Vector graphics are graphical images of a series of mathematical statements or commands that place lines and shapes in space. Today's most popular vector graphics program is Adobe Illustrator, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. You can draw directly into the program using a vector program like Illustrator or various tools to create the image. An image's sequence will include each step. Vector images can be used for animations and CAD designs. Additionally, vector images can be useful when developing apps and websites since they don't become distorted when viewed on different devices and screens.
Using Illustrator, creative professionals can build unique logos and illustrations that won't warp under various circumstances. Illustrator is a user-friendly tool for new creative professionals.
Learning any new skill can be intimidating. Learning the skill at your own pace is one way to make it less intimidating. On-demand training provides the freedom to work at your own pace. You can go back over sections until you nail them down.
The 10 Best On-Demand Illustrator Classes
- Udemy—Adobe Illustrator CC Essential Training Course
- Ed2Go—Adobe Illustrator CC
- Coursera—Fundamentals of Graphic Design
- LinkedIn Learning—Illustrator One-on-One: Fundamentals
- ONLC Training—Adobe On-Demand: Illustrator Complete
- Certstaffix Training—Illustrator CC e-learning bundle
- SkillShare—Illustrator Essential TrainingÂ
- Udemy—Adobe Illustrator Complete Mega Course: Beginner to AdvancedÂ
- Coursera—Graphic Design SpecializationÂ
- LinkedIn Learning—Illustrator One-on-One: Advanced
#1: Udemy—Adobe Illustrator CC Essential Training Course
This introductory Illustrator course teaches students the basics before learning advanced techniques. They will explore various tools such as brush shape tools and pen tools, while working on their projects as they learn.
As part of the course, students will explore all key concepts such as shapes, text masking effects, and exporting. Students will use these skills in a variety of design projects.
Key Information
This on-demand course has nine and a half hours of pre-recorded video, but you may spend over 20 hours working on the assignments and other materials.
You can enroll in the course for a flat fee of $110. This fee will give you access to the entire course. Udemy offers promotions on its courses so that you can find them on sale. Alternatively, you can enroll in multiple on-demand courses through the Personal Plan. This plan gives you access to any course you want to enroll in. You can try the free trial and then pay $16.58 monthly afterward.
The course requires no previous skills, but Illustrator is necessary to complete it. You can test Adobe's free trial here.
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Udemy provides various benefits for its students.Â
- Project-focused courses. In this course, students will have over thirty projects to add to their portfolios
- Certificate of Completion
- Workbook to access throughout the course
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Before enrolling, seeing what other students say about any course is important. Even more so when looking at courses available on demand. The course is rated highly, and several students say it is a "great way to learn the basics and the new features by doing exercises". Additionally, students report that after completing the course, they can "put their ideas into images" since the course focuses on developing the students' ideas rather than predetermined projects.
#2: Ed2Go—Adobe Illustrator CC
In this introductory illustrator course, students will become comfortable with the program interface as they start creating graphics and illustrations. Students will begin by creating new documents and creating basic shapes. As I work through their projects, they will start working with color swatches and fill and stroke.
Students will become familiar with the various tools, including the pen tool. Through each project, students will start incorporating layers. Students will learn how to save their projects for print and web publication at the end of the course.
Key Information
Students will have access to the course for three months. The course includes 28 hours of pre-recorded material.
To gain access to the course, you must pay $119 when you enroll.
As the course is entry-level, students need no prior knowledge. They should have Illustrator installed with a current Windows or Mac OS version on their computer.
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Students who previously attended Ed2Go. You can learn much about a course or a school by reading what former students say about it. Several students mentioned the convenience of the on-demand course and how it eliminated stress from completing projects on time.
#3: Coursera—Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Through various visual examples, students will learn the principles of graphic design. This course will teach students how to make images, type, compose, and work with color and shape, skills common to all graphic design forms.
As a result of this course, students can explore and investigate visual representation through various image-making techniques. They will understand the principles of working with shape, color, and pattern. Students will also understand compositional principles and how to apply them.Â
Key Information
The course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The course is divided into weeks, each with varying amounts of work. You can still work at your own pace.
To enroll in this course, you must pay the platform subscription to Coursera. The subscription is $59 a month or $399 a year. The subscription gives you access to all courses on the website. Financial aid is available to apply for. If approved, students can receive up to 25% off of the price. You may also try the 7-Day free trial to the subscription if you have not already.
The course has no prerequisites.
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Coursera offers various benefits for its students. Some include:
- Shareable certificate upon completion
- Flexible Course deadlines to fit your schedule
- Access to unlimited certificate courses
- Option to audit some courses for free
Former students of this course mentioned how they enjoyed the assignments within the course, but there was more instructional video to cover the information. Knowing this can help you find which areas of the program you want to learn more about or that the course may not have all the information you need.Â
#4: LinkedIn Learning—Illustrator One-on-One: Fundamentals
In this comprehensive training course, students will learn the basics of Illustrator. They will work with artboards, draw with pencil and pen tools, and organize swatches. Students will also explore shapes and formatting text. Students will be able to navigate themselves through the program without missing a beat by the end of the course.
Key Information
This course includes 18 hours of pre-recorded material. You may spend up to 30 hours working through this course.
The course costs $34.99 to enroll. Enrollment requires payment of this fee. LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial for their courses. You can use this to complete the course if you haven't used it already.
No prerequisites are required for this course.
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Students of LinkedIn Learning gain these benefits.
- Shareable certificate
- Courses downloadable on mobile
Students who have enrolled in this course have mentioned that there are "sometimes too many options to perform the same function, " which can make it overwhelming to recall information. However, several other students mention how great the instructor is throughout the recorded videos.
#5: ONLC Training—Adobe On-Demand: Illustrator Complete
Through this course, students will have access to the materials from the level 1 and level 2 Illustrator courses that ONLC offers. Students will begin with learning the basics of the program, like the interface and the basic tools. From there, they will create artwork for postcards covering various topics like basic shapes and different drawing modes. They will learn to work with color and type through other projects. They will then dive into more advanced topics like working with CSS and exporting artwork for print and web publishing.
Key Information
Students can access this course for 180 days. The course includes 30 to 40 hours of content.
The course costs $495, due before the first access day.
No prerequisites for this beginner-level course.
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Students who enroll in this course gain
- Â 24/7 online support
- Â Adobe official workbook
- Â Expanded tutorial access
Students who have taken the course mention how they were initially skeptical about the format but found it effective, with the instructor providing a wealth of information. Other students mentioned that this type of training felt relaxed and provided them with a nice pace to work at.Â
#6: Certstaffix Training—Illustrator CC E-learning Bundle
As a beginner's course, students will become familiar with the program's basic functions and features. Drawing basics, including creating and transforming shapes, will be covered before students learn to use fills and strokes, measure objects, and add text and effects. To share their work, they can export and print files from Illustrator. This course will teach students how to take vector images to the next level with Adobe Illustrator CC's advanced features once they have mastered the basics. The course explains how to work with advanced text options like styles, followed by instructions on using colors and swatches. They will also learn to build shapes, import graphics, and use masks and perspective grids. Lastly, they will discover actions that automate repetitive tasks to save time and productivity tools and tricks that can help them work more efficiently.
Key Information
Students can access the course for six months with over 6 hours of content.
The course costs $250 to add enrollment for access.
No prerequisites for the beginner course.
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Students who enroll in this course receive:
- Certificate of completion
Former students from Certstaffix Training mention how the classes are well structured and easy to follow. Many students felt like learning was manageable. Finding courses like this can make it easy for beginners to pick up on more complicated topics and techniques.
#7: SkillShare—Illustrator Essential Training
The course is for people with zero experience in Illustrator or design. Students will start from the beginning and work their way through step-by-step. Students will learn the basics of Illustrator and how to create various projects within the program. They will work on logos, icons, postcards, and hand-drawn illustrations. They will then explore the various tools in Illustrator. Students will know their way around the program when they finish the course material.Â
Key Information
The course has seven hours of video. Students will have access to the content for life.Â
To access the course, students must pay a monthly subscription of $13.75 or $165 annually. The subscription gives you access to all courses on the site.
Students need no prior knowledge to be successful in this course.Â
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Students who subscribe to Skill Share gain unlimited access to all the classes on the site.Â
Students who have previously taken this course speak highly of the instructor. Many students state that he is "relatable and down to earth, " making the class more relaxed. Others mention how he can keep the class engaging even through a recording.Â
#8: Udemy—Adobe Illustrator Complete Mega Course: Beginner to Advanced
This mega course allows students to dive into Illustrator and create unique graphic designs. This course contains the fundamental Illustrator course and the advanced course, allowing beginner students to learn all the techniques necessary to succeed as a graphic designer. Students will learn color, typography, clipping masks, and 3D. In addition to studying recorded material, students will work on projects to apply the skills they learn.
Key Information
The course has 30 hours of content. With projects, you could spend up to 60 hours on the course.
The course costs $84.99. It is due at the time of purchase for access to the course. You can often find courses on sale.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
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Students who enroll in this class can enjoy several different benefits.
- Unlimited lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
- Access to new updates and bonus lectures
- Access on mobile
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Former students of this course mention that the instructor is entertaining, making it easy to learn the material. When looking for any course, you want to find one that will help make learning easy.Â
#9: Coursera—Graphic Design Specialization
Students will learn the fundamentals of graphic design through these four courses: process, historical context, and image-making and typography communication. To complete the sequence, students must complete a capstone project combining the skills they gained throughout the sequence and finish a branding project suitable for a professional portfolio.
In this specialization, students will learn transferrable formal and conceptual tools that will help them make and communicate graphic designs. By acquiring this core skill set, students can begin formal graphic design studies and pursue further work in interface design, motion graphics, and editorial design.
Key Information
The course is completed in approximately six months. The course is divided into weeks, each with varying amounts of work. You can still work at your own pace.
To enroll in this course, you must pay the platform subscription to Coursera. The subscription is $59 a month or $399 a year. The subscription gives you access to all courses on the website. Financial aid is available to apply for. If approved, students can receive up to 25% off of the price. You may also try the 7-Day free trial to the subscription if you have not already.
The course has no prerequisites.
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Students who have previously taken this specialization mention how they appreciate the crash courses on different topics. Other students mentioned how the activities were engaging and helped them understand the various material covered within each course. For longer courses, it is important to remain engaged throughout it; otherwise, you will lose motivation to finish it. Courses like this can help maintain that engagement and motivation.Â
#10: LinkedIn Learning—Illustrator One-on-One: Advanced
As the second course in the LinkedIn Learning Illustrator courses, students will begin connecting each concept with a task. While the first course covers the basics of the program, this course covers more specific operations. Students will learn to trace various objects and apply layers to their work. They will also work with the gradient tool, creating various gradients for their projects. The course will teach students how to save different dashboard effects.
Key Information
This course includes 17 hours of pre-recorded material. You may spend up to 30 hours working through this course.
The course costs $49.99 to enroll. Enrollment requires payment of this fee. LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial for their courses. You can use this to complete the course if you haven't used it already.
As an intermediate-level course, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of Illustrator before enrolling.Â
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Students of LinkedIn Learning gain these benefits.
- Shareable certificate
- Courses downloadable on mobile
Former students of this course speak highly of this instructor. Several students mentioned he is highly engaging as they work through his videos. Others mention that this course is perfect for beginners still learning the program.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an On-demand Illustrator Class Worth It?
You will encounter different training types when you are looking for training options. One of those options is on-demand training. However, on-demand training is not for everyone.Â
Students who enroll in an on-demand class often need the flexibility that the class allows. Students can complete the course at their schedule and pace, ensuring each topic is nailed down before moving on to the next. Most students in on-demand classes work full-time jobs and have other responsibilities that keep them from enrolling in a live-taught course.Â
However, there are some major drawbacks to on-demand training. Students must keep themselves motivated throughout the course. With no schedule to adhere to, it can become difficult to stay on task. One major drawback is that you have to find the answers if questions arise. Some schools and classes may allow you to email the instructor, but there is no guarantee that they will get back to you.
What Will I Need for an On-demand Illustrator Class?
No matter which way you go, you will need a computer with an internet connection.
Some courses May provide students with a version of Illustrator; however, some will require you to get it yourself. Adobe offers a free trial to new users or a monthly subscription. The free trial should allow students to get through most introductory courses.Â
You can download Illustrator straight from Adobe. You will install Creative Cloud on your computer and then install Illustrator there. Creative Cloud is free to install, while the programs cost a monthly fee.
Can I Learn Illustrator On-demand for Free?
YouTube and other online tutorials offer free resources for students. Adobe offers free live streams that cover various topics within the programs. Using these resources can be a great place to start learning Illustrator if you want to check out the program. You would need to devote so much time to using these online resources to learn all the advanced techniques you'd learn in a course. You also risk finding outdated information that will make learning more complicated and frustrating.Â
A course will provide you with the in-depth training needed to change careers or up-skill your current position.Â
You can utilize Adobe's free trial to check out Illustrator before committing to any courses. To continue using the program, you must pay a monthly subscription fee.Â
Is It Better to Learn Illustrator in a Live or Self-paced Class?
There are several training options available. Each option has benefits and drawbacks. Which is best depends on your schedule and how interactive you want your training to be.
Taking live online courses will be more interactive than a self-paced course because you must attend each class section. During the course, you will meet with fellow students and the instructor in a virtual classroom. In this way, you can follow along with instructions in real time. Ask questions and receive feedback as issues arise. This option will provide a more traditional classroom feel. Additionally, you have the option of completing the course from anywhere. You can attend the course if you have an internet connection.
There are several advantages to online live courses, but there are also drawbacks. Depending on the school, you may need to take time off work to attend. Some schools only offer full-time classes during normal business hours during the week. If you work full-time and cannot attend classes, you can attend a part-time school. The school may offer evening or weekend classes, depending on the course.
Self-paced courses may be a good place to start if you cannot block out long periods to attend a class. With self-paced courses, you can work on them whenever you have time. This is particularly useful if you only have a few minutes to work on them daily.
However, they still have some drawbacks to them. You lose out on in-real-time interaction. If you have questions, you must find the answer yourself. This can end up being a more time-consuming task. Additionally, you may need to find updated information if you search for pre-recorded courses. Adobe constantly updates its programs, so some might not be 100% up-to-date.
You can find an option that best suits your needs and goals, even though both have advantages and disadvantages.