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info@xchangetraining.co.uk
Adobe Illustrator CC Masterclass 4 Days - Manchester
Key Course Details:
Level:
Masterclass
Duration:
4
Days - 10am to 5pm
Price:
£795 + vat
Go from being a novice to mastering the advanced tasks in the leading graphic-design program. Join us as we show you how to take charge and become an Illustrator power user. Learn the professional tips that will give your vector graphics the edge.
We will guide you on everything from getting started by making simple shapes and controlling the Illustrator environment all the way up to applying advanced techniques for creating Bézier curves and compound paths. With our help, you will become confident in using the program's advanced features to produce killer vector graphics.
Go from being a novice to mastering the advanced tasks in the leading graphic-design program. Join us as we show you how to take charge and become an Illustrator power user. Learn the professional tips that will give your vector graphics the edge.
We will guide you on everything from getting started by making simple shapes and controlling the Illustrator environment all the way up to applying advanced techniques for creating Bézier curves and compound paths. With our help, you will become confident in using the program's advanced features to produce killer vector graphics.
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Illustrator Masterclass 4 Days
Course Details
This 4-day Masterclass course helps you learn about the tools and features available in Adobe Illustrator CC. We will help you understand how this industry-leading program takes graphical design to a new level. You will learn how to create and manipulate shapes and curves, combining them with text to produce simple logos ready for the web and for print. Together, we will work with colours, gradients, layers, fonts, and photos to create eye-catching illustrations and text effects. We will then move on to more advanced topics, such as enhanced control of Bézier curves, creating custom brushes, and automating workflows.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Navigate the Illustrator environment
- Create a logo using simple shapes
- Draw and understand Bézier curves, the root of drawing in Illustrator
- Enhance control of Bézier curves by creating compound paths
- Apply gradients and patterns
- Edit paths and anchor points
- Set attributes in the Appearance panel
- Measure objects and place them with precision
- Trace and colour your hand-drawn artwork with Live Trace, Live Paint, and Live Colour
- Define custom brushes and graphic styles
- Add transparencies, drop shadows, and other effects
- Export illustrations for web and for print
- Prepare documents for composite and commercial printing
- Automate your workflow with other Creative Cloud programs
This course is the perfect preparation if you plan to take the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam.
Our goals are for you to be able to create and manipulate vector graphics, to understand the advanced features of Illustrator, and to become a confident power user.
This course can be taken in a single 4-day block or split into a 2-day block (Introduction) and then a separate 2-day block (Advanced) taken at a later date.
Course Target Audience and delegate prerequisites:
This course is intended for graphic designers and textile/fashion designers, and anyone else who has visual-design responsibilities.
You will need basic PC or Mac skills, including a solid understanding of a computer's operating system (Windows or Mac OS). You will also need to know how to launch a program, create and save files, and copy files from CDs and other media.
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Full Course Outline
The following is a general outline. The range of topics covered during your training is dependent upon student level, time available and preferences of your course booking.
Creating basic Documents- Explore the pre built Document Profiles
- Shortcuts to navigate the Artboard effectively
- Work in a Custom Workspace
- Use the Pen tool for straight lines
- Add, delete or adjust points along a path
- Understand how Bezier Curves work, learn to draw and edit these Curves
- Freeform drawing and editing with this powerful tool
- Create Logos using simple Shapes
- Using Live Trace to transform your hand drawn sketches into vector artwork that can be further adjusted
- Lasso select and the other goodies in the Select Menu
- Transform objects with scale, shear, rotate & reflect tool
- Be precise using Smart Guides, Grids & Guidelines
- Align, Group & Duplicate to achieve better results
- Layers palette: Hide & Lock Objects
- Intro to Isolation Mode for effective editing
- Working with Colours in Illustrator
- Applying colour to Stroke and/or Fill
- Adjusting Stroke with the Stroke palette
- Live Colour for perfect Complementary / Analogous colours
- Live Paint as an easy way to colour artwork
- Introducing Gradients & Patterns
- Point, Area and Type on a path
- Import Body Type & fix Spelling Errors
- Find and Replace Text or Insert Typographic Characters
- Create Text Outlines to design your own fancy headlines
- Defining cropping area
- Saving your artwork in vector formats
- Save for Web & Devices
- Make use of Outline Strokes technique
- Explore Shape Modes and Pathfinder palette - create Compound Paths for trendy grunge effects
- Use Expand Appearance to modify individual elements
- Create your own Custom Brushes: Calligraphy Scatter or Art, to place objects along a path
- Keep your paths Simple & Cleaned Up
- Graphs - use your own artwork instead of a simple bar
Modifying Artworks- Envelope Distort & other forms of Warping objects
- Clipping Mask for advanced design
- Transparency for more polished look
- Create drop shadows, glows and more using the Stylise Live Effects
- Share the appearance attributes with Graphic Styles
- Explore Gradient Mesh & its ability to add realistic 3D shading and highlights to 2D graphics
- Learn the difference between Filters & Live Effects
- Blend shapes or groups for advanced compositions
- Character Palette - adjust the kerning, baseline shift, horizontal & vertical scaling
- Paragraph Palette - Justification and Hyphenation options
- Use the 3D feature to extrude text and other Illustrator objects
- Simulate multiple pages in Illustrator using the artboard and document setup
- Flattening Transparency for raster effects like drop shadows, glows and blurs
- Creating separations with Spot colour vs. Process colour
- Explore Links & Actions palettes
- Export to Flash (SWF)
- Use Symbols to create elements used repeatedly in animations and complex artworks
- Use the Release to Layers command to distribute all of the objects on a layer onto separate, individual layers for quick web animations
- Creating Smart objects, Dragging-and-dropping and exporting layers into Photoshop
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Location Details
This course is provided at the XChange Training Manchester training centre based at:
Piccadilly House
49 Piccadilly
Manchester
M1 2APPiccadilly House is located in the heart of Manchester directly next to the Piccadilly Gardens transport interchange with excellent bus and tram connections and is easily accessed from Piccadilly train Station (5 mins). Victoria station is also close by (around 10 mins).
Daily course times run between 10am and 4:30pm with an hour break for lunch and both mid morning and mid-afternoon refreshment breaks. We recommend arrival at 9.45am for registration on the first day of the course.
View Full details of our Manchester Training Venue and Course options
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Illustrator Masterclass 4 Days - Upcoming Manchester Course Dates
12 Jul - 15 Jul Special Offer! £725 + vat 13 Sep - 16 Sep £795 + vat 08 Nov - 11 Nov £795 + vat Illustrator Masterclass 4 Days - Split Date Options
Illustrator Introduction
12 Jul - 13 Jul
13 Sep - 14 Sep
18 Oct - 19 Oct
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Illustrator Advanced
14 Jul - 15 Jul
15 Sep - 16 Sep
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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Client Reviews
"The trainer was fantastic, we covered a lot of material but at a pace we could all keep up. He really tailored the course to our company's specific needs and was really helpful when we asked loads of questions!"
Charlotte Mew, TPP, Bespoke InDesign and Illustrator Introduction
"Highly enjoyable session - having had no previous experience with Illustrator it proved very easy to pick things up under guidance. Thank you XChange!"
William McPhail, Sothebys, Illustrator - 2 Day Introduction
"Very well presented course, delivered at the right pace for for both beginners and those with a bit more knowledge. I feel much more confident to use this product now. "
Michael Knight, Offshore Marine Safety, Adobe Illustrator - Two Day Introduction
"I am very pleased with the course and its contents. I feel it will generally enhance my abilities to undertake tasks which previously I would not be confident with. Highly recommended and would have no hesitation in suggesting the course to anyone with a professional interest in graphics."
David Sparkes, Brady, Illustrator - 2 Day Introduction
"The training was very useful and there were two of us in the class so we had a lot of 1-on-1 training which was great. Relaxed but a focused atmosphere."
Clare McCarthy, Charles Tyrwhitt, Illustrator - 2 Day Advanced
"Very accommodating environment, friendly staff, excellent instructor and added extra benefits from the course i.e food vouchers, resource books and contact information."
Abbie Hulson, 2 Day Illustrator Advanced
"Hugely helpful and really appreciated the amount of tailoring and personalisation of the content of the course to what I would be doing in my role. Will definitely recommend. "
Emily Radforth, Octopus Healthcare, Adobe Illustrator - One Day Introduction
"Very relaxed atmosphere & friendly atmosphere. Trainer very informative, knowledgable and willing to help with any questions or difficulties. Offices in a good central location. An enjoyable and informative course."
Kerry Duguid, Plant Integrity Mgmt., Illustrator - Two Day Introduction
"Knowledgable, small class made it easy to ask questions and get feedback within the time limit. Friendly people, plenty of tea, coffee etc, comfortable surroundings."
Claire Huntley, Ryman, Adobe Illustrator - 1 Day Introduction
"Had an absolutely fantastic tutor and session - covered everything I asked and didn't know to ask!! So happy with the aftercare support as well and would love the opportunity for another relevant course in future."
Emily Theodore, Catersales, Illustrator - 1 Day Advanced
Next Dates:
12 Jul - 15 Jul Special Offer! £725 + vat
13 Sep - 16 Sep
08 Nov - 11 Nov
Split Course Date Options:
Illustrator Introduction
12 Jul - 13 Jul
13 Sep - 14 Sep
18 Oct - 19 Oct
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Illustrator Advanced
14 Jul - 15 Jul
15 Sep - 16 Sep
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Over 15 years of providing certified Adobe Illustrator training courses UK wide
4/5 Stars
great course
20/05/2021
5/5 Stars
My trainer, Phil, made this course very enjoyable, covered all aspects and made it really fun. Thank you, I absolutely loved it and I have gained extensive knowledge which I can now put into practice within my work.
20/05/2021
5/5 Stars
It was really great to learn what Illustrator could do in 2 days course. Now I need to practice what I have learnt. It was really great course and I highly recommend to others.
18/05/2021
5/5 Stars
My trainer Phil was excellent. He was prompt, polite, and professional.
18/05/2021
5/5 Stars
I have extended my knowledge of illustrator my a more advanced level
28/04/2021
5/5 Stars
Very Good coverage of all the basic to intermediate functions that would allow a person to start using the program
16/03/2021
5/5 Stars
Great teacher. Training on software over the internet is tough but Phil did such a great job that it didn’t even feel like a virtual session.
11/03/2021
5/5 Stars
The content was perfect for me as a beginner. There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions during the session, and at the end of the day. I feel like I really learned a lot. Can't wait to get stuck in.... and I really hated Illustrator before!
08/03/2021
5/5 Stars
This was an extremely amazing course. I cannot recommend it more highly. Phil is an inspiring teacher, never less than encouraging. If you have any doubts about whether to sign up or not, have none! Thank you
21/01/2021
5/5 Stars
Phil was extremely knowledgeable about Illustrator - and very patient with novice learners! He gave clear directions, paced the course very well, allowed ample time for questions, and provided great suggestions. Thank you, I know that this course will help me in my work.
19/01/2021
5/5 Stars
Not sure if one day is enough to cover illustrator!
20/11/2020
5/5 Stars
I wish I'd have done a course like this 20+ years ago. You even provided a pad and pen and I'm so glad to have taken so many notes. So much had been crammed into the course. I simply couldn't have remembered it all. And now I have certification which will no doubt stand me in good stead for the future. Many thanks.
11/09/2020
5/5 Stars
Phil was brilliant as a training instructor with the difficult task of trying to teach people in the classroom as well as remotely. The course has everything you need to learn the basics of Illustrator & was surprised how much in just one day of training.
05/08/2020
5/5 Stars
Phil was great!
05/08/2020
5/5 Stars
Really great course - feel much more confident using Illustrator now.
05/08/2020
4/5 Stars
After having to postpone my course due to covid pandemic in March, i was a little concerned about taking the course in a class room environment, however the ability to take a virtual advance illustrator course at home - was perfect. I felt relaxed in the confront of my own home knowing i was safe and i felt i learnt more on the course, as i was so relaxed. I would defiantly take a virtual course at home again! The course instructor Phil, was so engaging and helpful throughout the course, something i have struggled to find on with other trainers before. If i had another course to take i would certainly ask for Phil again. Great knowledge of the software and a good people person. Top Mark for him. I would certainly recommend this course to my fellow team members. Personally the course was a good recap on new tricks on the illustrator software. It come so far since i last really used it. Next steps for me would be to learn more about indesign, as i'm sure there is more to learn that i don't know about.
16/07/2020
5/5 Stars
Our instroctor, Phil, found a very good balance between the topics he wanted to cover and needs of the attendees. His enthusiasm was infectious and made the two-day course fly by.
16/07/2020
5/5 Stars
Firstly, credit to Jen for her communication and updates in relation to the course status. For the actual course I found Phil to be welcoming, friendly and personable. He has been very generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge and with such enthusiasm to boot. It has been a really good experience.
07/07/2020
5/5 Stars
Overall I found the the bespoke training course very beneficial. Being able to tailor the day to my personal requirements enabled me to get to grips with the aspects of the programme most useful to me and my work. I would highly recommend this form of training.
13/05/2020
5/5 Stars
I thought the remote training worked really well and would consider it again for the future if offered
01/05/2020
5/5 Stars
I found this course extremely helpful and have gained a very good base knowledge of the software and how to use it properly. I had very limited knowledge prior to the session and found it difficult to understand. Now I feel much more confident using it and know it will be beneficial moving forward in my design career. The trainer was very patient and helped solve problems quickly even though the course was done through zoom. They were also very thorough in what they covered, explaining each tool properly. I would highly recommend xchange training to anyone looking to get to grips with Adobe software.
21/04/2020
5/5 Stars
Doug was a very knowledgable and patient tutor, and explained all the skills and tools clearly and concisely. Due to current circumstances I had to complete the course remotely instead of class based face to face. This worked really well and I was able to share my screen if I needed specific support. I really enjoyed the course and would not hesitate to recommend XChange training.
09/04/2020
5/5 Stars
I was very pleased we could do the training remotely rather than cancel and wait a long time.
02/04/2020
5/5 Stars
Phil was a very knowledgable and enthusiastic trainer, I've learnt a lot on this introductory course.
12/03/2020
5/5 Stars
The training day was very good and provided us with some excellent tools and tips. We learnt a lot and went at a good pace. The equipment was all working well and had everything we needed, however the temperature in the room was hard to control and went up and down a lot. Also the lunch vouchers weren't useable where we went (even though they said they were on the back) and so that was a little embarrassing. Alan had great knowledge and was very helpful and answered all of our questions.
11/03/2020
5/5 Stars
The training provided was brilliant and I learnt so much. I feel confident that I will be able to use the tools and techniques I have been introduced to today in my own workplace, and that I will be able to produce the kind of work I had been hoping to after the training session. The equipment provided was fantastic and worked great, and the training offered was thorough and easy to understand.
11/03/2020
5/5 Stars
Overall great, would be useful to have some more time in the sessions to practice what we have learnt rather than be taught everything.
10/03/2020
5/5 Stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Tutor was very good and very patient.
10/03/2020
5/5 Stars
Thank you! It's great you offer a book for us to keep and the location is perfect.
10/03/2020
4/5 Stars
Phil's knowledge and expertise were fantastic. Very patient and explained things clear and easily
10/03/2020
5/5 Stars
Donna was very flexible in her approach and responded well to our needs
10/03/2020
5/5 Stars
Very Knowledgeable on Illustrator and answered all my questions and queries in an understandable manner
05/03/2020
4/5 Stars
The advance training covered everything I wanted to learn about Illustrator. Doug was really helpful and showed all the tools and design options, answering all questions and giving suggestions and feedback. Thank you.
05/03/2020
4/5 Stars
Was alot to take in for two days, but good to get the basics, thanks Doug.
03/03/2020
5/5 Stars
All information, advice and resources provided were really useful. Thank you!
03/03/2020
5/5 Stars
Lots of info and tutor was very helpful
25/02/2020
5/5 Stars
Excellent course overall, Alan's knowledge excellent. Pace was very good and feel like I learned a lot. Much more confident with illustrator now.
25/02/2020
5/5 Stars
Alan was very helpful and patient with all of the trainees. Regular water and toilet breaks to help concentration. Fun, informative and an enjoyable two days
25/02/2020
5/5 Stars
good content, instructor with good manner that brought it to life
25/02/2020
5/5 Stars
The training was really good. I enjoyed it and came out with a lot of knowledge on how to use the software. Thank you!
25/02/2020
5/5 Stars
Excellent training. The trainer transitioned from basic in advance training effortlessly. The pace was excellent and the content was appropriate. The trainer answered all the question during the session and demonstrated great knowledge. I feel prepared for my ACA exam tomorrow Many thanks
23/01/2020
5/5 Stars
Easy to understand and very informative
23/01/2020
5/5 Stars
Class size was small so able to ask questions with ease. Instructor good and learned new things as well as best way to do other tasks.
23/01/2020
5/5 Stars
Really fun, enjoyable course with a great instructor. Phil was extremely knowledgable and went at a perfect pace, ensuring he explained everything in the best possible way.
21/01/2020
5/5 Stars
Phil is a great communicator and instructor. An enjoyable course!
21/01/2020
Whats Included:
Your choice of Windows or Mac 
Certified hands-on training 
Small class size (max 4-8) 
6 months post course support 
Quality reference manual 
Authorised Course Certificate 
Lunch and refreshments
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the course times?
For all courses in the London Centre the normal session timings are 10am to 5pm with an hour break for lunch. In addition to the hour lunch break there are also two fifteen minute coffee breaks mid morning and mid afternoon.
Daily times are:
09.45 - Registration
10.00 - Course start
13.00 - Lunch
14.00 - Afternoon starts
17.00 - Course ends
Do you offer discounts
or promotions?
We offer a range of regular discounts available for self funding individuals, charities and education along with period special offers. See our promotions page for full details.
What is provided with this course?
During the course we provide all computers for your use with choice of Windows or Mac, lunch and refreshments along with pads & pens. After the course you will receive the authorised Certificate, quality reference manual and 6 months direct post course support.
Does this course give
a qualification?
Although this course does not provide an actual qualification each delegate is provided with an official Certificate for completion of the course level.
Can you invoice my company?
In short yes we can provide 30 day invoice terms to any UK Limited company with the provision of your official purchase order and/or completing the invoice request for your booking online.
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