This class is about finding inspiration. Together, we will trace a geometric pencil sketch in Adobe Illustrator and build a beautiful vector poster. Along the way, we will practice Illustrator core tools and, most importantly, awaken your sleeping creativity.

As designers, our clients pay for originality, but we all get stuck. This class gets you back to the basics, triggering a part of your brain that lies dormant when we only work on the computer on paid projects. By the end, you will enjoy a renewed, personal connection with your work through sketching and tracing while also enjoying your new confidence with the Pen Tool.

Most Illustrator classes try to cover everything. As a result, students can quickly get lost and overwhelmed, which is not the best way to be creative. This steep learning curve is a shame because I believe that Adobe Illustrator is the best tool for graphic designers to find inspiration, explore concepts and innovate. If iteration is how you work (like me), there's no better way to jump from idea to idea quickly than in the vector graphics space. But again, it can get overwhelming for someone who does not use Illustrator daily. It is very tempting to go down the filters and effects rabbit hole.

So instead of starting in Illustrator, we will begin with a geometric sketch on graph paper and transform it into a beautiful poster in Adobe Illustrator. Like many, I believe the best ideas come when we are away from the computer. Those are the ideas that come from the voice inside us. It is hard to hear that voice will a screen screaming options at you. While making shapes instantly on the computer is easy, I have found that drawing speed syncs up with my brain function. Suddenly, thinking and execution are in stride, and I feel maximum control, a mindset that leads to good ideas.

Once we've drafted our basic design on paper, we'll scan the sketch, import it into Illustrator and learn how to line up our drawing with the grid system on the computer. Then focusing on the pen tool, we'll trace those lines, turning them into live shapes. Once you've outlined all the forms with the pen tool, we'll hide our sketch and start working with color. Upon completion, you will have an 18x24" poster ready for printing and framing.

What Will I Learn?

Unlocking your creativity
Geometric sketching
Scanning drawings
Importing scans into Illustrator
Tracing with the pen tool
Using snap to grid and smart guides
Creating color palettes with Adobe Color
Sharing assets with Adobe library

Why Take This Class?

This class is a fun way to unlock creativity by bringing the freedom of pencil drawing into your digital work while also practicing Adobe Illustrator's core tools. In the end, you'll have created a beautiful poster while solidifying your Pen, Pathfinder, and Shape Builder tools.

Why Unlock Creativity in Adobe Illustrator?

This class is all about finding inspiration. Let's face it, our clients pay for originality, but we all get stuck. This class gets you back to the basics, triggering a part of your brain that lies dormant when we only work on the computer on paid projects. By the end, you will enjoy a renewed, personal connection with your work through sketching and tracing while also enjoying your new confidence with the Pen Tool.

Besides awakening artistic creativity, we will also work on repetitive use of the few core tools that designers should master before getting lost in the weeds of filters and effects. The Pen Tool is essential for most graphic designers, so finding a fun, artistic workflow to practice will pay off exponentially.

Why Learn with Jeff Yas?

I have a unique approach to learning graphic design based on 20 years of experience making logos, websites, animation, and presentations. I'm very passionate about creativity, and I enjoy sharing that enthusiasm with students like you while helping you reach your goals. Working as a designer and teaching design to students has shown me the value of inspiration and originality. Likewise, my clients value the unique way I look at things. Combining my technical expertise with my creative process, I have developed the "The Yas Method," based on minimizing distractions, repeated use of core tools, and finding authenticity. My goal is for you to feel more confident and creative.

Who Should Take this Class?

This class is designed for artists at any level trying to find their creative voice in the digital space. Using simple, flat vector shapes is the perfect entry point for beginners, artists who feel stuck, or artists who need help with the pen tool. This class has something for you wherever you are on your creative journey.

What Will I Need?

Here's what you will need for this course:

Graph paper
1. Letter-sized, Four squares/inch
2. or download the template in the project resources
Pencil
Eraser
Compass (a cheap one to draw circles)
Ruler
Pencil sharpener
Computer with Adobe Illustrator
Scanner (a phone camera will be fine)
Illustrator Cheat Sheet (in the project resources)

James Scott

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