Adobe Illustrator CC: Advanced Training

Level up your Illustrator skills and speed up your workflow

Duration 2h Rating (4.6) Price Included with subscription on Skillshare
Created by Dan Scott
Platform: Skillshare Topic: Graphic Design Skills: Adobe Illustrator Typography Vector Illustration

Adobe Illustrator CC: Advanced Training is a focused, practical course that expands on core Illustrator skills with advanced vector techniques, typographic controls, gradient and color systems, and distortion/3D effects. It is designed for users who already know the basics and want to master production workflows, precision drawing, and creative effects in Adobe Illustrator.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects and workflow acceleration, covering tools like the Pen and Shape Builder, Freeform and gradient techniques, image masking, and AI-assisted recolor and pattern features to produce portfolio-ready assets. Learners should expect pragmatic export and asset-preparation practices alongside shortcut-driven productivity tips that apply directly to professional design work.

At a Glance

Adobe Illustrator CC: Advanced Training is an advanced course taught by Dan Scott that deepens practical Illustrator skills beyond the basics. It focuses on advanced tools, creative workflow techniques, project-based exercises, and AI-assisted features to help experienced users expand their toolset and speed up production.

Level Intermediate
Rating 4.6 out of 5
Duration 2+ hours
Languages English
Certificate No certificate provided
Access Access for as long as your subscription is active
Course includes
  • Video lessons
  • Downloadable exercise files
  • Project-based assignments and a bespoke brief
Price Included with subscription

What This Course Teaches

Outcomes are framed as measurable competencies you can perform in real projects, from AI-assisted vector workflows to complex type and color systems. By course end learners can apply specific Illustrator tools and production workflows to build portfolio-ready graphics and export-ready assets.

Text to Vector
Apply AI-assisted text-to-vector workflows to convert type into editable vector shapes.
Text to Pattern
Create repeatable patterns from text using AI-driven pattern tools.
Generative Recolor
Implement generative recolor techniques to change palettes across entire artworks.
Advanced Shape Builder
Apply Shape Builder and Pathfinder strategies to construct and deconstruct complex vector shapes.
Pen & Path
Apply advanced Pen, Join, and Curvature tool techniques to create and refine precise paths.
Color & Gradients
Implement gradients, Freeform Gradient, global swatches, and Pantone workflows to control color consistently.
Typography Techniques
Apply Touch Type, Retype, text-inside-shape, and connected-stroke methods to produce advanced typographic effects.
Image & Masking
Use masking, embedding/unlinking, cropping, and blending modes to integrate raster images into vector projects.
Distort & Warp
Create envelope, mesh, Puppet Warp, and distort-envelope effects to manipulate shapes and type.
Workflow & Export
Implement advanced shortcuts, selection/history techniques, and export workflows to speed production and prepare assets.

How the Course Is Structured

The course is organized as a sequence of focused lessons that each target a distinct advanced Illustrator feature or workflow, presented as short, practical modules suitable for self-paced study.

Total runtime is 2+ hours of on-demand video delivered across 63 concise lessons, with downloadable exercise files to practice alongside each topic.

Curriculum overview

01How to use Text to Vector Ai▾

Shows how to convert typographic elements into editable vector shapes using AI-assisted tools.

02How to use Text to Pattern Ai▾

Demonstrates creating repeatable patterns from text with AI-driven pattern features.

03How to use Generative Recolor▾

Covers using generative recolor to explore and apply new color palettes across artwork.

04When to use the Scissor Tool, Eraser Tool & Knife Tool▾

Explains appropriate use cases and practical techniques for cutting and trimming vector paths.

05Advanced Shape Builder Uses▾

Teaches advanced Shape Builder workflows to combine and subtract complex shapes efficiently.

06The differences between the Pathfinder Vs Shape Builder▾

Compares Pathfinder and Shape Builder to choose the best tool for different vector operations.

07How to use the Join tool & Joining Path Ends▾

Demonstrates joining path ends and cleaning up anchor points for seamless vector outlines.

08Advanced Pen Tool Tricks▾

Covers precision path creation and control-point manipulation with advanced Pen tool techniques.

09Width Tool Advanced Techniques▾

Shows how to apply and edit variable stroke widths for expressive line work.

10The Curvature Tool▾

Introduces curvature-based path creation for smoother, faster shape drawing.

11How to master corners with corner widget effects▾

Explains corner widgets and how to control corner styles on live shapes and paths.

12How to work with Compound Paths▾

Shows creating and editing compound paths to build complex cutouts and shapes.

13The difference between Expand & Expand Appearance▾

Clarifies when to use Expand versus Expand Appearance to finalize editable artwork.

14How to create Graphic Styles▾

Covers building and applying Graphic Styles for consistent reusable appearances.

15How to make Symbols▾

Demonstrates creating symbols and using them to speed repetitive artwork production.

16How to use the Smooth Tool▾

Shows smoothing techniques to refine hand-drawn or noisy vector paths.

17Advanced use of Simplify Path▾

Explains reducing path complexity while preserving shape for cleaner vectors.

18What Live Shape Effects are for▾

Introduces live shape effects and using them to keep artwork editable and flexible.

19How to make Repeating Grids & Concentric Circles▾

Demonstrates techniques for generating repeating layouts and concentric constructions.

20How to make Random Objects▾

Covers methods to generate randomized shapes and distributions for organic compositions.

21Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts in Illustrator▾

Teaches shortcut strategies to accelerate routine tasks and navigation in Illustrator.

22How to add a Gradient on a Stroke▾

Shows applying and editing gradient fills along stroke paths for stylized edges.

23How to add a Gradient in Text▾

Demonstrates adding gradients to type and managing appearance for legibility and effect.

24How to use the Freeform Gradient tool▾

Introduces Freeform Gradient workflows for nuanced color transitions within shapes.

25How to use Advanced Color Swatches▾

Covers building and managing complex swatch libraries for consistent color use.

26How to use Global Color Swatches▾

Shows using global swatches to update color across multiple objects simultaneously.

27What is the difference between RGB vs CMYK color modes?▾

Explains color-mode differences and how to choose modes for screen versus print outputs.

28How to proof colors▾

Covers soft-proofing and practical steps to verify color fidelity before export or print.

29How to use Pantone Spot Colors▾

Demonstrates selecting and applying Pantone spot colors within Illustrator workflows.

30Recolor Artwork & Changing all colors at once▾

Shows batch recolor techniques to update entire compositions quickly and consistently.

31How to use Blending Modes▾

Explains layer blending modes and how to use them to achieve composite visual effects.

32How to work with Images & Blending Modes▾

Demonstrates integrating raster images with vectors using blending modes and masks.

33How to make Black & White Images▾

Shows methods to convert imagery to effective black-and-white compositions inside Illustrator.

34Learn Advanced Workflow Tricks▾

Shares productivity tips and workflow adjustments to speed up design tasks.

35All the Super Selection Mastery▾

Teaches advanced selection techniques for efficiently targeting complex object sets.

36How to use the History Panel▾

Explains using the History panel to manage and revert recent editing steps.

37Advanced Fonts Tricks & Tips▾

Covers advanced typographic controls and font-management strategies.

38Use Retype to know what Font is being used▾

Demonstrates using Retype and related tools to identify and swap fonts in artwork.

39How to put Text Inside a Letter or Shape▾

Shows techniques for flowing or masking text inside letterforms and complex shapes.

40How to use the Touch Type Tool▾

Covers Touch Type for individual glyph manipulation and advanced typographic tweaks.

41How to add a Connected Stroke Around Multiple Shapes▾

Explains creating continuous strokes that wrap or connect across several shapes.

42How to Offset a Stroke with Text▾

Shows offsetting strokes on text for outlined and layered typographic effects.

43How to make a Bar Chart in Illustrator▾

Demonstrates building and styling bar charts natively within Illustrator.

44How to make a Pie Chart in Illustrator▾

Covers creating and customizing pie charts and legend elements for documents.

45Layer Power Moves▾

Teaches layer-management techniques to keep complex files organized and editable.

46Advanced Artboard & Pages Tricks▾

Explains using artboards and multi-page setups for multi-output projects.

47How to Unlink vs Embedded Images▾

Discusses pros and cons of linked versus embedded images and when to use each.

48How to Crop Images Rather than Mask▾

Shows methods to crop raster imagery directly and compare to masking workflows.

49How to Mask Inside Text & Multiple Shapes▾

Demonstrates masking techniques that place imagery or gradients inside text and shapes.

50How to you use the Puppet Warp Tool▾

Explains Puppet Warp controls for subtle deformation and character posing of vector artwork.

51How to use the Distort Envelope Shape & Type▾

Covers envelope distortions applied to shapes and text for stylized transformations.

52How to use the Envelope Mesh▾

Demonstrates using envelope meshes to warp complex artwork with mesh points and handles.

53How to blend lines together▾

Shows Blend tool techniques for constructing smooth interpolations between paths.

54How to make a Linocut Effect▾

Demonstrates steps to emulate linocut and relief-print aesthetics in vector form.

55How to make 3D Gradient Lettering Blends▾

Shows combining gradients and 3D effects to produce dimensional typographic blends.

56How to spin text into a ring▾

Demonstrates text-on-path and transformation techniques to arrange type into circular forms.

57How to turn text into a 3D donut shape▾

Covers 3D extrusion and text-warping methods to create toroidal text effects.

58How to make a Duotone image effect▾

Shows producing duotone looks and controlling tonal mappings for stylistic imagery.

59How to make a Roughen Stamp Vector Effect▾

Demonstrates roughen and stamp techniques to create distressed vector textures.

60How to make a Neon Sign Glow Effect▾

Shows layering, glows, and gradients to simulate neon sign lighting effects.

61How to use a Halftone Effect using Plugins▾

Demonstrates producing halftone textures using plugin tools for stylized print looks.

62Advanced Exporting Assets Tricks in Illustrator▾

Covers exporting strategies and asset preparation for multiple platforms and formats.

63How to use the Dimension Tool▾

Introduces the Dimension tool and techniques for creating measured diagrams and callouts.

Audience & Requirements

This course targets creative practitioners who already have a basic working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and want to level up to advanced techniques and production workflows. It is appropriate for self-taught users, graduates of an Illustrator essentials course, and designers seeking faster, more versatile vector workflows for portfolio and client work.

Who It’s For
  • Illustrators with basic Illustrator experience who need advanced tool and workflow mastery.
  • Self-taught creatives seeking structured advanced techniques and shortcuts.
  • Graduates of Illustrator Essentials courses aiming to expand their skillset.
  • Design professionals wanting faster production methods and portfolio-ready effects.
What You’ll Need
  • A licensed or trial copy of Adobe Illustrator compatible with the course exercises.
  • Basic Illustrator familiarity (navigation, selection, basic drawing and paths).
  • Recommended: prior completion of an Illustrator Essentials course or equivalent hands-on experience.

Note: The syllabus covers many specialized, advanced topics; learners with only minimal exposure to Illustrator should complete foundational training first to get the most from this course.

Final Verdict

This course is a solid choice for intermediate Illustrator users focused on practical, portfolio-oriented skills rather than formal credentials. The focused, advanced syllabus and generally strong reviews suggest it reliably teaches time-saving workflows and creative effects you can apply immediately.

If you already use the host platform, the subscription access model makes this an efficient way to level up; if you need a verified certificate or are a complete novice, prioritize a course that offers accreditation or foundational training first.

Course Details

Platform Skillshare
Rating (4.6)
Duration 2h
Level Intermediate
Language English
Price Included with subscription
View on Skillshare