GETTING STARTED

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Download our ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES + RESOURCES to Follow Along with our Tutorials or use them with Your Own Vector Artwork.

FOCUS: Our Getting Started Guide will walk you through the process of downloading, saving, and gathering resources. LEARNING TARGET (1): Bookmark Resource Links or Webpages to a Folder in your Internet Browser for Quick Access.  LEARNING TARGET (2): Download Resource Images, Color Swatches, and Font Families to use with your own artwork and designs.
TUTORIALS: I have organized tutorials by core areas of your Workflow: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand the Building Tools and Options. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of downloading, saving, and gathering resources for your own artwork.  LEARNING TARGET (1): Download Stock Photos to use as a Resource Images. LEARNING TARGET (2): Download and Save Brush Libraries. LEARNING TARGET (3): Download or Save Color Swatches.
BUILDING ARTBOARD: I recommend establishing an Artboard that you can use for all of your artwork. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Create a "Building Template" that includes Artboards and Template Layers.
RESOURCE IMAGE: If you are a Beginner, I am going to recommend starting from a Resource Image. Give yourself a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Start with the Resource you intend on using for your artwork (Sketch, Drawing, or Traced Stock Photo).
TEMPLATE LAYER: Have your Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Photo Selected. In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create 50% Opacity and Lock the Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Create a Template Layer so you can see the Resource Image and new Paths.
RESOURCE IMAGES: Use your own stock photo, traced photo, drawing, or sketch. If you are new, I recommend creating a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Download Stock Photos to use for your artwork and designs.
COLOR SWATCHES: I highly recommend using Adobe Color for your Themes to add to your Library or download ASE Files. In most tutorials, we will be applying Flat Colors using Live Paint. LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Color Themes to use with your own artwork and designs.
FONT FAMILIES: I recommend using Adobe Fonts for Commercial Use. If you are New, look for Font Families to use for your Primary Business or Marketing (Headers + Sub Headers). LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Fonts to use with your own artwork and designs. 
RESOURCE IMAGES: If you are a Beginner, I am going to recommend not starting from a Blank Artboard. Give yourself a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Download Stock Photos to use for your artwork and designs.
BRUSH LIBRARIES: Many of our Tutorials will go through a process of applying and editing our Brush Libraries. Brush Libraries will come as Zipped Folders, Extract All before using in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Download Brush Libraries to use with your own artwork or designs.
COLOR SWATCHES: I highly recommend using Adobe Color for your Themes to add to your Library or download ASE Files. In most tutorials, we will be applying Flat Colors using Live Paint. LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Color Themes to use with your own artwork and designs.
FOCUS: I have organized tutorials by core areas of your Workflow: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand the Building Tools and Options. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
"BUILDING" ARTBOARD: I recommend establishing a "Standardized Approach" that you can use for your own artwork. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Create a "Building Template" that includes Artboards, Resources, and Template Layers.
DOWNLOAD RESOURCES: If you are a Beginner, I am going to recommend starting from a Resource Image. Give yourself a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Start with the Resource you intend on using for your artwork (Sketch, Drawing, or Traced Stock Photo).
TEMPLATE LAYER: Have your Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Photo Selected. In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create 50% Opacity and Lock the Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Create a Template Layer so you can see the Resource Image and new Paths.
RESOURCE IMAGES: If you are a Beginner, I am going to recommend starting from a Resource Image. Give yourself a "Traceable Path" by using a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET: Download Resource Images to use for your artwork and designs.
COLOR SWATCHES: I highly recommend using Adobe Color for your Themes to add to your Library or download .ASE Files to Open. In most Tutorials, we will be applying Flat Colors using Live Paint. LEARNING TARGET: Download or Save Color Themes to use with your own artwork and designs.
BRUSH LIBRARIES: Many of our Tutorials will go through a process of applying and editing our Brush Libraries. Brush Libraries will come as Zipped Folders, Extract All before using in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET: Download Brush Libraries to use with your own artwork or designs.
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PRIMARY BUILDING: Understand and Apply the different Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.  VIEW BUILDING TUTORIALS

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    VARIATION + EDITING: Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW EDITING TUTORIALS

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      ADVANCED COLORING: Understand and Apply Live Paint and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. VIEW COLOR TUTORIALS

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        (PENCIL TOOL): Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator. I am going to recommend breaking down your current tablet workflow into multiple steps. I do see a lot of mistakes when people try to combine too many steps all at once with their new tablets. 

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          (ELLIPSE TOOL): A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. There are Beginner Guides for the Pen Tool and Tablet if you are new to the website or Adobe Illustrator. 

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            (PEN TOOL): If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps. The first step is to just apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line or path. The second step is to adjust the Curves with the Anchor Point Tool or Smooth Curve Button in the Control Panel. 

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              ARTBOARD: I will recommend a (1080px by 1080px, 300PPI, RGB) as your Initial or Base Artboard Size. The Initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Use the Properties Panel to Scale Artwork and Artboards. LEARNING TARGET (1): Create a "Building Template" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Images, and Template Layers. LEARNING TARGET (2): Pick a "Building" Artboard Size you can use for your own Artwork and Social Media Postings. Example: Instagram uses 1080px as its base size to modify for Landscape, Square, or Portrait.
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              GENERAL PREFERENCES: All of our initial preferences are designed to gain more control over what you are clicking on. The more you can zoom in and see your anchors and handles the better. You can adjust the size of your Anchors and Handles under Selection and Anchor Display. Under your General Settings, make sure that Disable Auto Add/Delete is Selected.
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              SELECTION TOOLS: The Direct Selection Tool can grab and adjust the Anchors, Handles, and Paths. It is worth having your Smart Guides Path Labels Turned On so you know what the tool is selecting before dragging. The Selection Tool will move and select objects. I like using the Bounding Box for my Transform Tools, Turn On under View. I recommend this for Quick Scaling.
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              COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
              BOOKMARK PAGES: We will use Free Stock Photos, Color Swatches, and Fonts for our Beginner Tutorials, YouTube Playlists, Courses, and Programs. LEARNING TARGET (1): Bookmark Free Resource Links or Webpages to a Folder in your Internet Browser for Quick Access. LEARNING TARGET (2): As I am creating my artwork, pay attention to the resources being used throughout the Workflow.
              FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
              beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
              COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
              beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
              LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
              beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
              KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.
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              STOCK PHOTOS: For your artwork, type the Subject Matter into the Search Bar. I recommend finding different stock photos for design, character, and color references. Open each link in a New Tab. Bookmark each Website for Free Stock Photos.  Download Free Stock Photos for your Designs, Drawings, and Sketches. UNSPLASH / PEXELS / PIXABAY
              WELCOME. Welcome to our website if you are a visitor or a new subscriber. My name is Jason and I am an Illustrator and Teacher (BFA). (Nerd Alert) My Master's Degree is in Education, specifically in Curriculum and Instruction. We have (100+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
              DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
              GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
              BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, start with Beginner Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
              ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
              Image
              PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
              Image
              TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
              Image
              Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (It will usually be your only layer). In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
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              PHOTO REFERENCES: For your own artwork, look for photos to use as drawing, design, or color references. I recommend gathering and organizing images based on the same subject matter for your character or logo designs. LEARNING TARGET (1): For your own artwork, start from a Drawing, Sketch, or Traced Stock Photo. 
              WELCOME. Welcome to our website if you are a visitor or a new subscriber. My name is Jason and I am an Illustrator and Teacher (BFA). (Nerd Alert) My Master's Degree is in Education, specifically in Curriculum and Instruction. We have (100+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
              DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
              GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
              BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, start with Beginner Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
              ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
              Image
              PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
              Image
              TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
              Image
              Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (It will usually be your only layer). In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
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              DRAWING TEMPLATE: I have created a Drawing Template of 2160px by 1080px in Adobe Photoshop. This will allow me to Export my Drawing or Sketch from Layers at 1080px by 1080px. I have created a Frame of 1080px by 1080px. File - Place in your Photo Reference. You can add Adjustment Layers to assist your drawings and sketches. LEARNING TARGET (1): Create a New Document 2160px by 1080px. LEARNING TARGET (2): Add Adjustment Layers to your Photo Layer. 
              WELCOME. Welcome to our website if you are a visitor or a new subscriber. My name is Jason and I am an Illustrator and Teacher (BFA). (Nerd Alert) My Master's Degree is in Education, specifically in Curriculum and Instruction. We have (100+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
              DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
              GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
              BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, start with Beginner Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
              ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
              Image
              PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
              Image
              TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
              Image
              Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (It will usually be your only layer). In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              DRAWING OR TRACED PHOTO: The easiest starting point for Adobe Illustrator is a Clean Line Drawing or Traced Stock Photo. LEARNING TARGET (1): For your artwork, create a "Traceable Path" to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET (2): As you become more advanced, prepare your drawings for Specific Tools or Steps in your Workflow (ex. Pen Tool, Blend Tool, Repeat-Mirror, or Values).
              WELCOME. Welcome to our website if you are a visitor or a new subscriber. My name is Jason and I am an Illustrator and Teacher (BFA). (Nerd Alert) My Master's Degree is in Education, specifically in Curriculum and Instruction. We have (100+) Tutorials, Challenges, and Guides for you to Learn Adobe Illustrator.
              DOWNLOADS: Many of you are jumping over from YouTube looking to download our Adobe Illustrator Cartoon, Comic Strip, and Mascot Brushes. Digital Downloads will come to you through our friends at Teachable. Learning Target: Download and Extract Brush Libraries and save to your "User Defined" for quick access.
              GETTING STARTED: Our Getting Started Guides will walk you through the process of creating templates and gathering resources for your own artwork. LEARNING TARGET: Download Photo References, Brush Libraries, and Color Swatches for your own Artwork and Designs. 
              BEGINNER GUIDES: Many of our tutorials will follow an easy process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, start with Beginner Tutorials or Primary Building Tools.  LEARNING TARGET: Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
              ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Focus on the Sequence of Events as it relates to building a Workflow. I recommend establishing an "Initial Workflow" based on ease of use. Learning Target: Apply the Building Tools, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              SKETCH: For those of you looking to use a Sketch or Drawing, I will recommend a Clean Line Drawing. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, align your Basic Design Elements (Shapes + Lines) with the Primary Building Tools. 
              Image
              PHOTO: For those of you using a Photo Reference, it's important to make sure the details are still visible after creating a template layer or adjusting the opacity. Find a Template Layer Setting where you can still see the Photo and Paths.
              Image
              TRACE: For those of you looking to use a Photo Reference, I will still recommend doing a simple Trace. A Clean Line Drawing will give you a “Traceable Path” to align with the Building Tools in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              New Artboards: I recommend establishing a "Building Artboard" that you can use for your own artwork. A habit that I would like you to break is treating Adobe Illustrator like Photoshop. The initial Artboard Size can be changed at any point without ruining your own artwork. Pick the size you will use most frequently to establish a routine while learning. Example: 1080px by 1080px - RGB - 300 PPI. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a "Standardized Approach" that includes Artboard Size, Resource Type, and Template Layers that will relate to your own artwork.
              Image
              Template Layer: Have your Resource Layer Selected. (It will usually be your only layer). In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start working in Adobe Illustrator. It will give you an error message (no sign) if you try to draw on the Template Layer. LEARNING TARGET: Establish a Template Layer Setting so that you can see the Reference Image while not becoming too distracting when building in Adobe Illustrator.
              Image
              TEMPLATE LAYER: File-Place in your Resource Image (Traced Stock Photo, Drawing, or Sketch). Scale to Fit Artboard Size. In your Layers Panel, select the Menu in the Upper-Right Hand Corner. Drop down to Template. This will create a 50% Opacity and Lockout the Layer. Create a New Layer above to start working in Adobe Illustrator. LEARNING TARGET (1): Create a Template Layer. Add a new Layer above for "Building." 
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              ELLIPSE TOOL: A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2, TUTORIAL 3

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                PENCIL TOOL: Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator and are potentially on our Pug Challenge. I am going to highly recommend using the Pencil Tool as your Primary Building Tool using a Tablet. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2

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                  PEN TOOL: If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps for Anchor Points and Curves. The first step is to apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2, TUTORIAL 3

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                    (PENCIL TOOL): Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator. I am going to recommend breaking down your current tablet workflow into multiple steps. I do see a lot of mistakes when people try to combine too many steps all at once with their new tablets. 

                      Image

                      (ELLIPSE TOOL): A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. There are Beginner Guides for the Pen Tool and Tablet if you are new to the website or Adobe Illustrator. 

                        Image

                        (PEN TOOL): If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps. The first step is to just apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line or path. The second step is to adjust the Curves with the Anchor Point Tool or Smooth Curve Button in the Control Panel. 

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                          PRIMARY BUILDING: Many of you will be using Shapes, Pencil, and Pen Tools as your Primary Building Tools. As I am creating my artwork, notice I am aligning the Tools to the Shapes and Lines within my Drawing. For your own artwork, look at your Resource Image, Drawing, or Sketch for obvious Shapes or Lines to align with the Building Tools. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand the Building Tool and Options in Adobe Illustrator.
                          FOCUS: Many of you will be deciding between Shapes, Pencil, and Pen Tools as your Primary Building Tool. I have already organized tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                          beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                          beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                          beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                          Image

                          (ELLIPSE TOOL): A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. There are Beginner Guides for the Pen Tool and Tablet if you are new to the website or Adobe Illustrator. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2, TUTORIAL 3

                            Image

                            (PENCIL TOOL): Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator. I am going to recommend breaking down your current tablet workflow into multiple steps. I do see a lot of mistakes when people try to combine too many steps all at once with their new tablets. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2

                              Image

                              (PEN TOOL): If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps. The first step is to just apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line or path. The second step is to adjust the Curves with the Anchor Point Tool or Smooth Curve Button in the Control Panel. TUTORIAL 1, TUTORIAL 2, TUTORIAL 3

                                Image

                                PENCIL TOOL: Many of you are looking to use your Tablet with Adobe Illustrator. I am going to recommend breaking down your current tablet workflow into multiple steps. I do see a lot of mistakes when people try to combine too many steps all at once with their new tablets. 

                                  Image

                                  ELLIPSE TOOL: A good place to start if you are new to Adobe Illustrator is our Beginner Guide (Shapes). We will be going through Building with Shapes, Align Panel, Pathfinder, and Basic Color Fills. There are Beginner Guides for the Pen Tool and Tablet if you are new to the website or Adobe Illustrator. 

                                    Image

                                    PEN TOOL: If you are frustrated with the Pen Tool, a simple tip is to break down the process into 2 Steps. The first step is to just apply Anchor Points to the start-curve-end of a line or path. The second step is to adjust the Curves with the Anchor Point Tool or Smooth Curve Button in the Control Panel. 

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                                      LINE VARIATION + EDITING: Many of you will be applying our Adobe Illustrator Brush Libraries. If you are new to Adobe Illustrator, we will be going through how to apply and edit Brushes using the Eraser and Shape Builder Tools. LEARNING TARGET (2): Understand and Apply Live and Expanded Editing Tools in Adobe Illustrator.

                                      DOWNLOAD BRUSHES: Brushes are my go-to brushes for Professional Logos, Cartoons, Mascots, and Branding. Brush Libraries will come as Zipped Folders through our friends at Teachable. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Folders, the Brushes are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Download our Updated 70 Cartoon, 100 Comic Strip, and 50 Vintage Mascot Brushes. DOWNLOAD BRUSHES / DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

                                      FOCUS: Many of our tutorials follow a beginner process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our Website Tutorials based on Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Understand and Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      LIVE EDITING: While you are building in Adobe Illustrator, you can use the “Live” Editing Tools to Cut and Edit Paths. Some of the basic tools will be the Scissor Tool, Path Eraser, or Shape Builder. I do recommend going long with your initial Paths.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      VARIATION: Many of you will be applying our Brush Libraries. To Open Brushes, open the Brushes Panel. Click on Open Brush Library. Scroll down to “Other Library.” Select one of the Brush Libraries to apply. If you saved Brushes, you can Open from “User Defined.”
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      EXPANDED EDITING: After completing the Line Variation, I will recommend keeping the “Live” Layer from future Editing. Duplicate and Lock Out. We will be Expanding this New Layer to use with Shape Builder for Fast Editing. Hold down Alt/Option while Editing.
                                      Image
                                      Image
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Adobe Color has a beautiful website that is full of Free Color Swatches and Themes. I recommend starting by typing in the Subject Matter using the Explore Tab. You can also use the Extract Theme feature on Adobe Color or Canva to create a Color Theme based on your Photo Reference. Open each link in a New Tab. Bookmark these Websites for Free Color Swatches. Add the Color Themes to your Library (CC) or download them as ASE files. ADOBE COLOR / COLORKIT / CANVA
                                      FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.
                                      Image
                                      Image
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      EXTRACT THEME: When looking for Stock Photos for your artwork, look for Images you can use as Color References. You can upload your Photo to create a New Theme by using the Extract Theme Tab. Save to your Library or download it as an ASE File. Add the Color Themes to your Library (CC) or download them as ASE files.
                                      FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.
                                      Image
                                      Image
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      SAVING + OPENING: If you have CC, simply click Add To Library. I recommend creating a Color Swatches Folder as a New Group. If you don't have CC, download Color Swatches as an ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option in the Color Swatches Panel. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. In the Beginner Tutorials, will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (1): Save or Download Color Swatches for your own artwork and designs. LEARNING TARGET (2): Open through the Swatches Panel or Library. 
                                      FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.
                                      Image
                                      Image
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      LIVE PAINT: In our Beginner to Advanced Coloring Tutorials, we will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer before moving on to Values and Gradients. LEARNING TARGET: Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques to your own artwork or designs.
                                      FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.
                                      Image
                                      Image
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      FONTS: If you have CC, Fonts can be easily downloaded or installed from Adobe Fonts. I recommend installing some of the new Variable Fonts. Here are some Font Sites that I have used in the past. Check the Free Fonts Sites for Personal Use or Commercial Use Restrictions. Open each link in a New Tab. Bookmark these Websites for Free Fonts. Download or Save Fonts for your own artwork and designs.  ADOBE FONTS / DAFONT FREE FONTS / FONT SQUIRREL FREE FONTS / GOOGLE FREE FONTS
                                      FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.
                                      Image
                                      Image
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save free swatches from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Libraries from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      RESOURCE GUIDES: Digital Downloads will come as Zipped Folders. Once you have Downloaded and Extracted the Resource Folders, they are ready to be used in Adobe Illustrator. Follow along with our Resource Guides and Tutorials to learn how to Apply Brushes + Halftones + Textures. BRUSHES GUIDE / HALFTONES GUIDE / TEXTURES GUIDE
                                      FOCUS: Our Adobe Illustrator Tutorials will follow a process for creating artwork in Adobe Illustrator. I have already organized our tutorials based on Workflow Units: Building, Editing, and Coloring. LEARNING TARGET (1): Apply the Building Tools to your own Drawing or Sketch. LEARNING TARGET (2): Apply Line Variation along with Live and Expanded Editing Tools. LEARNING TARGET (3): Apply Color, Values, and Gradients using Advanced Coloring Techniques.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      COLOR SWATCHES: Use Color Swatches from your Library or save them from Adobe Color as an .ASE File. Open Swatch Library from the “Other Library” Option. Most Color Themes will use Hues as the Base Color. We will be using Live Paint to create our Basic Fills or Flat Color Layer.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      LIVE PAINT: Coloring will be extremely easy using Live Paint Bucket. The goal of Live Paint is to create Shapes that we can color using Fills. Once you have completed the Live Paint Group, it is important to Expand and Upgroup. We will leverage these shapes for our Values and Gradients.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      KNIFE TOOL: After using Live Paint, Expand and Ungroup. Use a Duplicated Flat Color Layer for your Value Layers. The Knife Tool will cut Shapes. I recommend cutting out all of the shapes first before deleting them. You can use this technique for Highlights, Shadows, or Cast Shadows.

                                      BEGINNER GUIDES

                                      ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIALS: Tutorials and Playlists will focus on Building Tools, Applying Brushes, Editing Options, and Advanced Coloring Techniques in Adobe Illustrator. Learning Target (1): Understand the Primary Building Tools and Options in Adobe Illustrator. Learning Target (2): Apply the Building, Editing, and Coloring Tools using your own artwork.
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial pug
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial whale
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial posicle
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE 
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial duck
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building and Coloring Methods using Shapes. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Coloring Methods using Shapes. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial duck
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building and Coloring Methods using Shapes. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                      BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, Editing, and Basic Coloring Methods. VIEW BEGINNER GUIDE
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial duck
                                      BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, Editing, and Basic Coloring Methods. VIEW DUCK TUTORIAL
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial snail
                                      BEGINNER: Understand Building, Variation, and Expanded Editing Methods. VIEW SNAIL TUTORIAL
                                      beginner adobe illustrator tutorial ice cream
                                      BEGINNER: Understand the Building, Variation, and Advanced Coloring Methods. VIEW CAT TUTORIAL
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                                      TUTORIALS + GUIDES

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                                      I appreciate your videos. I have been an illustrator user for years and have my own ways of doing things. It's great to see other ways of using tools and learning tricks I didn't know were available! It's also good to see you doing the same thing as me in other instances, confirming I'm on the right track!Andy Zenz
                                      Awesome tutorial! I don't think I've picked up something so easily from someone who knows what they are doing. I managed to draw my first vector art and it was a joy! Great work keep it up!blitz145
                                      Thank you loads! Compared to other tutorials, yours are just really well-explained and easy-to-follow. Can totally see that you've got a passion for what you're doing and that's just wonderful! 🙂 Keep it up, you're doing an amazing job. Yulia Kachurova
                                      Love your video thanks so much. you blow Lynda.com out of the water!!!!Steve Yensel
                                      Brilliant video. So much great info packed in here. I'm just getting started drawing cartoons with my Wacom tablet, and this was a huge help. Thumbs up and thanks!Dorian Staten
                                      Wow Thanks Jason...was really struggling with making images with basic shapes. Your tutorial is helping me out!!Kishor Rajani
                                      thanks a lot you are really one of my favorites, I like the steps you give us, and I'm so thankful for that effort you do for helping us :)Wessam Lotfi
                                      Keep up the good work Jason. I’ve been doing Lynda.com tutorials for a few months now and I got more out of your videos than what I’ve received at Lynda. Keep it up and Thank You!!bobby jacobs • 1 year ago
                                      These tutorials are amazing. Just started using illustrator and really glad I found your channel. The only videos that explain everything step by stepAida Stan
                                      You are definitely one of the best teachers I've found dealing with start to finish creative process. Great work!!!Jasen Fisher
                                      Thank you so much man, I loved the way you explain this, I spent days looking for a good tutorial vid, thanks a lot, gonna keep watching your videos!!!Karel Marccenaro
                                      Awesome tutorial! I don't think I've picked up something so easily from someone who knows what they are doing. I managed to draw my first vector art and it was a joy! Great work keep it up!blitz145
                                      Thank you loads! Compared to other tutorials, yours are just really well-explained and easy-to-follow. Can totally see that you've got a passion for what you're doing and that's just wonderful! 🙂 Keep it up, you're doing an amazing job. Yulia Kachurova
                                      Love your video thanks so much. you blow Lynda.com out of the water!!!!Steve Yensel
                                      Brilliant video. So much great info packed in here. I'm just getting started drawing cartoons with my Wacom tablet, and this was a huge help. Thumbs up and thanks!Dorian Staten
                                      Keep up the good work Jason. I’ve been doing Lynda.com tutorials for a few months now and I got more out of your videos than what I’ve received at Lynda. Keep it up and Thank You!!bobby jacobs • 1 year ago
                                      These tutorials are amazing. Just started using illustrator and really glad I found your channel. The only videos that explain everything step by stepAida Stan
                                      You are definitely one of the best teachers I've found dealing with start to finish creative process. Great work!!!Jasen Fisher