# Illustrator in a Day Course Online

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/illustrator-in-a-day-course-online>

## Overview

Illustrator is the industry standard for vector graphics, and this course gets you creating and editing them right away. You'll learn how to draw shapes and lines, apply color, trace images, and combine graphics with photos or type, building a working foundation in the tools and techniques that make Illustrator so powerful.

This course is a great fit if you're new to Illustrator and want a focused, practical introduction without a major time commitment. If you're ready to go further, our 18-hour Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp covers the program in much greater depth, and if portfolio-building is the goal, the Graphic Design Certification Program is worth a look.

## What you'll learn

- Create a variety of vector graphics, from icons to full illustrations
- Combine basic shapes and work with Pathfinders to build more complex designs
- Convert hand sketches and pixel-based art into clean vector graphics
- Bring together photos, type, and vector graphics to design for social media and beyond

## 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”

## Instructors

### Dan Rodney — Instructor

Dan Rodney has been a designer and web developer for over 20 years, creating coursework and leading innovative training initiatives. Dan has been at the forefront of integrating AI into design and business workflows, spearheading AI courses. In addition to teaching and curriculum development, he writes custom scripts for InDesign (Make Book Jacket, Proper Fraction Pro, and more) and works with automation and AI-driven tools in his free time. You can find Dan on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, and at danrodney.com.

### Eugenio Solis de Ovando — Instructor

Eugenio Solis de Ovando is a Senior Instructor specializing in graphic design, web design, and visual communication. With over 20 years of experience in the creative industry, Eugenio is passionate about helping students develop strong technical skills and a solid design foundation across print, digital, and web platforms.

Eugenio teaches a wide range of courses, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, WordPress, UI Design, and Artificial Intelligence for Graphic Design. His classes are known for their clear, hands-on approach, blending technical mastery with creative exploration to help students bring their ideas to life with confidence and precision.

He holds a Ph. D. in Artificial Intelligence with a specialization in Human Performance Technology, where his research focused on integrating emerging AI technologies into adult education and training. 

As an Adobe Certified Design Master and Licensed Private Career School Teacher in New York State, Eugenio is dedicated to delivering high-quality instruction and sharing best practices in digital design workflows. He brings real-world insights into the classroom, guiding students through professional techniques in layout design, typography, color theory, image editing, and responsive web design.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $425