Illustrator 2024 Essential Training by Tony Harmer

This is the go-to course for anyone who wants to learn Adobe Illustrator from the ground up. Taught by Adobe Master Tony Harmer, it covers the core concepts you need for any workflow—whether you’re designing for print, the web, or creating assets for other apps. You’ll start with the basics of the artboard and shapes, then move into vector paths, drawing tools, color, and text. It’s a practical, no-fluff foundation that gets you comfortable with the software fast.

🎯 What you’ll learn

• Navigate the Illustrator workspace and customize your panels.
• Draw and edit basic shapes, lines, and complex vector paths.
• Apply and manage color using swatches, gradients, and global colors.
• Work with type, brushes, and effects to enhance your designs.
• Use generative AI tools like Text to Vector for rapid ideation.

✅ Requirements

• Skills: No prior experience with Illustrator needed; basic computer skills are helpful.
• Tools: A 3-button mouse or a drawing tablet is recommended for precise path editing.
• Hardware: A computer capable of running Adobe Illustrator (check Adobe’s system requirements).

📝 Description

This isn’t just a list of features—it’s a structured walkthrough of how Illustrator actually works. Tony Harmer starts with the absolute basics, like what an artboard is and how to draw a simple rectangle, then builds up to more complex topics like vector paths, gradients, and generative AI.

The course is broken into short, focused videos, so you can learn one concept at a time without getting overwhelmed. You’ll get hands-on with the Pen tool, learn to manage color with swatches and global colors, and explore how to use brushes and effects to add personality to your work. There’s even a section on the new Text to Vector feature, which lets you generate vector graphics from simple text prompts.

What sets this apart is the practical focus. Every technique is shown in a real-world context, so you understand why you’d use it, not just how. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the entire Illustrator workflow, from initial sketch to final export.

🧑‍🎓 Who this course is for

• Complete beginners who have never opened Illustrator before.
• Designers switching from other software (like Photoshop or CorelDRAW) who need to learn the Illustrator way.
• Professionals who want to fill in gaps in their knowledge and learn modern features like generative AI.

🧑‍🏫 About the Author

Tony Harmer is an Adobe Creative Suite Master and a long-time industry veteran. He has spent years teaching creative professionals how to get the most out of Adobe’s tools. His teaching style is clear, patient, and focused on practical skills. He’s also the author of numerous books and training courses on design software, making him a trusted voice in the creative community.

🏁 Final Result

• A solid, working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator’s core tools and workflows.
• The confidence to create your own vector illustrations, logos, and layouts from scratch.
• A completed course certificate from LinkedIn Learning, part of Adobe’s Professional Certificate program.