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Description

Illustrator: Drawing, Colouring and Preparing Files for Print

Three days to design a logo that stays sharp at any size and reaches the printer without errors

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

The company logo exists only as a flattened image. As soon as it has to be enlarged on a signage panel, the edges pixelate. Icons have been collected as needs arose and share neither the same stroke weight nor the same palette. Every new variation goes back out to a supplier for a few minutes of work.

These 21 hours are devoted to vector drawing. Participants build shapes from paths they control, then assemble them using shape combination functions. They work on colour and outlined typography before moving on to preparing files for print and for screen. A logo and its variations serve as the common thread throughout.

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish between the uses of vector drawing and raster imaging
  • Build a precise shape using the drawing tools and the pen tool
  • Combine shapes to obtain a consistent icon
  • Apply a controlled swatch palette and gradients to a set of objects
  • Prepare a vector file for print and for screen

What makes this programme different

A logo redrawn and then adapted into a monochrome version and a reduced-size version
Pen tool work practised through repetition until clean curves are achieved
Export settings tested for textile printing and for a website

Programme

1Workspace and Basic Paths

Understanding vectors

  • Difference between a raster image and a vector object
  • Artboards, layers and document organisation
  • Geometric shapes and transformation tools
  • Alignment, distribution and precise duplication

2The Pen Tool and Curves

Mastering anchor points

  • Straight anchor points and curved anchor points
  • Handling direction handles and curve continuity
  • Reworking and simplifying an existing path
  • Tracing an imported drawing

3Assembly and Shape Building

Composing through combination

  • Shape combination functions
  • Offset path and expanded strokes
  • Reusable patterns and symbols
  • Building an icon on a grid

4Colour and Typography

Giving the visual its personality

  • Global swatches and colour modes according to the intended output
  • Gradients and transparency
  • Text formatting and converting fonts to outlines
  • Effects applied without destroying the path

5Finalisation and Export

Delivering a usable file

  • Checking paths and fonts before delivery
  • Exchange formats for print and for web
  • Bleeds and crop marks
  • Naming and archiving logo versions

Who is it for

Junior graphic designers, communication officers, marketing assistants and independent professionals who produce their own visuals.

Prerequisites

Confident use of a computer environment and file handling.

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.