Set Up & Intro to Illustrator

Introduction

Welcome to MAD9010, Graphic Technologies. In this design course, we are going to explorer fundamental design concepts and learn the fun and useful tools to help you design graphics and interfaces.

To have a smooth start:

• Download and install the Adobe Creative Cloud as well as the following programs:
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Xd
• Ensure all tools are ready for the course this week
• Review Course Policies
• Professor Contact Info

Installing Adobe Creative Cloud

For more information, visit the Algonquin College Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Adobe installation guide for more information.

Step 1: Request a license for Adobe Creative Cloud

To request a license for Adobe Creative Cloud, send an email to ITS at 5555@algonquincollege.com or call the ITS Service Desk at ext. 5555.

We ask that you provide the following information:

1. First and last name
2. Student number
3. Algonquin College email address
4. Which program you are enrolled in

Your request will take up to two (2) business days for the license to be assigned to you, so make sure to do this right away to avoid not having access to the software during class.

Once the request is processed, you will receive an email notification from Adobe to your college email.

Step 2: Creating Your Adobe ID or Sign-in to an Existing Account

Open the email you received from Adobe and click “Get Started”. You will be redirected to the Adobe website.

If you do not have an Adobe account:

1. Click Create an Adobe ID
2. Fill in the required information. Note: Use your Algonquin College email address for your Adobe ID
3. Read and accept the terms
4. If prompted, log in to your newly created account

If you do have an Adobe account, log into it now.

Step 3: Installing the Desktop Application & Software

1. Visit the Creative Cloud Download webpage
2. The Creative Cloud installer should automatically prompt to download, or download automatically
3. Run/open the Creative Cloud installer and follow the prompts
4. Once installed, the program should open. If it doesn’t, look for the Creative Cloud icon in your taskbar and double click it to open
5. Log into your Adobe account if prompted
6. Navigate to the All Apps tab in the application
7. Click Install on any programs you wish to install on your computer

You can install the Creative Cloud Application on as many computers as you wish, but can only run Adobe software concurrently on two computers at a time.

Intro to Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based illustration program. What does that mean?

• A vector image is an image created using anchor points (or coordinates) and paths to draw shapes
• Vector images are infinitely scalable, allowing them to be rendered on a web page or printed at any size without losing quality

Adobe Illustrator is considered the industry standard for vector based illustration programs.

Illustrator Resources

• Illustrator Toolbar Chart
• Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts
• Tool Galleries