Learn Illustrator in One Afternoon
Every day, my passion is helping creatives build successful design and art businesses. I do this through my work at the University of Arts & Design and in my Design Suite program.
But here's the thing—most budding creatives don’t struggle because of a lack of talent, effort, or intelligence.
They struggle because they don’t know the software.
And that’s a shame because software is essential to starting a creative business. The problem is, creatives are busy, and finding time for a full program or university course can be overwhelming.
That’s why I created this bite-sized Illustrator class—to make it easy for YOU to get started. It’s designed with your time and budget in mind, giving you a simple way to dip your toes into the world of design. You just need to try it on for size.
If you've ever truly wanted to become a designer and create your own products but felt intimidated by Adobe Illustrator, this is the class for YOU. Nicknamed "Illustrator in an Afternoon," this course is designed to be quick, easy, and accessible.
You'll learn Illustrator with step-by-step, simple video tutorials, each under 12 minutes long. Follow along with ease and start creating in no time.
In this course, you'll master how to:
- Navigate workspaces, menus, windows, and toolbars effortlessly
- Design images using basic shapes
- Create fast, simple repeat patterns
- Use advanced tools like the Width Tool that often get overlooked
- Understand the purpose of features like Grouping and Expanding, and how to apply them daily in your own designs
Get ready to bring your creative visions to life—start illustrating now!
Why Choose This Class?
This class is the perfect gateway to becoming a confident and skilled designer. In just a few focused lessons, you’ll master the essential tools and techniques to start creating professional-quality designs quickly.Â
Easy-to-Follow: Bite-sized lessons each under 12 minutes ensure you can learn at your own pace, whenever it fits into your schedule.
Practical Skills: You won’t just learn theory—you’ll apply tools and techniques that real designers use every day.
Instant Results: Start creating immediately and see your progress with each module, from basic shapes to patterns.
Whether you want to craft your own products, build a design portfolio, or explore a new creative outlet, this class breaks Illustrator down into easy-to-follow steps. By the end, you'll be equipped with practical skills like creating custom shapes, repeat patterns, and understanding key design workflows—giving you the foundation to launch your design career.
Why you should not miss this opportunity to learn Illustrator
1. Transform Your Ideas into Reality
Illustrator is the main program for professional designers. It’s the most powerful tool available, helping you create products for your design or art business.
2. Designed for Busy Creatives
The easy-to-understand lessons are also set up in bite-sized videos so that you can watch on the go.
3. No Experience? No Problem!
This class is meant for beginners and you will find the pace easy. You can also pause the videos, speed up, or slow down making this the best experience for anyone wanting to learn Illustrator!
4. Unlock Your Creative Potential
Your best work is yet to come! And the missing tool you have been needing is Illustrator! Unlock your creative capacity by learning the software that designers trust.
Designed for Beginners
Feeling overwhelmed by Adobe Illustrator? This course was created with beginners in mind—no previous experience required. By breaking down each tool and feature, you’ll gain confidence as you move through the lessons.
Lifetime Access: Revisit lessons anytime, and learn at your own pace.
Course Outline
Module 1 - Easy Peasey Set Up And Getting Started
Download the Adobe Software +Â Setting Up Your Workspace +Â Understanding Your Toolbar +Â Menu Windows and Bars
Module 2 - Designing in Shape with Tool and Window Exploration
Setting Up Your First Set Of Shapes +Â Making Your First Banner+Â Making A Flag Banner +Â Using the Shape Builder Tool +Â Making A Scallop Banner +Â More Banner Bottoms +Â More Adjustments and + Introduction to Type +Â More Adjustments and Introduction to Type +Â Saving Your File
Module 3 - Simple Drawing Techniques
Creating An Icon +Â Introducing the Pen Pencil and Smooth Tools +Â Draw A Purse +Â Changing the Shape of the Purse +Â Creating the Base of a Cupcake +Â Creating Cupcake 1 +Â Drawing Cupcakes +Â Adding Details
Module 4 - Easy Repeats and Clean Up
Marketable Products +Â Simple Repeat Patterns +Â Tossed Repeat Patterns +Â Pattern Maker
ABOUT CARINA GARDNER, PH.D.
Carina Gardner has a Ph.D. in Design from the University of Minnesota and taught there for 5 years before starting her design business and university. The Carina Gardner brand has been on dishware, jewelry, prints, clocks, sewing patterns, and holiday products. Carina also is a well known fabric designer for Riley Blake Designs and die cut designer for Silhouette. Carina was the Creative Director of Carta Bella Scrapbook papers. Her kids brand Mini Lou has sold products for Nordstrom, Peek Clothing, and 500 independent retailers and museums in the US.
Carina is the CEO of the University of Arts & Design. The university offers certificates and Masters degrees in the creative fields. Carina is also the CEO of Design Suite, a surface pattern and crafting design program that teaches designers how to create a business as they learn to design.Â
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