How to improve Adobe Illustrator skills with these 10 tips?
Have you ever created a shape in Illustrator and then spent hours gazing at it and wondered why it doesn't look the way you want it to look? What is that you have missed?
Indeed, even minute things can make or break a design, and this goes for any designing platform, including Adobe Illustrator. So, if you plan to improve your skill set and start getting better with Adobe Illustrator, this guide is for you.
Let's go through my personal favorite Illustrator tips and tricks that have surely helped me improve Adobe Illustrator skills. But, before that, let me clarify why you should use Adobe Illustrator.
Why Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is perhaps one of the most popular software for making logos, kinetic typography, graphic designing, character animation, etc. As a graphic designer, I often use Adobe Illustrator. Why?
Because Illustrator is the most excellent way to design and create vector-based artwork quickly and efficiently. Moreover, you can create an image in Illustrator, irrespective of the size. Therefore, Illustrator is, beyond a doubt, one of the few graphic design tools that I end up using for practically every project.
Adobe Illustrator is perfect for those starting fresh in the world of graphic designing, as this software is pretty easy to learn. Besides, Adobe provides notes and guides with a brief about all the features.
Tips to Improve Illustrator Skills
If you are unfamiliar with Adobe Illustrator, you may feel a little overwhelmed at first. However, there's so much that Illustrator has to offer to the designing world.
Nonetheless, these 10 tips on how to get better at Illustrator will definitely help you get the most out of Illustrator and create excellent artwork. So, let's dive in!
Choose the right Brush
Do not draw with a bold black line. Rather, use a light and thin brush. I often use red or blue colors, with the opacity set to 0.5. This way, my sketches look much better.
Use your mouse or perhaps a drawing tablet for drawing purposes. Regardless of what you picked in the end, always draw things out before you start creating an illustration.
Use the Pen Tool
Beginners often shy away from using the pen tool, which seems much more complex than other tools in Illustrator. However, you can get the hang of it easily and create amazing works of art. You can always find resources on using the pen tool in Illustrator and learn how you can make the most out of it.
Use the Shape Builder Tool
To create something in Illustrator, you primarily have two options. You can choose to use either the pen tool or the shape builder tool to create new elements.
Both the options work well; however, if you struggle while working with your mouse or your graphic tablet, the shape builder tool will make the task much easier for you.
Use right Colors
It's pretty common for beginners to pick up random colors. However, they fail to realize that colors, too, can make or break any design.
Nonetheless, you can find the best colors for your design right here in Illustrator without you having to use a third-party tool or any other website. All you need to do is find and select the right colors from various harmony rules depending on your desire to create.
Practice on Layers
If you are going to sell your work, you'll have to get used to the layers panel. Even if you're not, it's a good practice to organize the layers as you work. Keeping them labeled, and removing layers that aren't required, can benefit you while making edits to an image.
Watch Tutorials
Learning from others is also an incredible way to improve your skills. Look for an experienced person in your field and check their YouTube channel for tutorial videos on how to use Adobe Illustrator. Watch the tutorials, work hands-on, and complete exercises from the tutorial.
There are a plethora of options that it's tough to choose just one tutorial, so find a mentor accordingly. And fix a time in the day when you'll watch the tutorials and stick to it.
Take References
Before you start creating your design, do some thorough research. By collecting styles you like, pictures that inspire you, and font styles that work, you give yourself a head start for fresh ideas to flow.
You can create a gallery of your favorite illustrations on Pinterest or take ideas from sites like Dribble, Behance, etc. Look for the collection of designers that you admire and save images of artwork that excites you.
Take Feedback
Feedback is perhaps the best thing to follow when it comes to self-improvement. When you ask for feedback, you can indeed learn a lot and make your graphics or illustrations better. You can take feedback from your colleagues, friends, or fellow designers.
If you work as a freelancer or just stepped into the world of designing, you can join relevant groups on Facebook and take feedback from the community.
Don’t Overthink
Well, this applies to every aspect of life, but it is exceptionally true when it comes to creating and designing.
Overthinking slows you down, it stops you from being creative, and it hinders the process of improving the artwork quality. In fact, it doesn't do any good at all.
So take your time while designing, and don't rush into things. The less you have on your mind, the more you can think of creative ideas.
Keep Practicing
This goes without saying that one has to keep practicing with Adobe Illustrator to improve their skills. The more time you spend using Illustrator, the better you'll get at it. Keep experimenting, play around with different tools, and before you even know it, you'll be able to create astonishing designs.
So, make it a habit to practice, even if you feel you have gotten better. Because, Adobe keeps introducing new tools, so there'll always be something new for you to learn.
Wrapping Up
Illustrator is a really comprehensive tool, and there is so much to learn. However, since you’re starting out, you can follow these small tips on how to get better at Illustrator and improve your Illustrator artwork instantly.
And, once you get comfortable with Illustrator, you can create all kinds of amazing things you want.
So, what are you waiting for? Follow these tips to develop your illustrator skills and start designing excellent vector graphics.
Editor: Richa Sharma
Job Description: Illustrator
Illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products.
Image: Jean Jullien: Billboard for London Graphic Centre for It’s Nice That
Job Description, Salary & Benefits
Most illustrators specialise in a particular style. There are various different stages in their work, including:
discussing client needs and identifying a target audience for the work
agreeing the brief and contract with the client
developing visual ideas that suit the brief
seeking client approval for ideas with rough visuals - this stage may involve going back to the drawing board several times to rework sketches
using drawing, sketching, painting and photographic skills to produce illustrations.
Illustrators in employment usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The working hours of freelance illustrators vary depending on deadlines and quantity of work. Most illustrators work at home or in a studio. They usually work at a drawing board and computer workstation.
Salaries for employed illustrators working full time may range from around £14,000 to £40,000 a year. Self-employed illustrators are paid for each project or illustration.
An illustrator needs:
excellent drawing and IT skills
to be able to work to a brief, solve problems creatively and adapt their style
creativity and imagination
to enjoy creative work.
Illustrators work throughout the UK. Most are self-employed and work freelance. They often have other paid jobs while they try to build up their business. It is a competitive area of work. A few illustrators are employed by design and advertising agencies, and publishers.
There are no set entry requirements to become an illustrator. It is important to have a high level of illustration ability, an extensive portfolio of quality work and self-promotional skills to obtain work. Most illustrators have an HND, Foundation degree or degree in an art and design subject such as illustration, graphic design or fine art.
Illustrators can take a number of specialist courses to develop their skills in areas such as technical, book and sequential illustration, and animation. The Association of Illustrators offer practical support to illustrators and a range of classes for freelancers.
Most freelance illustrators remain self-employed. Success depends upon building a strong reputation and securing a steady flow of work. Some illustrators broaden their business by developing skills in related areas such as graphic design, animation and cartoons. There may be opportunities for illustrators in employment to become art directors, design managers or heads of departments.
What is the work like?
Illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products. These include:
books and book jackets
educational, training and reference materials
instruction manuals, leaflets and sales brochures
greetings cards, giftware and packaging
advertising materials, posters and catalogues
magazines and newspapers
television and film animations and storyboards
computer games, websites and mobile phone visuals.
Most illustrators specialise in a particular style. There are various different stages in their work, including:
discussing client needs and identifying the target audience for the work
agreeing the brief and contract, including payment and deadlines, with the client
developing visual ideas that suit the brief
seeking client approval for ideas with rough visuals - this stage may involve going back to the drawing board several times to rework sketches
using drawing, sketching, painting and photographic skills to produce illustrations
increasingly, using computer packages to scan in their own visual images, and then refine and develop the ideas on screen
continuing to work with the client, seeking approval at all stages of development and making any changes as required, right up to completion of the job.
There are specialist areas of illustration, including fashion, medical, scientific and technical illustration. For more information, see Medical Illustrator and Technical Illustrator.
Self-employed illustrators need to be proactive in finding work. This includes promoting themselves to employers and keeping their portfolio up to date. Some illustrators use agents to do this work. They also need to keep their own records and accounts.
A new entrant working full time may earn between £14,000 and £19,000 a year.
Hours & Environment
Illustrators in employment usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The working hours of freelance illustrators vary depending on deadlines and quantity of work.
Most illustrators work at home or in a studio. They usually work at a drawing board and computer workstation.
Salary & Other Benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
A new entrant working full time may earn between £14,000 and £19,000 a year.
An experienced illustrator may earn from £20,000 to £30,000 a year.
Well established illustrators may earn up to £40,000 a year. A few may earn more than this.
Full-time work can be hard to obtain. Most illustrators are self-employed and are paid an agreed fee for each project or illustration. The Association of Illustrators (AOI) has information regarding fees on its website,
Skills & Personal Qualities
Illustrators need:
excellent drawing and IT skills
to be able to work to a brief, solve problems creatively and adapt their style if needed
creativity and imagination
an eye for detail and design
self-promotional skills
self-motivation and the ability to work to deadlines
to be good at communicating and negotiating with clients and colleagues
a good understanding of medicine, science or technology (to be a medical, scientific or technical illustrator).
Interests
It is important for an illustrator to:
enjoy creative work
have a wide interest in the visual arts.
Getting in
Illustrators work throughout the UK. Most illustrators are self-employed and work freelance. They often have other paid jobs while they try to build up their business. It is a competitive area of work.
A few illustrators are employed, although graphic design or animation skills may be needed in addition to illustration skills. There may be illustration jobs with:
design or advertising agencies
publishers
multimedia and web publishers.
Some illustrators employ agents to promote their services. Lists of agents are available to members of the AOI and the Society of Artists Agents.
Entry for young people
There are no set entry requirements to become an illustrator. It is important to have a high level of illustration ability, an extensive portfolio of quality work and self-promotional skills to obtain work.
Most illustrators develop their skills and portfolio through an HND, Foundation degree or degree in an art and design subject. The exact subject is not always important, but most illustrators study illustration, graphic design, fine art or combined visual arts. Qualifications include:
BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) - many students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales take this one-year foundation course in art and design before starting an HND, Foundation degree or degree course. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but are usually at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), and often an A level/H grade or equivalent. Courses normally last one year full time or two years part time.
Foundation degrees and HNDs - applicants usually need a minimum of one A level/two H grades including an art and design subject, a relevant BTEC national award, Scottish Group Award (SGA) or BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design). Courses usually last two years full time.
Degree courses - entrants usually need at least two A levels/three H grades including an art and design subject, plus five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications. Many colleges and universities also require the BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design). Most full-time courses last three years. In Scotland, degree courses usually last four years with the first year equating to a foundation course.
Postgraduate degrees and diplomas - applicants usually need a first degree in an appropriate subject. Most courses last one year full time.
A portfolio of art and design work is usually expected by colleges and universities. Occasionally, an applicant with an outstanding portfolio of work may be accepted without the usual minimum entry qualifications.
Entry for adults
Mature students are welcomed on art and design courses and entry requirements may be relaxed, providing candidates can show a genuine interest and a strong portfolio of work. They may prepare for application to a degree by taking an Access course.
Training
Illustrators can take a number of specialist courses to develop their skills in areas such as technical, book and sequential illustration, and animation.
The AOI offers practical support to illustrators, and a range of master classes covering subjects such as business start-up, essentials of self-promotion, portfolios and agents, as well as current computer software and the use of technology.
Getting On
Most freelance illustrators remain self-employed. Success depends upon building a strong reputation and securing a steady flow of work. Some illustrators broaden their business by developing skills in related areas of work such as graphic design, animation and cartoons. They may choose to specialise and train in a particular area of work, such as medical or technical illustration.
Established illustrators may also run workshops in schools, libraries or museums. A few may become agents for other illustrators. Some may train to teach illustration.
There may be opportunities for illustrators in employment to become art directors, design managers or heads of departments.
Further Information
Further Reading
Getting Into Art & Design Courses - Trotman
Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer - Allworth Press
Survive - The Illustrator's Guide to a Professional Career - AOI
Working in print & publishing - Connexions
Magazines
Illustrator system requirements
NOTES:
1. Internet connection, Adobe ID, and acceptance of license agreement required to activate and use this product. This product may integrate with or allow access to certain Adobe or third-party hosted online services. Adobe services are available only to users 13 and older and require agreement to additional terms of use and the Adobe Privacy Policy. Applications and services may not be available in all countries or languages and may be subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Additional fees or membership charges may apply.
2. Some of the unsupported virtualized or server-based environments include but are not limited to, Citrix Metaframe/Citrix Presentation Server, NVIDIA Grid, Microsoft App-V, VMWare, Parallels, and Virtual PC. "Thin Clients" are also server-based environments. Illustrator has a few technical support boundaries for virtualized or server-based environments.
