18 Best Online Adobe Illustrator Courses (2025 Updated)

Last Updated on February, 2025

Adobe Illustrator is THE go-to platform for anyone wanting to create vector graphics. 

It is where YOU can also create logos and edit artwork like a pro graphic designer!

Not sure where to start?

Then you’re in the right place because, in this article, I will be going through the best Adobe Illustrator courses you can take to hone your graphic design skills.

From how much each course costs to what content they cover, this is your one-stop place to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator like a pro.

The Best Adobe Illustrator Courses

Here is a list of the 18 best courses to learn Adobe Illustrator. This list includes physical and online courses so you can find the best Illustrator courses regardless of your preferred medium!

Udemy

1. Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training Course

a screnshot of the adobe illustrator cc - essentials training course from udemy platform

Instructors: Phil Ebiner and Daniel Walter Scott

Course Content: 159 video lessons

Length: 21 hours and 12 minutes in total

Cost: $84.99 to purchase

Phil Ebiner and Daniel Walter Scott are giants in graphic design theory and editing, so you can rest assured that you will have an excellent learning experience with a lot of real-world applications. 

Phil Ebiner is experienced in film editing and teaches students to use all the Adobe Creative Cloud suite software. On the other hand, Daniel Walter Scott is a certified Adobe tutor with more than 14 years of experience. 

In this course, these two powerhouses come together to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Adobe Illustrator CC works. It’s one of the best Illustrator courses out there!

This Illustrator course comes with many downloadable resources that will help you practice what you learn, and it also provides you with a certificate upon completion.

Additionally, purchasing this Illustrator course means you will have lifetime access to it. Therefore, you’ll always be able to refer back to the course if your skills start to feel rusty.

It’s also aimed at total beginners, so you can expect to start from the ground up when learning Adobe Illustrator CC! 

Content Covered

  • How to navigate the Adobe Illustrator interface.
  • Drawing shapes and icons.
  • How to create patterns to simplify your design process.
  • Designing typography, curving text, and inserting images into text.
  • How to create graphics.
  • How to correctly export files.
  • Bring your designs to life using color, special effects, masking, and more.

2. Illustrator MasterClass

a screenshot of the illustrator 2022 masterclass from udemy platform

Instructor: Martin Perhiniak

Course Content: 114 video lessons

Length: 13 hours and 23 minutes in total

Cost: $99.99 to purchase

Martin Perhiniak is one of the Top 10 Adobe Instructors worldwide, known for simple and easy-to-follow instructions.

This comprehensive course is designed with beginner users and experienced graphic designers in mind. Even if you are a pro, you can still pick up a thing or two if you take this course!

You receive a certificate upon completion of this Illustrator course. You will also be able to access downloadable content you can use to hone your skills. Plus, purchasing the course will give you lifetime access.

However, something to be noted is that the software in this course may not be up to date on occasion.

Content Covered

  • How to use Adobe Illustrator professionally.
  • Using keyboard shortcuts to simplify the design process.
  • Create logos and graphics.
  • Turning photographs into vector graphics. 
  • Create artwork using vector graphics.
  • Designing infographics.
  • Creating, using, and manipulating type.

3. Adobe Illustrator CC | Intermediate Workshop Essentials

a screenshot of the adobe illustrator cc | intermediate | workshop | essentials from udemy platform

Instructor: Kate Silver

Course Content: 49 video lessons

Length: 3 hours and 50 minutes in total

Cost: $54.99 to purchase

Kate Silver is an experienced graphic designer and illustrator with over 15 years of expertise. Her numerous clients include Sony Music, Jimmy Choo, and Nespresso.

At the same time, her designs have made it into publications like The New York Times and Forbes.

This Illustrator course will help you develop expert insights to apply to real-world design projects.

It is best suited for people with a sound knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, but looking to take their design skills to the next level. Therefore, this course doesn’t take up time going over the basics of Adobe Illustrator; instead, it focuses more on design techniques and concepts.

Since this is a short Illustrator course, you can improve your skills in hours. You will also have lifetime access to this course, so you can always refer back to it when necessary.

Content Covered

  • Typography techniques and tips for making custom fonts.
  • Using color theory to create captivating designs.
  • Using the Pathfinder and the Shape Builder tool to create and manipulate shapes.
  • How to work with vector graphics and make the best use of the Pen tool.
  • Creating compelling visual design elements using layers, masks, and other approaches.

4. Adobe Illustrator CC- Advanced Training Course

a screenshot of the adobe illustrator cc – advanced training course from udemy platform

Instructor: Daniel Walter Scott

Course Content: 57 video lessons

Length: 9 hours and 28 minutes in total

Cost: $84.99 to purchase

This time, we have an advanced course on learning Adobe Illustrator brought to you by Daniel Walter Scott.

This course is not meant for beginners to the software as it is designed to provide advanced training to graphic designers to improve their workflow and productivity when creating. 

Participants learn many tips and tricks for creating great design projects in this project-based course.

Purchasing the course will give you lifetime access to it, and you can also access all the downloadable resources that come with it.

This course is best suited for people who are already familiar with Adobe Illustrator but are looking to improve their skills. 

Content Covered

  • How to work more efficiently on Adobe Illustrator.
  • Creating a variety of graphs and charts.
  • Creating animated GIFs.
  • Making 3D shapes and logos.
  • How to blend images.
  • Creating UI designs for apps and web use.
  • Testing color combinations and using gradient meshes.

Skillshare

1. Creating Trendy Abstract Patterns in Adobe Illustrator

a screenshot of the creating trendy abstract patterns in adobe illustrator from skillshare platform

Instructors: Evgeniya & Dominic Righini-Brand

Course Content: 16 video lessons

Length: 41 minutes in total

Cost: Available as part of a subscription plan for $2.00 per month (billed annually)

Using abstract patterns is an excellent way of bringing your design projects to life.

This Illustrator course equips you with all the design tools you need to start creating attention-grabbing designs of your own!

While this is a more niche course, beginner users will benefit significantly from it. It is a great starting point for your Adobe Illustrator journey.

An abstract surface pattern design created through Adobe Illustrator can be used on printed products, wrapping paper, web design, photo backdrops, and more! 

Content Covered

  • What approach should be taken when setting out to create an abstract pattern?
  • How to use essential tools such as the Pen, Smooth, and Shape tools to create patterns.
  • Creating both non-repeatable patterns and repeatable patterns.
  • Learn techniques for coloring and recoloring.
  • Saving pattern swatches and exporting artwork.

2. 3D Illustration: Creating Isometric Designs in Adobe Illustrator

a screenshot of the 3d illustration: creating isometric designs in adobe illustrator from skillshare platform

Instructors: DKNG Studios

Course Content: 13 video lessons

Length: 1 hour and 44 minutes in total

Cost: Available as part of a subscription plan for $2.00 per month (billed annually)

3D illustration is a cornerstone for all aspiring graphic designers, and this course will give you a comprehensive introduction to the practice. 

The DKNG studios’ design team will take you through designing an isometric city block, from the planning stage to adding the final touches.

Once you have mastered the skill of 3D illustration, you can use it in all types of projects, from logo designs to posters and branding. This course’s Illustrator training is perfect to help push your potential and take your skills to the next level. 

Content Covered

  • Understanding the principles of isometric illustration.
  • How to sketch your drawing using a printed grid.
  • How to use Adobe Illustrator tools to perfect your isometric designs.
  • How to customize your design project with colors and strokes.

3. Logo Design with Draplin: Secrets of Shape, Type, and Color

a screenshot of the logo design with draplin: secrets of shape, type and color from skillshare platform

Instructor: Aaron Draplin

Course Content: 10 video lessons

Length: 1 hour and 7 minutes in total

Cost: Available as part of a subscription plan for $2.00 per month (billed annually)

Looking to create a logo design with pizzazz?

Then this Adobe Illustrator course is just the thing for you!

Aaron Draplin is an experienced designer and the founder of the Draplin Design Company, whose clients include companies like Nike and Ride Snowboards.

In this course, he takes you on a journey to design his family crest. Along the way, he provides helpful insights into the logo design process.

This short and engaging class is best suited for intermediate software users. However, by signing up for Skillshare, you can take multiple related classes alongside this course at no extra cost. 

You can also take this class for FREE with Skillshare’s free trial. 

Content Covered

  • Mastering logo design in Adobe Illustrator.
  • How to research before the logo design process.
  • Shortcuts and effective tricks to improve your efficiency.
  • How to best use shape, typography, and color to create a beautiful logo.

4. Custom Brushes in Adobe Illustrator: Create Different Styles with Ease

a screenshot of the custom brushes in adobe illustrator: create different styles with ease from skillshare platform

Instructor: Jon Brommet

Course Content: 12 video lessons

Length: 1 hour and 16 minutes in total

Cost: Available as part of a subscription plan for $2.00 per month (billed annually)

Jon Brommet is a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience with clients like Nike, ESPN, and Coca-Cola. He is an Adobe Certified Illustrator Expert, making him a great instructor.

This course will help you personalize your Adobe Illustrator to suit your needs as a designer. 

Jon Brommet takes it upon himself to explain all the brush settings available in the software so that you can feel confident experimenting and creating your own brushes.

This beginner-level course undoubtedly forms a core part of learning Illustrator.

Yes, it is a very niche course. However, you will finish it with practical skills you can apply in real-world projects that will amplify the quality of your designs.

Since this course is on Skillshare, you can access it for FREE through their 1-month free trial.

Content Covered

  • How to create custom brushes that match your design style.
  • Using scatter, size, rotation, and colorization settings to form unique textures and patterns.
  • How to fine-tune and organize custom brushes.
  • Use custom brushes to apply depth, dimension, and texture to enhance designs.
  • Creating symmetrical designs and using brushes on strokes, paths, and shapes. 

American Graphics Institute

1. Introduction to Illustrator Training Class

a screenshot of the introduction to illustrator training class from american graphics institute platform

Cost: $695

This is a course offered by the American Graphics Institute that you can take online or physically.

So, if you prefer to learn physically, this might be the course for you!

It is a two-day or four-evening class where you will learn all the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator. Therefore, this course is perfect for people just starting with Adobe Illustrator.

American Graphics Institute has taught Adobe Illustrator courses for over 20 years and has a proven curriculum.

The small class sizes ensure that you will receive personal attention from the instructors, making learning Illustrator as easy as pie.

All American Graphics Institute instructors are experienced in teaching and Adobe Illustrator, so you will be in good hands. 

Content Covered

  • How to navigate the Adobe Illustrator user interface design effectively.
  • How to create, transform, and reposition vector shapes.
  • Working with drawing tools to make and edit vector paths.
  • How to use layers to protect, organize, and arrange designs.
  • Adding color to designs using Live Paint, Appearance, Color, and Swatches.
  • Learn the role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in Adobe Illustrator.

2. Illustrator Bootcamp Training Class

a screenshot of the illustrator bootcamp training class from american graphics institute platform

Cost: $1690

The American Graphics Institute also offers this Illustrator training class. It combines introductory and advanced learning objectives to create one of the most comprehensive Adobe Illustrator courses.

You will gain a good foundation for creating interactive, print, and web design.

This course can also be taken online or physically, depending on your preference.

With small class sizes and experienced teachers, you will surely get your money’s worth with this course. 

If you missed a class or need a refresher, you can repeat or retake the course at no additional cost! 

Content Covered

  • Understanding and learning Adobe Illustrator navigation.
  • How to use the drawing and shape tools to create designs.
  • How to use layers to organize designs.
  • Creating with text, textures, and color.
  • How to add color and patterns using Appearance, Swatches, Color, and Live Paint.
  • How to make the most out of effects and transparency features.
  • Using gradients, patterns, meshes, and blends.
  • How to import files and designs.
  • How to share files in different formats.

3. Advanced Illustrator Training Class

a screenshot of the advanced illustrator training class from american graphics institute platform

Cost: $995

The American Graphics Institute again offers this two-day or four-evening course.

Its main aim is to help you learn the ropes of vector graphics. This course takes you beyond the basics and lifts the curtains on the fullest capabilities of Adobe Illustrator.

This Illustrator course also tackles troubleshooting for production personnel and techniques for creating captivating design effects.

You can take this course online or physically, depending on your preference.

You can also retake or revisit classes at no additional cost, like with most online courses. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about not being able to stay in touch with the course material. 

The American Graphics Institute has been praised for how great their instructor’s teaching methodology is in their Adobe Illustrator courses. They also have over 20 years of experience with Illustrator training.

Content Covered

  • Using symbols and libraries to reuse editable designs to work more efficiently.
  • Use effects and transparency features to improve the visual design of your artwork.
  • How to save and reuse attributes with graphic styles.
  • Using gradients, meshes, blends, and patterns effectively.
  • How to use advanced brushes for complex painting methods.
  • How to trace images.
  • How to integrate other Adobe Creative Cloud apps into your design process.
  • What the artificial intelligence (AI) component of Adobe Illustrator can do.

Domestika

1. Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

a screenshot of the introduction to adobe illustrator from domestika platform

Instructor: Aarón Martínez

Course Content: 77 video lessons

Length: 10 hours and 9 minutes in total

Cost: $59.99 to purchase

Aarón Martínez is an experienced graphic designer and illustrator who has worked in several fields, such as advertising and the video game industry.

This online Adobe Illustrator class includes 6 courses that take you through all the stages of illustrating on the software.

This is one of the top courses because it is well-structured and easy to follow. You receive a certificate upon completion, and you can access downloadable content to practice your new skills. 

This Illustrator course is perfect for beginners in graphic design. 

However, note that this course is taught in Spanish. Although the platform has subtitles in various languages, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Content Covered

  • The essential Adobe Illustrator tools and how to use them.
  • Create shapes using tools like Pathfinder and Lasso.
  • Vector illustration using pencil, pen, brush, and other vital tools.
  • Using and creating the perfect color palettes.
  • Typography.
  • Personalize the user interface and finalize projects professionally.

2. Adobe Illustrator for Beginners

a screenshot of the adobe illustrator for beginners from domestika platform

Instructor: Tina Touli

Course Content: 45 video lessons

Length: 8 hours and 7 minutes in total

Cost: $59.99 to purchase

For award-winning designer Tina Touli, Adobe Illustrator is a constant in her work process. She utilizes it when creating designs for the various print and digital campaigns she does, such as for Dell, Adobe, Tate, Kappa, Converse, and more.

Tina Touli is experienced in branding, web design, typography, and animation and is also the founder of Tina Touli Design.

This is an excellent choice of course for beginners to Adobe Illustrator, as Tina Touli leaves no stone unturned in this Illustrator training course.

This course also allows you to learn Illustrator in multiple languages, as Domestika offers subtitles in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Italian, Dutch, and Polish. The class itself is conducted in English.

Content Covered

  • The basics of Adobe Illustrator and how to work the user interface.
  • How to use the software’s fundamental tools.
  • How to add color effectively to your designs.
  • How to design patterns.
  • Experimenting with digital artwork.
  • Converting artwork into vector graphics.
  • Typography.
  • 3D artwork.

 3. Adobe Illustrator For Graphic Design

a screenshot of the adobe illustrator for graphic design from domestika platform

Instructor: Valeria Dubin

Course Content: 35 video lessons

Length: 7 hours and 31 minutes in total

Cost: $59.99 to purchase

Valeria Dubin has over 20 years of experience in branding, product graphics, labeling, editorial design, record design, infographics, and many more. 

Split into six courses, Valeria Dubin will take you through all the steps of commercial design.

This graphic design course is well-structured and easy to follow. It is jam-packed with information on Adobe Illustrator, focusing on business and marketing.

Purchasing it will give you lifetime access, which means you can learn at your own pace. 

Like many other Adobe Illustrator courses, this course provides downloadable resources and a certificate upon completion. 

Note that this class is taught in Spanish. While subtitles are available in English, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Dutch, and Spanish, this might not be compatible with your learning style.

Content Covered

  • The basics of Adobe Illustrator.
  • Designing brand logos and texts using vectors.
  • How to form patterns using colors, shapes, and object transformations.
  • How to create advertising posters and corporate apps.
  • Exporting files and prepping for high-quality printing. 

Pluralsight

1. Illustrator CC Pen Tool

a screenshot of the illustrator cc pen tool from domestika platform

Instructor: Laura Coyle

Course Content: 5 video lessons

Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes in total

Cost: Available as part of the subscription plan for $29 per month

Laura Coyle creates unique art that is popular across the board. Some of her clients include Amazon.com, Target, Disney, and The Wall Street Journal.

The Pen tool is essential for vector drawing, and Laura Coyle is here to teach you all the magic you can weave with it.

This course is best for intermediate users of Adobe Illustrator CC who want to learn more than just the Pen tool basics. 

Content Covered

  • Sketching with the Pen tool on Adobe Illustrator CC.
  • All about libraries and outputs.
  • Drawing curves and decorative drawing.
  • How to polish up your sketch like a pro.

2. Illustrator CC Fundamentals

a screenshot of the illustrator cc fundamentals from domestika platform

Instructor: Matthew Pizzi

Course Content: 7 video lessons

Length: 4 hours and 30 minutes in total

Cost: Available as part of the subscription plan for $19 per month

Adobe Illustrator CC Fundamentals with Matthew Pizzi guides you through the key concepts and essential skills needed for creating vector-based visual design projects.

Matthew Pizzi is an excellent tutor with over 15 years of experience teaching Adobe, AND you can take this course for free with Pluralsight’s 10-day free trial!

Something to keep in mind, though, is that since this class was last updated in 2016, the software used may not be up-to-date.

This Adobe Illustrator course is best for beginners. 

Content Covered

  • How to understand and effectively utilize everything Adobe Illustrator offers.
  • The fundamentals of vector graphics.
  • Combining paths and shapes to create illustrations.
  • Working with type and creating artwork.

LinkedIn Learning

1. Illustrator 2023 Essential Training

a screenshot of the illustrator 2023 essential training from linkedin learning platform

Instructor: Tony Harmer

Course Content: 7 video lessons

Length: 5 hours and 8 minutes in total

Cost: $34.99

Tony Harmer is an experienced illustrator with a great understanding of Adobe programs. With more than 10 years of experience in the industry, he brings a lot of valuable insights on Adobe Illustrator to the table.

The course is well structured and has high-quality video lessons and course material.

You can learn at your own pace with self-appointed deadlines, and you can opt to receive a certificate of completion once you’re done with the course (although you do have to pay extra).

The course has chapter quizzes and additional reading material that will help you solidify your learning. 

This illustration course is best suited for beginners to Adobe Illustrator. 

Content Covered

  • The basics of Adobe Illustrator, including how to navigate the user interface.
  • Advanced techniques include using gradients and patterns, making perspective grids, and 3D drawing.
  • How to export artwork and share designs in PDF, SVG, and PNG formats.
  • The intricacies of typography, including creating and manipulating text and working with different fonts. 
  • Tips and tricks to help you work more efficiently.

2. Illustrator One-on-One: Mastery

a screenshot of the illustrator one-on-one: mastery from linkedin learning platform

Instructor:  Deke McClelland 

Length: 14 hours and 7 minutes in total

Cost: $49.99

Deke McClelland is one of the most prominent Illustrator experts in the field. He is a successful graphic designer, author, and teacher with over 30 years of experience.

McClelland has written over 80 books on visual design software, and one of his most notable works is the “Photoshop Bible.”

Since this course is on LinkedIn Learning, you will get a credible certificate upon completion. You can take the course for free with the 1-month free trial that LinkedIn Learning offers.

This Illustrator course covers various topics ranging from basic shapes to the complexities of custom brushes and 3D effects. 

This is an advanced course, however, and is best suited for experienced professionals and intermediate-level users.

Content Covered

  • To create complex designs out of basic shapes and paths.
  • How to use this vector graphics software to create scalable digital artwork.
  • Mastering techniques such as 3D effects, perspective drawing, and custom brushes.
  • How to create professional-looking illustrations, logos, and other designs.
  • How to improve efficiency when working on Adobe Illustrator. 

How to Choose the Best Adobe Illustrator Class for You?

As you’ve probably noticed by now, there’s no shortage of Adobe Illustrator courses. There are so many training providers you can choose from, too! 

Deciding what Illustrator courses to pick is the most challenging decision you have to make right now.

But you’re in luck because I’m here to help you out!

Here are some things you’ll want to consider when picking a course to help you learn Adobe Illustrator.

  • Price: Most Illustrator courses can be on the pricey side. Since you will be learning a skill that will help you for years to come, spending on Illustrator courses is a good investment for the future. However, you should pick a class with the best value for your money. This is especially important as you will also have to spend on an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription to use the software, and these expenses can add up. If you are price-conscious, picking a course from a subscription-based platform is ideal. 
  • Time commitment: It is essential to consider how much time you have to take Illustrator courses. You should avoid committing to a class you don’t have time for, only to drop it halfway. If you have a busy job or are engaged in studying, a more flexible online Illustrator course may be ideal.
  • Preferred medium: This article includes Adobe Illustrator classes conducted online and in person. The right course for you would depend on how you prefer to learn. A physical course would be ideal if you need a lot of interaction to learn. However, online courses are great if you prefer to learn at your own pace. 
  • Learning objectives: Consider what you hope to gain by learning Adobe Illustrator. Are you looking to use Illustrator professionally? Or are you looking to use it for fun side projects? Do you want to create commercial artwork? Or creative artwork? Different courses cater to various learning objectives, and recognizing that will help you pick the best courses for you. 
  • Skill level: Different Illustrator courses are aimed at people of different skill levels. If you are new to learning Adobe Illustrator, pick beginner courses. If you are more familiar with the software and looking to improve your skills, intermediate to advanced Illustrator courses would be ideal.

What Are the Pros of Taking Adobe Illustrator Classes?

Here are some benefits of taking top courses (whether online or physical) to learn Illustrator:

  • Versatile: Adobe Illustrator is a highly versatile software, allowing you to do everything from book illustrations to corporate logos to infographics and much more! It can aid you in graphic design, web design, interior design, marketing, and fashion design- the possibilities are endless! You can also combine your Illustrator skills with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Adobe XD.
  • Lifelong skill: If you keep up to speed with the software, knowing how to use Adobe Illustrator effectively is a skill that will last you a lifetime. You can edit to your heart’s content whenever, wherever, on your terms.
  • Resume-boosting: Regardless of your career, being skilled at Adobe Illustrator is a huge point in your favor. It will help set you apart in the fast-paced job market by giving you a competitive edge.
  • Creative outlet: Even if you don’t plan on using your knowledge of Adobe Illustrator in a professional setting, it is still an excellent way to get those creative juices flowing.

Other course categories you might like:

FAQs

Yes, Adobe Illustrator is easier to use for web design compared to Photoshop due to its focus on vector graphics. However, both software have similar features, with Photoshop being more specialized in advanced photo editing.

Some careers that utilize Adobe Illustrator include graphic design, web design, user interface design, architecture, product design, digital illustration, and marketing analysis. Additionally, Adobe Illustrator is commonly used in fashion design and in the creation of book illustrations.

Learning Adobe Illustrator depends on the level of complexity you want to achieve with the program. For simple designs, it is beginner-friendly and easy to learn. However, for more complex artwork, the learning curve may be steeper due to the many intricate features it offers. Overall, there are various resources available to assist with the learning process.

It can take a few days to learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator. You can become familiar with the software within a few hours and start experimenting with it. However, it may take a few months of on-the-job experience to fully master all the advanced techniques.

The best ways to learn Adobe Illustrator are by taking online courses, attending in-person classes, and referencing books and specific tutorials for help with any particular problems while using the software.

Bottomline

While it’s true that there are thousands of courses promising to teach you everything there is to know about Adobe Illustrator, only some classes are going to be your cup of tea.

However, now that you’ve read through this list of the best Illustrator courses, finding the perfect course for you should be a piece of cake. 

What’s especially great about this list I’ve curated for you is that it includes online and physical courses. Therefore, regardless of your preferred learning style, you’ll be able to find THE perfect Adobe Illustrator course for you.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get started on your creative journey now!

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Carlos Eduardo
Hey there, I’m Carlos Eduardo, the Founder and Author of Scorebeyond. Delving deep into 20+ years of education transformation through innovative e-learning, I’ve poured my expertise into this platform. My enduring legacy continues to drive the path towards a future empowered by knowledge!

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