The Power of Adobe illustrator: Basic tools and Overview

1. Intro Video: If you're a designer who is new to Adobe Illustrator or you're familiar with it and you want to learn more about the functions on what kind of tools are available to you, I encourage you to check out this course. Now this is a beginner level course, and in it you will get a hands on view of Adobe Illustrator and stand upright. Learning about tools. Illustrate asked offer. I also give you an overview about the software's capabilities and help me to understand the power at this creative tool. Second, a leash. I will also share with you my thoughts on the concept of a tool and how we use tools in our daily lives. In order to make the course more fun and enjoyable, I have added a few comic relief moments in there as well. And even if you are a designer but would like to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and how you can apply in your field of work, I encourage you to check out. This course is well, I designed it to be a simple is possible to help any beginner get started in their exploration of adobe illustrator eso. Thanks for listening to me, and I hope to see you inside the classroom. Take care 2. Overview of Course: Hey there. My name is Hans. And first off, let me just say that it is a pleasure to be teaching right now. And I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship between us, you know? And I say that on all sincerity. So let's get started. This is the first module in this course which is called the Power of Tools, the Illustrator Edition. In this introductory module, we're going to discuss the concept of a tool Adobe Illustrator as a tool set and how this course will be broken down re as people used tools every day of our lives. We use them as extensions of ourselves and as ways toe high in our abilities. We used tools to help shape our physical world and those things that are created within it . The concept of tool is known worldwide and dates back to the beginning of human civilization. Many people see tools as instruments that are implemented or used by the craftsmen or labourers out there. The tools are even viewed as weapons. But I see tools as much more than just these things. Tools are created based upon our needs and our wants. We used tools in almost every fabric of our lives. Every tool serves a specific purpose, and with that tool comes techniques and tactics. Adobe Illustrator is for the most part of vector specific software Now you can still use it to manipulate pixel based objects, but it's true potential lies with its powerful vector manipulation tools. Now the word vector is associated with a few different meanings. So for those who don't know the type of victory a dealing with, it is the vector that is found in math. You know, vectors are associated with lines and points, all right, so a vector based object is one that is made up of lines that meet up at different points. The term pixel is usually associated with screens and imagery like photo shop is my tool of choice when I have to do any image manipulation. Now, vectors are great at scaling things. Okay, so, for example, let's say you have to take something small and you're gonna produce at a very large size if you have. If you're images made out of lines meeting at points, then when you scale it really big, you don't lose any of the details right now what happens with pictures is every time you save a picture, you losing details like J. Pegs assumes you turn an image from a raw file to a J pic. You've lost a lot of information, a lot of colors and stuff like that. And that's why, um, you know, vector based software like Illustrator is great to do, like large scale things. But in my life, I have had the privilege of learning how to use many tool sets, including Adobe Illustrator, and gained a high level of mastery in their applications. I can't say an exact number, but I have created probably over 1000 little designs and icons using illustrator alone. Ah, it is a very versatile software. And if Fuze properly can be very powerful, I apply my illustrator skills in many ways, from T shirt designs to environmental way finding and wall graphics. Ah, you can use illustrated, create logos, created characters with it, make mock ups all day, you know. Ah, posters, storyboards, presentations, book illustrations. I've used it for wire framing, mechanical drawings, you know, um, building two D and three D environments. Um, I've used it to make Fechter icons icon families, fonts, typography, designs. I even used it to create my own line courses. Ah, I It's a very versatile tool, you know. It's just up toe stuck to you toe utilize its power, right? I build Web graphics ads and banners with Illustrator. All right, Um, it's my go to when I have to make a quick button or icon for any job I love using illustrator When I'm working with large scale projects just as a 36 feet with by 12 feet height wall, you know, um, and knowing some math form, there's always helps with projects like those. Illustrator is wonderful for creating patterns and complex structures. There's so much you can do with it and all of its many tools and functions. It would take me a whole day to go through toss, but since we can't do that, I'm going to stop right here. All right, just understand that everything you conduce you with this tool set begins here by learning each tool and their special functions. So in this course, I will Onley focus on individual tools. That illustrator asked the offer. I feel like this is the best way to go Since I'm not sure who will be watching, whether you're complete, new or if you have some experience already. All right, as we continue on this educational journey together. Ah, my content will evolve from beginner level two, intermediate expert and from time to time, I will share some applications or ways. You can apply these skills to generate income. The modules for this beginner course ah will only be on the basic functions for each of the tools highlighted. I will be updating this course as time goes on and add as much tools as I can. So whether you are completely new to illustrator are have already had some experience, I urge you to stick around and see how I break down each tool. Through my unique perspective, I'm sure it will give you a greater understanding of illustrate as a tool set and teach you it's powerful capabilities. I will also be sharing some hot keys. Ah, for you to add to your arsenal. Now, for those who don't know, hot keys are shortcuts on a on your keyboard for you to access different tools or functions more quickly, they really come in handy as a way to expedite the creation process. For this course, I will be using the Mac version of Adobe Illustrator. Depending on when you are viewing this course, your version might be more updated in mind, Which is Okay, Okay. For the most part, everything that I'm gonna cover in this course won't be very difficult to find at all. So in the first module, we discussed the concept of tool of what a tool is overview of Adobe Illustrated. A tool set. And it's and what it's capable of how this course will be broken down and what to expect. Moving forward now. Thanks again for listening to me. I hope I kept you entertained and have given you a new perspective. The Tink the Tau. Think about. Excuse me. Hopefully, I'll be speaking with you again very soon. Ah, have a good one. 3. Selection Tool: Hey there. Welcome to Module two of this course, and I just want to say that I'm so excited. I see that you stuck around that. I'm going to give you. Ah, a for effort. Right. All right, all right. Enough of that. Let's get down to business. And this module, we're going to ah, be discussing the selection tool. Okay? We're going to go over where to find it. Its purpose, How to use it. And basic functions. The selection tool is usually located right here, and the hot key for selecting it is V. Its purpose is to allow you to select objects. Honestly, this is a tool you will probably be using the most to use it. All you have to do is simply click on an object you want to manipulate. When you select an object, you will notice a blue outline around. You will also notice the object is now in a box with eight points around it. This is called a bounding box, and we'll discuss more of this soon so you can select one object and you can even select multiple objects at the same time. Now let's talk about five basic functions you can do with the selection tool. The functions are move scale, rotate right click and double click. Now, in order to move something, all you have to do is click and hold the button down and then dragged the object while holding down the button. Like so, placing it wherever you will is completely under your control. Scaling pretty much means manipulating the size of an object. You can make something bigger or smaller simply by clicking and holding down on the corner of this bounding box you see and moving it in whatever direction you wish, bending it to your will come into power. You have good, good job. Now, if you want to keep the proportions and don't end up stretching the object, all you have to do is hold down the shift key quick at the corner of the bounding box and drag That's right, just like that, like it already approach. So with the selection tool, you can also rotate objects 360 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise simply by clicking the object. Position your cursor next to a corner of the bounding box, but not touching it. Then you will see the selection tool change its shape to this. Once you see this new form, all you have to do is hold down click bun and simply turn it counter clock, a counter clockwise or clockwise. There is also a rotate tool that gives you more functions to use, but we'll talk about that in another module when using the selection tool. If you select an object and right click on it, a menu window will pop up, giving you access to other functions. You can also have the menu window Papa by selecting the object, holding down the control button and just click on the object again in this module, we won't cover all the options in the pop up menu. All the functions with shortcuts. Sorry, but by all means, I highly encourage you to check it out and explore whenever you can. You know that's the best way to learn. You know, I just jumping right in and just playing with everything. That's how I teach myself, Really. When you want to select an object, you on Lee have to click once when you double click on the object, you place it in an isolation mode where you can Onley manipulate that object and nothing else that's in that area. Now if it's multiple objects that are grouped together, when you double click that group, you will isolate those objects and move each piece one by one. If that's not if if they're not group together in many different groups now there's many things this is useful for, but we won't get into application at this time. So when this module we discussed the selection tool Ah, in it, we talked about where to find it. It's purpose, how to use it and basic functions. We also talked about five basic functions which are move, scale, rotate right click double quick. Now there are many, many, many, many, many ways you can apply the use of this tool. I encourage you to play with it and with all the tools and functions, in order to gain more experience and a greater understanding of their uses and capabilities . And remember, tool is just a tool until it's put in the hands of a master. Thanks for listening, my young pad, Juan's until next time I hope to talk to you again soon by 4. Direct Selection Tool: Hey there. Welcome to Module three of this course. I hope you're enjoying the right so far. I promise I won't hit and crash. OK, but if ah, you have any constructive feedback or any comments or concerns, I would love to hear them. Please feel free to leave those in the comments section already. Let's get down to business. So in this module, we're going to discuss the direct selection tool. So we're gonna focus on where to find it. It's purpose how to use it and basic functions. The direct selection tool can be found right next to his counterpart, the selection tool. It's very similar to the selection tool in form, but its functions very differently. The selection tool allows you to select the entire object and manipulated. But the direct selection tool allows you to manipulate isolated areas simply by clicking or selecting an anchor point. It allows you to select one point to manipulate and have it bend to your will. Ah, sorry. I must warn you every once in a while, I get kind of silly. Okay? So just bear with me. I'm kind of a nerd type. You know, She don't If you know what I mean? You know any who and you. Let's get back to business. All right, So I feel like somebody wants to ask Hans, Can you manipulate more than one anchor point at a time? G? That's a great question. Thank you for asking. And the answer is yes, you can not only can you manipulate one point, you can take a whole group of points and make the move at the same time in the same direction that cool. Now let's zoom in riel quick so I can show you some functions. Okay, so the basic functions are selecting individual anchor points, selecting multiple anchor points, lying manipulation via handles and right click. Now, when using this tool, when you click on an anchor point, you will notice that it becomes dark and out, and the rest are just white boxes or unfilled. This symbolizes that you have chosen to manipulate this one point alone. Now, if you want to select more points, all you have to do is hold down, shift and select another point, or drag your cursor and select as much points as you want. You see? See what I mean? Every point that is colored in. You can now move and manipulate. Be careful when doing this, though. You don't want to accidentally move it too far or delete it. Uh oh. It's okay if you dio All you have to do is click Command plus z the keys together, and you will undo whatever you just did. Seeks like magic. It's like a power power of, um, you know, fixing whatever you did wrong this minute ago. Power of time. Yes, time power. Also, when you use the direct selection tool on a shape or a line that is curved, you will see two new points show up. These are called handles. If you click and hold down the button, you can move the anchor in a way where the handles look like See sauce. We isn't that fund. Okay, So in another function is if you hold down the option by in and then click and drag the handle, it will let you move. Just one handle and the other one's stay still. See what I mean? But once you do that, you won't be able to do the seesaw again. I know, right? That was crushed when I found that out, but I got over it once. I figured out that all I have to do is hit command plus Z together and wa la I could undo that last move. I did. Isn't that amazing? That powerful power time was had the rial. You know, I was just, you know, do that. My life is just now Zap, Go back few seconds. Sorry. Never happened. Uh, Okay. Um all right, I'll start. Ah, now we have the seesaw back, right? And check out what happens when you pull the handle like this. You can change the size and manipulate each of the lines connected to the anchor point that cool. Now, When I first learned about that, I thought that was pretty girls like while as pretty cool simply because I realized the potential of this tool set called Adobe Illustrator hat. Or has excuse me. So this function is pretty much the same as using the selection tool. But it's always good to do a refresher If you select an object and right click on it a menu window, Papa giving you access other functions. Ah, you can also have the menu and no Papa by selecting the object holding down the control button and just click on the object again. Again, we won't cover all the short cuts in the pop up menu, but by all means, I highly encourage you. Teoh. Check it out and explore whatever you can that's, you know, the best way to do it. So in this module we learned about the direct selection tool. In it. We discuss where to find it, It's purpose, how to use it and basic functions. We also talked about a few basic functions which were selecting individual anchor points, selecting multiple anchor points line manipulation via handles and right clicking. I encourage you to play with it and all and with all of the tools and functions, in order to gain more experience and a greater understanding of its uses and capabilities. Ah, and always remember, Tool is only as good as the person who uses it. So always be leveling up. We'll talk again soon. Thanks for listening 5. Magic Wand Tool: Hey there. Welcome to Module Four of this course, the power of tools. Illustrator. Addition, Doctor. Okay, so just my let you know that you are crushing it right now, so hurry for you. And if you have any questions, comments or concern so far in this course, please, I highly encourage you to leave them in the comments section. And I promise I will do my very best to respond in a timely fashion. And remember, this doesn't have to be just monologue. It could also be a dialogue as well. All right, already. So let's get to it. In this module, we will be talking about the magic wand tool and it we're going to discuss where to find it . It's purpose, how to use it and basic functions. So the magic wand is located near the selection tool. The hot key for it is why now it functions similar to the selection tool, but it's not as diverse as it. It basically allows you to select objects with a little twist. Even though it is limited in what it can do. It's quite effective, if used properly, to use it. All you do is select it and click on an object to select. So this tool really has one main function and that selecting objects with the same color or Hugh You know, however you prefer saying it. Let's say you created a design with multiple colors and the colors were spread apart. Now what would you do if you wanted to change a particular color? You're you first. Should ask yourself what is the most simplest way to go about it? Well, you could try to use the selection tool, but the whole design is grouped together, so you would have to first double click and isolate the design in order to select the individual pieces or peace. Or you can simply ungroomed the design, then do it. But that would take too much time. You can also use the direct selection tool and just select each object that has the same color. But again, that also would be time consuming. So with the magic tool, all you have to do is simply click on the part with the color you want to change and Walla . There you have it. You selected all the objects with the same color. Now there is another way of performing that same function, but it's a little bit long, longer process. Excuse me. Then, using the magic tool first you select a direct select tool. Then you click in the middle of the object and it will select just that area. After that, you go up here and click on this button call, select similar objects and then Walla, just like the magic tool. Except that it took longer. So in the end, the magic wand eyes the best tool to use if you wanted to do something like this. Now, since we're here, let me show you another handy hot key that I constantly use. So let's say you wanted to take the objects you just selected and placed them somewhere else without disturbing the rest of the group. All you simply do is press down on the command and ex keys to cut and then press command and V together to paste. You can also paste it in the same area by pressing command shift and V. Those hot keys come in very handy. Believe you, me. But we'll talk more about application later. For now, I urge you to go and play with these functions and hot keys and see how you can use them for yourself. So in this module we discussed the magic wand tool, its location and its main function. We also learn about a few hot key commands. Once again, please explore the use of this tool. That is how you level up your skills and illustrator by using the tools and gaining experience. So thanks again and I'll speak to you in the next module. 6. Lasso Tool: Hey there. Welcome to Module five of this chorus. Now this one is going to be very, very brief. So let's get right into it in this module going to be discussing the lasso tool in it. We're going to go over where to find it. It's purpose, how to use it and basic functions. The Last O Toole is also part of the selection. Family of Tools is located next to the magic wand and direct selection tool. The hot key for it is cube. This tool allows you to draw a line in whatever shape you want and select any objects or points that fall within the area that you create. This gives you more flexibility if you have to select particular objects and bypass or other objects that are around him. So this tool is very limited on his functions, and that's really all you would use it for. There might be more uses for, but honestly, I rarely use this tool simply because other three selection tools we talked about usually gets the job done for me. However, there are times when the lasso tools function can be very useful as well, so I don't get it twisted, right? So that's it for this module, as promised, very, very short, but still packed with, ah, useful information on the less. So I'll leave you with this quote as motivation. Albert Einstein once said, Imagination is more important than knowledge, but knowledge and powers imagination think on these things. Thanks for listening peace. 7. Pen Tool: Hey there. Welcome to Module six of this course. Guess what? We are halfway through the entire course. That awesome. Uh, I am so proud of you growing up so fast. And let me just say this. Thank you for caring enough about yourself to take the initiative to go out and find courses online to help increase your knowledge and skill level. This is no small feat. I assure you that because you had enough courage, motivation and discipline to go out and better yourself through gaining knowledge. I already know you are the type of person that will succeed in whatever you put your mind to. Now it's sad to say, but, you know, we allow the distractions of this world too. Take away precious time that we could be using for more productive endeavors. And I'm guilty of that too, you know. But enough of that. Let's go get let's get on with the show. Okay, So in this module, we're going to be talking about the pen tool. So in it, we're gonna discuss where to find it. It's purpose how to use it and basic functions. So now the pen tool is actually one of my favorite tools and illustrator, and it is by far one of the most powerful tools in my opinion. Now I say that simply because you conduce so so much with this two alone and yet it's so simple to use. It's normally located right under all the selection tools right here, and a hot key for it is P. Now the pencil allows you to draw objects in illustrator through the creation of points and lines. You use it simply by selecting the tool and clicking anywhere in an open space to create a point. Then, once you click again, you create another point, and a line connects those two points together. After you make three or more points, you can then close the object and create a shape. To do this, all you have to do is simply connect the last point with the first point by clicking on the first point you made. So let's get into some basic functions of the pencil. So with the pencil, you can create straight lines, create curved lines, add anchor points, lead acre points and convert anchor points. Now this function is pretty straightforward. You can create straight lines in any direction, simply like clicking and creating new anchor points. It's a simple is that I want you to take notice that when you do create just straight lines that the anchor points don't have any handles on them yet. Creating curved lines takes a little more finesse, but it's still very simple. All you have to do is when you create an anchor point, hold down the click button and dragged your cursor to any side. When you do that, you will see the two handles come out of the anchor point. You know, it's like it's spreading its wings and fly fly away. Okay, then just create another point and do the same thing, and you will notice that line you create isn't straight but curved. We already discussed how to manipulate those lines, using the selection and direct selection tools. But just for a quick refresher, all you have to do is select a handle and move it around, and you'll see the line changing shapes. But you must select it with the selection tools. Okay, now with pencils. So let's say you wanted to add a new anchor point to an object. All you have to do a. Select the object with selection tool and switch over to the pencil and then find an area on line that you want to add a point. Now you will notice that when you hover over the line, a plus sign appears on your pencil cursor. Once you see that, plus signs, simply click on their location and you will create a new anchor point. You can also choose this function by clicking on the plus key on your keyboard. Now, just as you give it. You can also take it away. So if you want to delete an anchor point, all you do is select the object. Switch to the pencil and then simply click on the point you want to delete keeping the object closed and intact. Now you will notice that once you hover over the anchor point, a minus symbol shows up next to your pencil cursor. Now you can also delete anchor points using the direct select tool. But when you do it with that, then the object isn't closed anymore. Now there are reasons why you would want to choose one way over the other, but we won't cover them in this module. Another neat thing you can do is convert anchor points. So let us say that you have a straight line and you wanted to curve it. Well, you can't because you don't have any handles, right, however, this function of the pence, who allows you to create handles on an already made anchor point and manipulate the lines as you see fit. So in order to do this you have. All you have to do is select the object or line switch to the pencil and hold down the option key. Now, when you do this, your cursor will switch to a new shape that looks like an upside down V. Now click on the anchor point. You want to give handles to and drag in whatever direction you want, and you will see the handles coming out. Another way of selecting this function of the pencil is simply by clicking. Shift and see together and your cursor will turn into the upside down V. So in this module we discussed the pencil. We talked about where to find it, why it's important and some basic functions Now. I also want to show you one more thing before I finish If you click and hold down on the pencil, you will notice a pop up menu where you can select all the functions that we just discuss. Just like that. So once again, in my experience, this is one of the most powerful tools and illustrator, and it's one that I use Ah, whole lot gay, but illustrate has tons of powerful tools. This is not only when their many that I really enjoy, but this one is one that I really, really enjoy. Okay, so I'll talk to you about how you can apply this tool in another course. However, I encourage you to play with it and see what you can find on your own exploration. You know, that's the best way to learn. All right? It trust me when I say failure is another way of learning. Okay, don't be afraid to fail. Okay? Eso That's it for now. And always remember, a tool is on Lee as good as the person who is using it. So thanks for listening and have a good one 8. Type Tools: Hey there. Welcome to Module Seven. So far, you are doing great. Make sure to stick with it. Okay? I encourage you to learn as much as you can. Also, if there's a specific tool you would like me to, uh, cover do a deep dive on in the future, Please let me know. OK, I'm always happy to create content that I know people would like to learn. So let's get to it in this module. We're going to be talking about the type tools in it. We're going to discuss where to find them, their purpose, how to use them and basic functions. Now there's a bit to cover in this module, so I will try to make. This is brief as I can. The type tools are also some my favorite tools and ones that I use quite often it is rape. They are very powerful, and you should learn to master them as a graphic designer type is an element that you will have to understand. Intimately type is associated with almost everything we do simply because graphic design is visual communication. So understanding this tool and learning its functionalities is extremely important. Now, the type tools are located right next to the pencil, and the hot key for the main type tool is T. The type tool allows you to create, edit and manipulate tight to use it first selected tool, then click in an open area and start typing. It's a simple is that now there are a lot of functions for the type tools, but in this module will go over a few basic functions and a different kinds. So with the type tools you can create a line of type uh, created type box. You can change the manipulate fonts. You can do a area type, type on path, vertical type, vertical area type, vertical type on a path and touch type. So, as I demonstrated earlier, you can use this tool to simply create a line of type simply by clicking once in an open area and start typing. You can create another line simply by pressing the return key as well. To make a tight box is very simple. All you have to do is with the type tool selected. You click and drag, and it will create a box. Then you can type inside the box and all of your type will fit into this one box. Now, notice what happens when the type can't fit on one line. It automatically goes to the next line. You should be careful of not making your type too big or putting too much text inside just one type box because it won't fit. If this happens, you will notice a red box with a plus sign in this lower corner right here. That is to indicate that there is more text in the box that you can't see now to fix. This problem is very simple. You can adjust the size of the box simply by selecting the type box and with the selection tool. Excuse me and putting your cursor at a corner and click and drag like so. You can also adjust the size of the type as well as making it smaller so it will fit comfortably inside the box. So the type tool allows you to change fonts and manipulate your type in a few ways. Let's first talk about changing the fun. There are two ways to change the fun. First you select the type, then you go up here to the character panel. Click on this drop down menu and select the font you would like. The next way is after you select your type, go over here and click on the character icon, and this window will pop up quick on this drop down menu and select the font. You would like doing it this way. Also give you access to more functions. If you don't see the character icon, you can simply go up here and select window, scroll down to type and then select character. Also, the hot keys for this function is command and T. If you are new to all of this, you should know that every computer comes with already installed fonts. However, you can find custom fonts online and add them to your font library on your computer. Doing this will give you a diverse selection of fonts, and you will have more weaponry in your arsenal. Now we won't cover that in this module, but I will do a deep dive in ah, future course. Now the character function allows you to manipulate the type in other ways as well. Eso Let's go through them OK, so you can change the size of the type like so change the leading, which is the space between lines to change the current ing, which is space between individual letters and then change the tracking which is the overall space between letters. Uniformly you can change the vertical scale. You can also change the horizontal scale. You can set the baseline shift like so, Ah, rotate characters over here and hit the all caps, right? They are small caps. You can also ah, do sub script or superscript underlying strike through. You can change language. Two pretty help useful, you know? And then, um you can Ah, a liaising deals with how the tool the type tool looks on the screen. So sorry, not the type tool that how the type looks on screen, making them jagged or smooth, like so. You know, there are some other things you can do in this window, but I'm not going to cover that in this module. This function allows you to type inside the area of an object with shape to use it. All you have to do is select the object. Click here and choose the area title quick next to an anchor point and then just start typing. Wala this function enables you to type on a line or a path. This comes in pretty handy. All you have to do is select the object than click here and choose the type on path tool, Then click anywhere on the line of the object and start typing. There are more options for this function, but we won't discuss them at this time. This allows you to type vertically instead of horizontally. That's it is pretty straightforward. Just select a tool here and then click and tight, or click and drag to create a tight box and then type. With this function, you type vertically inside the area of an object or shape to use it. All you have to do is select the object. Click here and choose the vertical area type tool quick next to an acre point and then just start typing. Very simple. This is almost the same as the type on path function, except with this tool, you can do vertical type instead of horizontal type. All you have to do is select the object, select the vertical type on path tool and start typing like so and Walla easy peasy. Lemon squeezy. This function is kind of neat. It allows you to manipulate individual characters, so to use it, just select the tool from the type to menu, like so or use the hockey's shifting T. Then just select the character you want to manipulate. Now let's zoom in a bit closer, so notice a box is formed around the character itself. With five points, they allow you to rotate and expand. Ah, contract and change sizes from big to small. So in this module we discussed along the different type tools. Ah, we went over where to find them. They're purposes, how to use them and basic functions and some of the functions we discussed where a line of type type box changing and manipulating fonts, area type, type on path, radical type, vertical area type, vertical type on a path. Oh gosh, tongue twister and touch type. Now, if you really want to learn more about type and get a greater understanding of the concepts than I encourage you to find the typography course where they teach you the concepts of typography and a different terminologies, typography is so powerful because it deals with words and how to use them visually. Words help us communicate effectively. And knowing how to do that is, ah, high level skill set that I think anybody convention from I know this was a lot of information, but I hope I broke it down in a way where everyone can at least digest most of it. So thanks again for giving me your focused attention. And hopefully I didn't bore. You have to sleep. Ah ha Ethel. That nerdy type talk just now. Hopefully, I'll be talking to you again very soon. Have a good one. 9. Line Tools: Hey there. Welcome to the eighth module. So I know the last one was a pretty intense, but this one won't be as long. Promise. Okay, just remember to keep telling yourself I can do this right, because you can. You got this. Okay. Encouragement is a great way to motivate yourself and others. I encourage myself every day. Okay, I'm always talking to myself, but I usually do it when no one else is around. Okay. However, I also talked to myself within my mind. And I'm sure most people do the same. Eso enough of that. All right, let's get to it. In this model, we're going to be talking about the line segment tool as well as a few other tools that are associated with it. So in it, we're going to discuss where to find them. Their main purpose is how to use them and basic functions. Now the line segments was usually located under the type or pencil. The hockey for it is backslash key. The main purpose of this tool is the creation of lines. To do this all, you have to do a select a tool and click and drag, see easy peasy so some basic functions and other associated tools are straight lines, curved line spiral lines, rectangular grid tool and polar Gretel. So this is the most very basic function for this toll. Ah, sorry Tool Can't talk today. I don't know why. Just like I showed earlier. All you have to do is select the tool and click and drag. It can be horizontal, vertical or angle. Now, if you want to make sure you have a straight angles, horizontal or vertical, all you have to do is hold down the shift key while you're creating the new line like so, in order to create curved lines, you go to the line segment toe icon and click and hold down Ah, the button and choose the Ark tool. Then just click and drag. Like so. Holding down the shift key will allow you to have, ah, perfect 90 degree angle curve. And if you didn't know, that's what makes a circle a circle. Now to do spiral lines, you just have to go back to that same pop up menu and select a spiral tool and just click and drag to create spirals. You can make them big, and you can make them small. It's up to you now. To use this function, open up the pop up menu at the line to like on and select a rectangular grid tool. Now all you have to do is click and drag. Now, if you want to make your proportions of perfect square, simply hold down shift while you click and drag so this function is found in the same area as well. Once you select it, all you have to do is click and drag, and to make your proportions a perfect circle, simply hold down shift while you click and drag. Now I pretty much showed you the clicking dragway to use these tools. But there is another way. Each of these tools or functions we discussed has an option menu. All you have to do is selected tool and just click anywhere, and an option window will pop up like so Now we won't be discussing these at this time, but I just wanted to make you aware of them. So in this module we discussed the line segment tools, and we talked about where to find them. Their main purpose is how to use them and basic functions. Now, all these tools we've been learning so far are very useful and powerful in their own way. Learning how you can apply them will come in time as you gain more experience. As always, I highly encourage you to go out and explore the use of all of the tools at your disposal in Adobe Illustrator and the the creative Suite as a whole. Okay. And all the other APS, for that matter. That is how you will gain high level skills, my friend. Right. The more experience you get, the more you level up. Thanks for listening until next time. 10. Shape Tools: Hey there. Welcome to Module nine. You know, I feel like we've come so far together since the beginning of this journey, so let's finish strong. Okay? All right. So let's jump right in, right in this module. We're going to be talking about different kinds of shape tools, and it we're going to discuss where to find them. Their main purpose is how to use them and basic functions. Now Illustrator has six different shaped tools at your disposal. They're usually located right here. Next line tools. The different shaped tools are rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse, polygons, stars and flair. Now let's talk about the basic function of each of these tools. This two allows you to create rectangles and perfect squares. The hockey for this one is M. To use it simply selected tool, then click and drag. Very simple to make the perfect square. Ah, hold down shift while you're dragging, you can also just click and an option menu will pop up. This lets you choose the height and with for the shape, and you can lock the proportions. So if you change one of the lengths, the other will change as well. This tool allows you to create rectangles and squares with rounded edges to use it, simply selected tool, then click and drag just like before to make a square hold down shift. While you're dragging, you can also just click, and an option menu will pop up. This lets you choose the height with and corner radius. You can also locked the proportions, so if you change one of the links, the other will change as well. This tool allows you to create rounded shapes like circles and ovals. Ah, the hot key for this is l to use it. Simply selected tool, then quick and drag to make the circle. Just hold down shift while you're dragging. You can also just click and an option menu will pop up. This lets you choose the width and height for this shape, and you can lock the proportion. So if you change one of the lengths, the other will change as well. This tool allows you to create shapes with three or more sides to use it, simply select the tool, then click and drag. The default shape is ah, hexagon holding shift down will let you place it flat so the bottom will be parallel horizontally in the option menu, you can choose the radius and amount of sides you want. After that is set, you will be able to create that type of polygon. This tool allows you to create stars with three or more points to use it. Simply select the tool, then click and drag. The default star is five points holding. Shift down will let you place it right side up in the options menu. You can set the radius to one and two and the amount of points you want after that is set. Click OK, and there you have it. This tool allows you to create a simulated flare you would get from a burst of light. Now, this is one of those tools I rarely use, but it does. Has it does have its purpose. To use it, simply select the tool, then click and drag just like the others. You can also just click and an option menu will pop up. Ah, this gives you another set of functions for this to alone. But we won't cover that in this course. So in this module we went over all the different shaped tools in it. I showed you where to find them. Their main purpose is how to use them and basic functions. Once again, these shaped tools come in very handy. So be sure to do your deal. Dare your due diligence and go and play and explore and discover all of those wonderful possibilities out there. There's just too much for us to discuss in this little time frame. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please drop me a line in the comment section. Thanks again, and I'll talk to you later. 11. Paintbrush Tool: I was Ah, Welcome to Module 10. I am so excited. Can you tell? Okay. Almost at the end of this course. All right. Let me stop acting silly and get down to business. OK? So when this module, we're going to be talking about the brush tool, another one of my faves and it we're going to be discussing where to find it. Its main purpose. How to use it and basic functions. So the brush tool is located right around the shape, wine and pencil tools. Excuse me? The hockey for it is be its main purpose is to pretty much mimic a riel paintbrush in a digital setting. To use it is pretty simple. Just select the tool. Ah, quick and drag and start painting go crazy. All right. Let your imagination take over. Like so you can also adjust line simply by selecting an anchor point and playing with the handles. At first, I rarely used this tool illustrator, but since I've been teaching online now I have come to love this tool. It's so fun to use because it's all about self expression. And I'm a doodler, and I just love to doodle. So let's talk about what you can do. The basic functions for this tool are just brush size change with profile and brush definitions. To use this function, all you have to do is go up here like so quick on this drop down menu and select the breast size you want See easy peasy. Uh, this function is one of the best ones for this tool. In my humble opinion, it allows you to select different types of brushes. That's all it does exciting, right? But let me show you how powerful this is. So let's say you're working on a project that you want to spice it up a bit and give it your personal flair. Now, instead of using the regular brush, you can come over here. Click the drop down menu, which allows you to select a custom brush so you can choose for what they have available. Isn't that cool? But wait, there's more. So I sense that someone is saying out there. But Hans, what if I don't like any of the default brushes? That's a great question, wherever you might be, and I have a solution. So these aren't the only brushes in your arsenal after you click on the drop down menu and you don't see the style rush you want. All you have to do is click here, go to the brush library. OMG. You mean to tell me they have an entire brushed library? Yes, that's what I'm telling you. They have tons of options for you to choose from and play with. See what I mean? Just check him out, man. All right, so they have arrow Russia's artistic brushes. They have border brushes, bristle brushes, decorative rushes, image brushes, vector pack brushes, back um, tablets, special brushes, they at pattern brushes, tall brushes, short brushes, skinny brushes, fat brushes, big brushes, small brushes, light brushes, dark brushes, brushes for everybody. You get a brush and you get it. Rush and you get a brush. Everybody gets a brush. OK, OK, I digress a little bit. Let let me get back on track. So as you can see, there are tons of options of fur brushes. But wait, there's more. Let's say you don't like any of these brushes and you want your own custom made brush. Well, my wonderful, beautiful friend, Guess what? You can create your own unique brush as well. All you have to do is simply click on the drop down menu like so go over here and click on this new brush icon like this, and select whatever kind of brush you want and another window is going to pop up. So in this window, depending on the type of brush you want to create, there will be some different kinds of options. We won't go over them in this course. Excuse me, but I wanted to at least make you aware of the kind of power you have at your fingertips. Also, you can go online and download custom made brush pack packages that other designers have already created for you. All you literally have to do is ghoul illustrator brushes. You know, do some type of search engine whatever you want to use and see what pops up. All right. And go explore. All right. You have tons of options out there, so this function allows you to switch with profiles. Ah, of the brush. It's easier to show than explain. So what you do is you need to select a special type of brush like so, and then go over here and select one of these profiles and start playing. I see. Okay, let me show you a few. So you understand this function better. See what I mean? That's all. So in this module, we discussed the power of the paint brush tool in it. We talked about where to find it. Its main purpose, how to use it and some basic functions. If you have any questions about anything I've taught you so far, please feel free to contact me and let me know. I'm always ready to answer. And if I don't have an answer out, point you to the right direction. The reason why I encourage leaving questions or comments is because I want you to challenge me and see how much I really know. All right, I really want you to see me as a trusted resource for you that you can call on if you have any questions at all. I don't shy away from tough questions, okay? Or challenges. All right. I have enough confidence in my skills and my knowledge that I know I can steer you in the right direction. So once again, thanks for listening and putting up with me for this law. and let me leave you with some words of wisdom. When life gets you down, you know what you got to do? Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Swimming, swimming What do we do? We swim. Swim! Oh ho ho ho! Ah! I love that movie already. I'll talk to you soon. I hope you have a good one later. 12. Eraser, Scissors and Knife Tools: everyone welcome to Module 11. Almost reached the end goal. I'm so happy that you stuck with me for this long. But I'm also sad because our journey together is almost over. But you know what? It doesn't have to end right? If you like my teaching style and you feel like you learn tons of stuff for a good amount so far, please feel free to check out my other courses. Now, this is my 1st 1 so far, but I'll be dropping new ones as fast as I can. Make them. Alrighty. Then let's get to it. So in this module, we're going to be the Scott talking about the racer scissors and knife tools. So in this module, we're going to a discuss where to find them. Their main purpose is how to use them and basic functions. So all three of these tools are kind of similar to each other, but they do have their own uniqueness as well. They all can be found here around the pencil or brush tool to see them. Just hold down the click button and the menu window will pop up. So now I'm going to break down the use and basic functions for each one. So the hockey for the racer is shift and E. Now, if you're use to using the eraser and other programs like Photoshopped, I must let you know the one an illustrator works a little bit differently. This tool Onley allows you to erase vector based objects. So that means you can't erase images unless you turn them into vectors. And you can't erase type Onley until you turn them into vectors. Now, I know I didn't teach you how to turn these things into vectors yet, but for now you won't get into it. Ah, just understand that with this tool you can Onley erase vector based objects. Now you can adjust the size of the eraser tool the hockey for making it smaller is the open bracket in here and the hockey for making that bigger is the close bracket and they're normally right next to each other on your keyboard. Now the hockey for the scissors is see Now the scissors are very precise in its function. In order to use it first, select the tool, then click anywhere on the outline of the object you want to cut and then click on another area on the outline, just like so. That's pretty much it. You can only cut one object at a time, and it must be vector based objects. This tool has no hockey, but it's still pretty cool to use it. Simply select it and start cutting. As you see it's functions just like a knife. Pretty much pretty straightforward, so I won't spend too much time on it. One thing that gives it a leg up from the scissors tool is that it can cut through multiple objects at the same time. So in this module we talked about the racer scissors and night tools. In it, we discuss where to find them. Their main purpose is how to use them and basic functions. Guess what the next module is, the last module of this course. Oh, gear off year. Oh, yeah, we did it. And guess what? We did it together. That thought really warms my heart when I think about it like that, you know? So thanks again for staying with me throughout this learning journey. You're an amazing student to make it this far. I appreciate your hustle and determination to better yourself and for that, I will give you a digital high five. Alrighty. I will speak to you soon. Thanks again. Bye. 13. Outro: Wrapping it up: Hey there. We finally made it array for us. We made it to the last module. I wish I had a trophy or certificate to give you. But you know what? You have gained something far more valuable than a shiny object or piece of paper with ink on it. Listen, you could have been doing anything right now, but you decided to better yourself and invest in your personal development and growth. I love people like you because you're just like me. Smiley face. I hope I have been able to teach you a few new things and give you a new perspective. Even if you leave here learning one new thing that you know what, it's all worth it. I count that as EC success. So in this module, we're going to do a quick recap of the entire course. I'm gonna give you some good advice moving forward, and we're gonna talk about the challenge. Uh, all right. So let's jump right into the recap now. When we started this journey, I spoke to you about the concept of a tool. We as people used tools every day of our lives. They are extensions of ourselves and serve as ways to heighten our abilities and increase our qualities of living. We used tools to help shape our physical world and those things that are created within it . They even shape us. There are many different kinds of tools. Creativity is a tool which allows our minds to grow. The word is a tool which allows us to communicate. A sword is a tool which allows us to cut things. Tools are like outlets. We used to bring forth our abilities and powers that are within us all. We all have talents and abilities that lie dormant within us and learning new skills and techniques helped to bring those abilities to the surface. So when this course, we discussed the power of Adobe Illustrator as a tool set, and we also highlighted some of the tools and did a brief overview of them. Now this course was designed with beginners in mind. But this information is useful no matter what level you are on. So some of the tools we learned about in this course was the selection tool. The direct selection told Magic wand, toe lasso tool pent who'll type tools of the line tools ah shaped tools, paint, brush, tool, eraser, tool, scissors, tool and the night tool. So in each module we discuss where to find them, their main purpose. Ah, how to use them and basic functions. We also learned about a few hot keys, and I highly recommend you search up all the hot keys and learn them for yourself. They come in very handy if you know what I mean. It makes the work go by fast. Trust me. Trust me. The more you can do that, the faster you can do it the better. All right, I have had the pleasure of being a graphic designer for several years now and gaining multiple high level skill sets in that time. I have also gained skills and various other disciplines, and it would take too long to tell you everything that I have learned in this short period of time. So because of that, I have decided to create these courses. I simply want to share all that I have learned so far as a person, as an entrepreneur, as a leader, as a cultivator, as a teacher, Ah, mentor as a graphic designer and much more. But for now, let's just talk about a few best practices you should do moving forward in your journey. So as a person who is trying to better themselves through knowledge and guidance, always remember these things. You should always have a plan. Ideation is a process that you must nurture. Learn as many tools as you can. Learn as many concepts as you can. Seek proper guidance from true masters. Self empowerment and personal development is extremely important. Learn as many techniques as you can if you fail to plan, then plan to fail. Learn the skill of teamwork and how to build a team. Learn how to effectively communicate, learn how to give feedback, learn how to coach others, learn how to delegate and set expectations. Learn about function versus form. Learn about concepts and ideas. You must learn self management. You should learn task management. Don't let worldly distractions slow you down from accomplishing your goals. There is no success without health. Seek the truth and it will set you free. Your greatest asset is yourself. Your greatest liability is yourself. Learn how to simplify everything so you can learn and teach anything. Learn the power of words, learn the power of faith and seek wisdom, but never call yourself wise. If you do these things, you will be successful in all of your endeavors, and you will become, ah, hard core leveling warrior. Alas, I have much more to teach, but so little time. So now it's time for the challenge. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to take all that you have learned so far and using illustrator. Your task is to create a logo for yourself using your name. Here are the requirements you can use your whole name or just your first name or just last name or even just the middle name. You can also do initials. You can do something representational that represents who you are as a person. You can even do something abstract. You have creative license to make whatever you want. Whatever you create, please share it so that me and any other student can give you feedback. Smiley face. You can also share work in progress. Two. Okay, remember, constructive criticism is nothing to shy away from. It helps us grow and become better, right 1 to 2 sentences explaining the idea behind your design and feel free to sketch on paper as much as you want. But the finished product must be done. Illustrator. Using some of the tools you learn in this course, See how creative you can get. And since I'm axing you to do this, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't do it myself. So here's an example of my logo that I created for myself using illustrator. And I did this a few years back. Okay, so be gentle with your criticism. I mean, so I used my initials because I love typography, and I made them overlap to show that I have many layers about me. And I'm not just the one layer kind of guy, Okay, I kept it simple because I believe simplicity is the best way to do everything. Well, that's it for this module. We have officially completed this journey together, and I want to thank you for sticking it out with me. And I want to commend you for doing an awesome job developing yourself. I hope you took lots of notes. If not, it's okay to watch the courts again. You know, repetition is the best way to remember learning also, what's nice about Dobie products is that they are always improving them. So some of these tools and functions might have evolved already. Depending on when you are watching this course, I always encourage people to stay ahead of the trends right and learn as many tools as you can. Also, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. And I will answer them in a timely fashion to the best of my abilities. Look out for my next course if it's not out yet. All right. Thanks again. Okay. And before we go, let me leave you with some wise words that has touched the heart and imagination of many before us. With great power comes great responsibility. This is Hans signing off. I'll talk to you again later. Peace.