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Graphics & Design

Adobe Illustrator — Vector Mastery

Move from doodles to deliverables that pay.

Duration
8 weeks
Format
3 studio sessions per week + 1-on-1 critique on Saturdays
Track type
Cohort
Open seats
Next cohort soon

About this course

Why students take this

Illustrator is the difference between "I can make graphics" and "I can build a brand identity". This cohort is for designers ready to own the vector workflow — logos, icon sets, illustrations, packaging.

We don't skip the fundamentals: pen tool fluency first, then Pathfinder, then complex illustration. By week 8 you'll have a portfolio of three brand identities you actually designed.

Course modules

  • Pen tool mastery — until it's muscle memory
  • Logo design: research, sketch, vector, present
  • Brand systems: type, colour, application, guidelines
  • Illustration: characters, scenes, editorial
  • Packaging + print: dielines, mockups, file delivery

Outcomes

What you’ll walk away with

Every outcome below is something a graduate can demonstrate on the last day of class — not a vague promise.

  • 01

    Design polished social posts, brand kits, and UI mockups

  • 02

    Build a curated portfolio across 5+ real briefs

  • 03

    Win freelance clients on Fiverr / Upwork / direct outreach

Syllabus

How the 8 weeks actually unfold

We move in deliberate phases. Each one builds on the last, so by week 8you’re working on real briefs — not still typing your first hello-world.

  1. W1

    Vector mental model

    Why vectors, anchors, paths, Bezier.

    You can…
    • Explain why vectors scale infinitely
    • Draw clean paths with the pen tool
    • Clean up messy paths
  2. W2

    Pen tool fluency

    Drill until it's muscle memory.

    You can…
    • Trace any shape with confidence
    • Adjust handles for smooth curves
    • Use keyboard shortcuts
  3. W3

    Pathfinder + Shape Builder

    Combining and subtracting shapes.

    You can…
    • Build complex shapes from primitives
    • Use Pathfinder vs Shape Builder appropriately
    • Keep editable, non-destructive shapes
  4. W4

    Logo design — process

    Research, sketch, vector, refine, present.

    You can…
    • Run a full logo design from brief to delivery
    • Present options to clients
    • Finalise + hand off files
  5. W5

    Brand identity systems

    Type, colour, application, guidelines.

    You can…
    • Build a brand identity guide
    • Create consistent design systems
    • Deliver guidelines clients can use
  6. W6

    Illustration

    Character + scene illustration basics.

    You can…
    • Illustrate characters with personality
    • Compose scenes with mood + lighting
    • Work with limited palettes
  7. W7

    Packaging + dielines

    Print-ready packaging design.

    You can…
    • Read + design from a dieline
    • Mock up packaging realistically
    • Deliver to a packaging printer
  8. W8

    Portfolio + Behance launch

    Curate work + launch.

    You can…
    • Curate 10 brand identity pieces
    • Write case study copy
    • Launch a Behance profile

Who this is for

A great fit if you’re…

  • Creatives who want to monetize their eye for design
  • Marketers tired of waiting on a designer
  • Anyone who wants to brand their own business

Tools you’ll use

The stack you’ll get fluent in

  • Adobe Creative Suite or Figma
  • Canva Pro
  • Behance / Dribbble portfolio setup

Format: 3 studio sessions per week + 1-on-1 critique on Saturdays.

FAQ

Questions students ask before joining

Do I need to know how to draw?+

Not at all. We focus on systems, layout, and tooling — drawing is optional.

Do I need Adobe?+

We provide Adobe lab access during class. Outside class, the free trial covers your first month.

Will I get paying clients?+

We coach you through real freelance outreach in the last 3 weeks.

Can I switch design tools?+

Yes. We teach concepts that transfer between Figma, Adobe, Sketch, and others.

Next step

4-minute application. Quote in 24 hours.

Tell us about your background and goals. We’ll send the syllabus, fee plan, and a cohort that fits.

Apply for Adobe Illustrator — Vector Mastery