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Description

Illustrator for Beginners: Vector Drawing, Colour and Export

Create logos, icons and vector illustrations that work equally well in print and on screen

  • 3 days — 21 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Rebuilding a low-resolution logo supplied by a third party, or redrawing an icon for every new format, wastes a considerable amount of time. Without solid vector drawing skills, visuals degrade as soon as they are enlarged, and files sent to the printer come back for correction time after time.

These three days cover Illustrator from the interface through to final export. Participants learn to build clean paths, manage colour and typography, and prepare files that meet the expectations of a print supplier or a web integration team. Every concept is applied to visuals produced during the session.

Learning objectives

  • Set up an Illustrator document suited to its final destination
  • Build precise vector paths using the pen tool and basic shapes
  • Combine objects using pathfinder and transformation tools
  • Apply consistent colours, gradients and swatch libraries
  • Format text and convert it to outlines before handover
  • Export files in the formats expected for print and web use

What makes this programme different

Each participant leaves with a logo and a set of icons drawn during the session
Files produced are checked before export exactly as a print supplier would
Shortcuts and workspace settings are configured within the first half-day

Programme

1Getting Started and Document Setup

Configuring the environment before drawing

  • Understanding the difference between vector and raster images
  • Creating a document and managing multiple artboards
  • Organising panels and saving a workspace
  • Using layers, guides and the grid
  • Saving and retrieving working versions

2Paths and Shapes

Drawing accurately rather than drawing a lot

  • Building basic shapes and reshaping them
  • Mastering the pen tool and anchor points
  • Editing a path with the direct selection tools
  • Combining and cutting objects with the pathfinder
  • Aligning, distributing and duplicating with precision

3Colour and Appearance

Keeping visuals consistent across media

  • Creating a brand swatch library and global colours
  • Applying strokes and adjusting their profile
  • Building and editing a gradient
  • Using the appearance panel and common effects
  • Understanding how colour mode affects the final result

4Type and Layout

Combining typography and drawing without breaking the file

  • Entering point type and area type
  • Adjusting tracking, kerning and leading
  • Placing text on a path
  • Converting text to outlines before handover
  • Creating custom lettering from existing characters

5File Preparation and Export

Delivering a file that does not come back from the printer

  • Checking paths, strokes and hidden objects
  • Managing bleed and safety margins
  • Placing and linking external images
  • Exporting in print-ready formats
  • Producing versions adapted to screen use

Who is it for

Administrative support staff, communication officers, junior graphic designers and anyone required to produce vector visuals for their organisation.

Prerequisites

Confident use of a computer and the ability to manage files.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.