The Adobe Illustrator software can be used to create a wide variety of different kinds of designs, so it is an essential skill for graphic designers. With this tool, you can create and manipulate vector graphics, create digital images and images for print, create animation, create logos, charts, and more. Today, it is considered to be a synonym for graphic design.
Honestly, learning the basics of Adobe Illustrator is not tough, but you will take time to learn how to make the best use of it. You will need a lot of practice and knowledge. You can sign up for Adobe Illustrator and avail of a 7-day free trial or buy it for a monthly subscription.
There are various courses and resources available online to learn Adobe Illustrator. After a thorough understanding of the courses, we’ve compiled this list of some of the most useful Adobe Illustrator courses to help you find the perfect one for you. Whether you are learning Adobe Illustrator for a hobby or professionally, these courses will help you improve your skills quickly and effectively.
Best Free & Paid Adobe Illustrator Courses Online
The list was compiled after researching all the Adobe Illustrator courses available online. Once the courses were known, we went through their course outline, reviews, ratings, and paid or free Illustrator courses. Whether the courses provide valuable content, assignments, and materials was also considered. Based on all these considerations, the following are the best Online Adobe Illustrator Courses.
1. Adobe Illustrator CC: The Complete Guide [CreativeLive]
It is one of the most informative, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow courses available online for beginners and Adobe self-taught users. You don’t need any prior experience and knowledge of Adobe Illustrator to sign up for this course.
In this course, you will learn to utilize drawing tools and enhance your editing skills, create logos, icons, and complex graphics, apply different text styles, and more. Additionally, you will be taught how to streamline your workflow and add flare to documents, websites, and branding using illustrator.
Course Level: Beginner/Intermediate | Course Provider: CreativeLive | Instructor(s): Jason Hoppe | Course Length: 13-14 hours
2. Learn Adobe Illustrator: Fundamentals for Beginners [Skillshare]
If you are looking for a short course to get started with Adobe Illustrator, then this is the perfect choice for you. With this course, you will learn the basics of Adobe illustrator – building simple shapes, applying colors, using the pen tool, and more.
In order to learn and make the most of the course, you will have to follow the instructor and use the course files. At the end of the course, you can share your project for feedback from your instructor and other learners.
Course Level: Beginner | Course Provider: SkillShare | Instructor(s): Anne Bracker | Course Length: 1-2 hours
3. Adobe Illustrator CC: Essential Illustrator CC Training [Udemy]
This course is one of the best if you want to learn how to create extraordinary graphic designs while mastering illustrator’s essential tools and techniques. In this course, you will learn all about Shapes, Typography & Fonts, Colors, Drawing tools, Patterns, Vectorizing images, Abstract Repeats, Recoloring, and more. You will also learn to construct graphics with multiple shapes, create realistic mockups, and export projects without compromising on their clarity.
In addition, throughout the course, you will have to work on about 30 class projects, which include designing your own brochures, flyers, badges, etc. This will benefit you as you can update your creative portfolio.
Course Level: Beginner | Course Provider: Udemy | Instructor(s): Louay Zambarakji | Course Length: 10-11 hours
4. Adobe Illustrator for Graphic Design [Domestika]
If you are looking to grow as a professional graphic designer, then this entry-level course will help you the best. This course is taught by Valeria Dubin, an art director from Barcelona. The course covers the basic elements, terminology, and workspace. There are no prerequisites to pursue this course.
As part of this course, you will learn how to use shape-modifying tools, the symbols panel, and useful techniques to create an advertising poster. In addition, Dubin ensures that you are equipped with the skills required to grow your number of clients as a freelancer.
Course Level: Beginner | Course Provider: Domestika | Instructor(s): Valeria Dubin | Course Length: 7 hours
5. Adobe Illustrator CC – Advanced Training Course [Udemy]
If you have a basic idea of Adobe Illustrator and want to acquire more knowledge of it, then this is the best course for you. The course is aimed at helping you improve your skills and workflow. During the course, you will be introduced to various illustrator skills like 3D designing, image blending, etc.
To get the most out of this Adobe Illustrator course, it is recommended to take it along with Udemy Essential Training. When taken together, these two courses are some of the best online courses you can take to upgrade your skills.
Course Level: Intermediate | Course Provider: Udemy | Instructor(s): Daniel Walter Scott | Course Length: 10 hours
6. Introducción a Adobe Illustrator [Domestika]
If you are looking for a comprehensive and easy-to-understand course, then this course in Spanish (with English subtitles) is the best option for you. With this beginner’s course, you will learn and master Adobe Illustrator.
This course is taught by Aaron Martinez. In this course, you will learn how to create a document from scratch, create vector graphics, produce vector lines to create different shapes, learn the Pathfinder tool to create different figures, master tools such as pencil, pen, and brush, learn to edit typography and color use, and more.
In addition, Aaron will provide you with tips to improve your workflow from his personal experience. The course is video-based, and you will be asked to complete different activities throughout the course to put yourself into practice.
Course Level: Beginner | Course Provider: Domestika | Instructor(s): Aarón Martínez | Course Length: 10-11 hours
7. Illustrator CC Fundamentals [Pluralsight]
This is one of the most comprehensive video-based short courses available online to learn Adobe Illustrator. In this course, you will learn about the fundamentals and key concepts of designing in general and illustration, drawing, typography, and more. In addition, the course also provides a good example of how Illustrator designs are utilized across different platforms and how the Creative Cloud applications are used effectively.
Course Level: Beginner | Course Provider: Pluralsight | Instructor(s): Matthew Pizzi | Course Length: 4.5 hours
8. Master the Basics of Adobe Illustrator to Create Awesome Illustrations [Skillshare]
If you want to brush up on your basic skills, then you can consider signing up for this course. The course is taught by Julian Burford. She ensures that you are taught the basics, how to develop realistic illustrations, how to make the best use of different tools, and more. As a final assignment, you will have to illustrate a retro-inspired poster of your favorite movie using the guidelines that are provided to you.
Course Level: Intermediate | Course Provider: Skillshare | Instructor(s): Julian Burford | Course Length: 2-3 hours
9. Digitizing Sketches: Making Patterns in Photoshop and Illustrator [Creativebug]
Creativebug is one of the most popular platforms for craft enthusiasts, offering different subscription plans for all budgets. This course will help you understand the versatility of Adobe Illustrator and how you can utilize it the best while working on different projects. In this course, you will understand how simple it is to use illustrator to create beautiful designs on all kinds of surfaces, digitize images, experiment with colors to create multiple patterns, and more. In addition, you will also learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, which is an added advantage.
Course Level: Intermediate | Course Provider: Creativebug | Instructor(s): Cecelia Murphy | Course Length: 1–2 hours
10. Illustrator Beginner Tutorial [Learnit Training]
Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate student looking to understand the new updates in the software, this free Illustrator course will help you. In this course, you will learn everything from the basics to the recent updates – understanding the tools, vector illustration, gradients, pen and pencil tool, illustrator workspace, type photography, and more. In addition, you will also be taught different shortcuts and tricks to make your work easier and more creative. The course also includes various exercises to ensure that you are getting all that is being taught.
Course Level: Beginner & Intermediate | Course Provider: Learnit Training | Instructor(s): Dave Casuto | Course Length: 3-4 hours
11. Graphic Design by CalArts [Coursera]
This is one of the generic courses to understand graphic design. A part of the course also discusses how to use illustrator and other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. In this course, you will learn about the fundamentals of graphic designing, the growth in the graphic designing sector, an introduction to typography, an introduction to image-making, and more. Furthermore, you can avail of the course for free unless you want a certificate. Honestly, this is one of the most recommended courses for budding designers to get started and gain subject knowledge.
Course Level: Beginner | Course Provider: Coursera | Instructor(s): Michael Worthington | Course Length: 15 hours
12. Adobe Illustrator Essentials Training [Shaw Academy]
It is the best option for those who want to improve their graphic design skills and get an accredited diploma. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of illustrator, different tools, how to design various things like infographics and logos, and more. After successfully completing the course, you will receive an accredited diploma, which will be an added advantage and prove relevant on your CV.
Course Level: Beginner & Intermediate | Course Provider: Shaw Academy | Course Length: 4 weeks
Conclusion
When you are choosing the right course for you, make sure you consider where your interest lies first. For instance, if your interest is in preparing posters, then pick a course that emphasizes poster design. With this, you will be learning the basics of illustrator and the specific type.
Also, ensure that you consider the level of the course – for beginners or intermediates, the contents of the course, and whether it is paid or free Illustrator course.
Adobe Illustrator can be used for various purposes and has so much to offer with various different tools. So make sure that you keep practicing as often as possible and never stop learning. With online courses, it is much more accessible and easier for you to adopt new knowledge on illustrator.
Hopefully, this blog has helped you with the best 12 Adobe Illustrator online courses to help you start your design journey.
Happy Learning!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is the Benefit of Learning Adobe Illustrator?
A variety of graphics can be created with Adobe Illustrator, including logos, illustrations, leaflets, web page designs, etc.
Is Adobe Illustrator Free or Paid?
You can try Adobe illustrator for free for seven days to see if it’s the right tool for you. After that, Adobe illustrator is a paid monthly or yearly subscription. US$20.99/mo.
How Much Time Does It Take to Learn Adobe Illustrator?
In order to learn the tools and basics in Adobe Illustrator should take you between 3 and 5 months. And using these basic tools, you should be able to create artwork. Besides, the most difficult part is creative thinking (knowing what to create), and that is what takes the most time.
