcamps

Once you’ve moved beyond the basics, a Bootcamp is a great way to deepen your skills. These programs are intensive and often consist of multiple classes and various resources to help build your confidence with using the software. Bootcamps often follow a structured curriculum. That, alongside group work and hands-on projects, will boost your proficiency and allow you to work with more advanced techniques with some of Illustrator’s highlighted features, vector art, typography, and graphics. Bootcamps are flexible in terms of location, and are offered both in-person and online. This format is geared towards preparation for the professional world, and is ideal for anyone who will eventually pursue a career in an industry like graphic design, digital art, or a related field.

On-Demand Learning Platforms

Learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning, can offer courses as on-demand services that are flexible, convenient, and often cheaper than live courses. Because content on these websites are so varied, it’s likely that you’ll find a class covering the skills that you want to grow in, making this an efficient method for intermediate learners. On-demand courses can be taken at your own pace, making it easy to fit your classes in if you’re busy or can’t commit to a set schedule. The courses also offer plenty of chances to practice what you’ve learned with the help of tutorials, quizzes, projects, downloadable lectures, and other digital resources. 

Advanced and Professional Skills 

Advanced and professional courses exist to take you from an Illustrator user to an Illustrator master. These courses are more likely to cover advanced techniques like mastering the pen tool and, appearance panel, and perspective grid, creating artwork with the blend tool, creating custom brushes, or simply elevating your design skills to a level that will help you secure a professional career.

Professional Training Courses

Professional training courses are designed to help you achieve the highest level of confidence with Illustrator. You can find many of these classes through training centers, schools, or professional organizations. These classes focus on advanced techniques and also cover how to integrate other prominent design software or Adobe products so that you can get the most out of your experience. With hands-on projects that mimic real-world challenges, enrolling in a class is a great investment for those who intend to secure a job in an Illustrator-related field like graphic design, or digital art. Professional training courses may act as a standalone program or be part of a bigger degree or certificate, in which case they are referred to as certificate programs.

Certificate Programs and Certification Courses

Certificate programs and certification courses not only provide you with a mastery of Illustrator, but they endorse your abilities and help build up your resume, portfolio, and overall professional profile. It’s important to note that some courses offer a certificate of completion. This certificate is not synonymous with certification, which is often provided by a company or professional organization following a precise curriculum and a standardized test. While certificate programs may teach complementary skills alongside Illustrator, such as project management, design theory, or even working with clients, certification programs are highly focused on teaching you all of the concepts needed to pass the certification process, and will likely focus primarily on skills that are on the exam. Both course types offer you an intensive experience that can leave you with qualifications and endorsements for your future job search.