You are going to design your very own monogram! A monogram combines a few letters to create an iconic graphic that you can use to represent your personal brand or business.

To get started, you need a few basics: a pen or pencil, paper, a computer, and Adobe Illustrator. You'll also need a mobile device with a camera.

When you finish this class, imagine you'll have a monogram that you can use on your website, business cards, and social media. It's easy to start and finish, so let's get to it.

I'll show you different techniques for building your monogram in Adobe Illustrator by demonstrating my process for three different design examples. You can then apply these principles to design your symbol.

We will approach designing your monogram in a few simple steps:

First, choose which letters you want to use for your monogram. An obvious choice is to use the initials of your name or company. You can use one letter, but I recommend choosing at least 2-3 letters to create interest.

Next, you'll start ideational sketching. Don't overthink anything at this point. Take the time to brainstorm and discover directions to take your monogram. I'd like you to draw each letter in as many forms as you can imagine, fill a page or two and keep pushing the direction each time. Now, look at the shapes on your moodboard. Then adapt your letterforms by combining the style of some of your forms. Now fill a page of sketches combining all the letters. Please don't limit yourself to what you think a letter should look like; stretch, distort, and integrate them to create more visual interest.

If you need to, you'll find some inspiration. Of course, look at some typefaces. But I'd also like you to discover some shapes and forms that inspire you. Look to nature, architecture, and geometry, and create a moodboard or sketches of figures that you love.

After you've gathered your inspiration, it's time to refine your sketches. Combine your ideational drawings with shapes from your inspiration to create unique letterforms.

Now, look for the best sketches and choose one to refine as the final sketch of your monogram.

It's time to get your final sketch into the computer. The easiest way is to snap a pic with your mobile phone. But you can also use a scanner.

Now you have your sketch in Adobe Illustrator; you can start drawing your final shapes as vectors. Drawing in Illustrator is my favorite part. I know some people struggle with Adobe Illustrator, but I want to show you different ways to draw with vectors to make it easy. First, we'll use the Pen Tool. Then we will use Shape and Line Tools to combine shapes in a flash.

You'll export your monogram after you clean it up and color it.

In the end, you'll have a professionally built monogram that you will create with vectors, so it is infinitely scalable and flexible for all your branding needs.

Rebecca Gerity

Willow Grove Designs

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