Welcome to Digital Foundations

Illustrator_Tools, Tips, Tricks.... and more.

Each day we are going to work with specific tools and create designs based on the execution of said tools.   This will give you a bit of practice and a good overview of the Adobe Suite.    Further, it will expand your knowledge of 2D design and digital graphics.  We will be working on Mac computers.  One of the great assets of our college is the technology/equipment we have.   It's truly vital that you respect the equipment as these are a great benefit to you. 

1. Introduction to Macs

You may or may have never worked with Mac before.    Here is a list of keyboard shortcuts that could be helpful.  You don't need to memorize all these, but look them over.  You will learn and use most of these in time.  One thing we need to do now so you are getting the optimum experience with Adobe is set our back button under preferences. 

 2. Introduction to the Adobe Illustrator workspace

 (photo from Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book) 

--Here is a chart with some illustrator shortcuts.  You do not need to try and memorize all these.  Just have a quick glance at these, and know they are here. We will go over most commonly used shortcuts and eventually you will develop a "vocabulary" of these.  I am just leaving these here for reference.  Once again, you do not need to try and memorize these.  (please note: if you use PC vs. Mac, many of the shortcuts are exactly the same, but with the substitution of the "Control" key for "Command.) 

3. Please watch (at least) one or both of the following videos.  In an effort to spend more time working on the projects in class where I can assist you and critique production/make suggestions.  I will be pushing my presentations to you digitally through video tutorials I will record, or sourced online tutorials.   The benefit is you will be able to go/stop at your own pace, and have a permanent "file" you can refer back to for taking notes, if you forget something or just for general reference.   It is absolutely crucial that you watch the videos.  Most everything I do not present myself will be sourced from certified Adobe Experts and certified Adobe Evangelist Terry White.   While I highly encourage using tutorials as you learn and grow in digital art making, there are some really lame videos out there.  So, be mindful of that. 

Terry White-How to Get Started with Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator CC Tutorial for beginners