1) Create a folder in your folder on the server and name it ILLUSTRATOR. Use this folder to store the files you will be creating from these online tutorials.
2) Watch the following tutorials and create the file suggested and save this in your Illustrator folder on the server
The PEN tool:
Watch the video and create a new file where you play around with the pen tool. Create 7-8 shapes using curved lines and straight lines using the Pen tool. Use different FILL and LINE colors. You must create shapes that LOOK like something and show that you have MASTERY using this tool. Save this file as pentool.ai (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZTj5YQxGLc)
Brush tool:
Watch the video and create a new file where you play around with the BRUSH tool. FIRST use the brush tool and PLAY with at least 8 different brushes. THEN use the BRUSH tool to "cartoon" a character. You must create a character that LOOKS like something and show that you have MASTERY using this tool. Save this file (with the brush strokes and your character) as brush.ai (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82zYvS3rNmM)
BLOB Brush tool:
Watch the video and create a new file where you try to create a cartoon figure (person or animal) using the brush and blob tools. Save this file as brushandblob.ai (http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-illustrator-cs4/using-the-blob-brush-tool/)
Live Paint:
You do not need to create the "Olympic Rings" like the instructor does in the video Just create some TRANSPARENT, overlapping shapes and use the live paint tool to change the fills and strokes. Save this file as livepaint.ai (http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-illustrator-cs4/getting-started-09-using-live-paint/ )
Gradients:
http://tv.adobe.com/watch/visual-design/working-with-gradients/
Create a new illustrator file. Create 4-5 shapes and fill them with a gradient fill. Save this file as gradient.ai
Extra info: Scaling and rotating:
http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1586v1006
1) Complete 2-4 tutorials from this page: http://ndesign-studio.com/tutorials
Save these in a folder called "tutorials" (ex. santahat.ai, glossybutton.ai)
2) Complete ONE tutorial from these pages: http://www.designyourway.net/blog/resources/tutorials/illustrator-tutorials/top-100-new-adobe-illustrator-tutorials/
or: http://www.noupe.com/tutorial/55-adobe-illustrator-icon-design-tutorials-2.html
1) Complete the "tracing" project from this site. Do NOT use a tutorial. Use the tools and skills you have to figure out the BEST way to illustrate ALL the details of a PHOTO.
http://ndesign-studio.com/tutorials/tracing-photo