If you’re a data visualization practitioner that has no idea how to use Adobe Illustrator, but want to learn, then please read on. However, if you’re already experienced in using Adobe Illustrator and want to master the Graph Tools in Adobe Illustrator to improve your data visualization skills on the application, then this shorter course would be better suited for you.
What I’ve developed here is a data visualization course for Adobe Illustrator that teaches you what you need to know in the application to work on data visualisation projects and to graph with complete control. This isn’t another course on producing infographics in Adobe Illustrator, but a course with an emphasis on chart design and best charting practices.
Why learn Adobe Illustrator over other data visualization tools?
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful, vector based, design application that gives you:
– Complete control over the visual design of charts (styling and composition)
– The ability to produce professional print-ready PDFs, required for print-based projects
– The ability to touch-up and refine charts exported from other solutions such as R
– The tool most commonly used by infographic designers
What will I learn on the course?
Students on this course will first establish a foundational understanding of the application, so that they can use it effectively. After the foundations have been laid, students will then learn the technical skills required to produce a range of charts, along with the theory and understanding behind each chart.
Better workflow practice will be instilled, as students will be taught to avoid breaking the data link to charts through ungrouping, and will be introduced to an alternative technique.
By the end of the course, students will be able to publish data visualizations for both digital and print outcomes. This will include learning how to make your charts responsive for changing screen sizes through the plugin ai2html. Students will also learn how to ‘hack’ the Graph Tools to produce additional types of charts not available from the Toolbar.
Below is an outline of the course content:
Setting up Illustrator Projects
– Creating a new document
– Identify project requirementsUser Interface
– Identify user interface elements
– Create and select Workspaces
– Navigate and zoom documentsCreating Artwork
– Learn the difference between vector and raster image formats
– Using the shape and line tools to create basic geometry
– Using the pen tool to create custom shapes and trace maps
– Selecting and Grouping objects
– Transform and modify elements
– Apply transparency to objects
– Create and manipulate text
– Organise artwork using layers
– Create and manage multiple Artboards
– Create symbolsColours
– Selecting and applying colours
– Creating colour swatches
– Applying and modifying gradients
– Working with spot coloursPublishing Artwork
– Define media formats and publishing requirements
– Identifying common file formats
– Choose appropriate settings to optimise graphics on the screen, print and video
– Creating JPEG, PDF, PNG, SVGData Visualisation
– Infographics VS Data Visualisation
– Understanding Each Chart
– Best Charting PracticesThe Graph Tools
– The Graph Data Window
– Column Graph Tool and Bar Graph Tool
– Stacked Column Graph Tool and Stacked Bar Graph Tool
– Line Graph Tool
– Area Graph Tool
– Scatter Graph Tool
– Pie Graph Tool
– Radar Graph ToolFormat and Customise The Graph Tools
– Graph Type Menu
– Graph Design Menu
– Graph Column Menu
– Graph Marker Menu
– Combine Different Graph Types
– Modifying Drawn GraphsExploiting The Graph Tools to Create Additional Charts
– Creating a Dot Plot
– Creating a Unit Chart or Pictogram Chart
– Creating a Dot Distribution Plot or Barcode Plot
– Creating Proportional Area Chart
– Creating a Slopegraph >Making Charts Responsive
– How to use ai2html
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If you have any questions or want to make an enquiry, then please get in touch.
Currently, I can only provide this course in-person or through live-online training. You can find other courses I offer training in here.
