Adobe Illustrator - Introduction

If you’ve always wanted to try Adobe Illustrator but weren’t sure where to start, this beginner-friendly course is the perfect place to begin. Over four weeks, you’ll learn the core tools and techniques step by step, with plenty of guidance, practice and support. No previous experience is required — just curiosity and an interest in creating digital artwork.

This practical, hands-on introduction will help you understand how vector graphics work, navigate the Illustrator workspace, and build simple designs with confidence. By the end of the course, you’ll have created your own artwork and gained the skills to keep developing independently. 

• Navigating the Illustrator interface
• Understanding vectors, and key design terminology
• Shapes and basic design terminology
• Understanding Illustrator’s file presets, and document set-ups
• Using key tools: Selection tools, Shape tools and the Pen tool
• Working with colour, strokes, fills and gradients
• Creating simple illustrations and icons
• Adding and editing text
• Using layers to stay organised
• Saving and exporting your designs for print or digital use

You should be comfortable using ICT (Mac or PC) and navigating a computer operating system. It’s OK to be new to the Adobe application, but you must be confident using a computer.

You will need to be eligible to study in the UK. Upon enrolment, you will be asked to upload residency and income documents for college funding purposes.

This course is for adults aged 19+ who are GLA residents only.

Free unless earning over £28,860pa (then £72)

If you’ve always wanted to try Adobe Illustrator but weren’t sure where to start, this beginner-friendly course is the perfect place to begin. Over four weeks, you’ll learn the core tools and techniques step by step, with plenty of guidance, practice and support. No previous experience is required — just curiosity and an interest in creating digital artwork.

This practical, hands-on introduction will help you understand how vector graphics work, navigate the Illustrator workspace, and build simple designs with confidence. By the end of the course, you’ll have created your own artwork and gained the skills to keep developing independently.