Does Illustrator take a while to learn?

[designs216]

It has vast capabilities like Photoshop. Key commands from other Adobe apps don't always carry over either but if you're familiar with other CS programs it helps you learn Illustrator. I've found Adobe's Classroom In A Book series very helpful. The books specialize in hands-on exercises that allow one to become familiar with the most widely used features. If you're diligent, you could probably gain basic proficiency over a long weekend.

 

[Oracle1729]

I've been using photoshop for many years and recently started using indesign which I picked up quickly and found to be a pleasure from the start. I usually pick up new software quickly I bought some decorations in illustrator format this week and ran it for the first time. I'm shocked how hard it is to use. I can't even select a decoration and copy it to a new document. I'm about ready to just rasterize the whole sheet and use PS to get the job done (but I am creating what should be vector art anyway). Obviously I have a lot to learn, but how can selecting an object be that hard? I eventually used the lasso selection and when I pasted it the colour was converted to a flat grey with even the cut out whitespace the same solid grey.

Anyway, not really asking any questions since I need to go do some reading, but I find the learning curve on illustrator to just be unbelievable.

 

[primalman]

Buy this book

http://www.amazon.com/Vector-Basic-Training-Systematic-Precision/dp/0321749596

 

[supaman]

It will take longer than 4 hours.

his post was 6 years ago.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

It will take longer then an hour.

Best answer ever.

 

[kakalot8989]

I need to buy Adobe Illustrator for making band t-shirts. Is is a hard program to learn, or can it be somewhat mastered in < three weeks?

It is not too difficult. Within three weeks, I created a EURO 2016 LOGO.

That's fun

 

[mountain]

Depends how dedicated you are and if you're a fast learner.

 

[lucidmedia]

Mods should lock this thread. Originally posted in 2008 and brought back from the dead in 2013, 2014 and 2016... with no addition of useful information!

 

[sigmadog]

Eight years. I wonder if he has mastered Illustrator yet?

 

[vladi]

LOL!

Seriously Illustrator has absolutely the worst bezier tool out of all VGEs out there. Until you try some CAD or VFX compositing software you will have no idea how poor Pen tool is in Illustrator. I feel bad for everyone that has to use AI for something complex.

 

[an-other]

I've found the tools aren't the issue. You have to have innate artistic talent....

 

[mildocjr]

A great website for learning how to use the Bezier tool http://bezier.method.ac/

Honestly, I'd start off with Inkscape on Linux or Windows (Mac is fine but requires X11 which no longer ships with macOS)

Inkscape will give you a pretty good rundown of vector art design with much of the same power as you'd have with Illustrator. I personally dropped Adobe products for Affinity Photo (Photoshop) and Designer(Illustrator). They've been good to me so far and I really like the layout in comparison to their alternatives. They are $50 each which is why I suggest going with the free Inkscape.

 

[cebritt]

I need to buy Adobe Illustrator for making band t-shirts. Is is a hard program to learn, or can it be somewhat mastered in < three weeks?

I find it easier to use than Photoshop because it handles text MUCH better than PS. For t-shirt art, I think you'll enjoy it. IMHO, it's easier to learn than Freehand.

BTW, did you heard that Adobe bought Freehand and they're going to merge it into Illustrator? They're going to christen the new program Frustrator. ;^)