|
|
|
|
||||
Adobe Illustrator 10 Training SolutionsAn error occurred. Please try later. |
I first encountered Adobe Illustrator in 1995. In comparison to the Mac version, the Windows rendition was somewhat lacking. This was almost ten years ago, an eternity in software time. Changes over the years have brought the Windows and Mac platforms closer in use and function. As parity brings both operating systems closer in ease and function, Adobe Illustrator has kept pace. The differences between the Mac based application and the Windows edition are nearly negligible.
For those unfamiliar with Adobe Illustrator, it has been for some time the dominant application in the area of vector graphics. While Illustrator has peers, namely Macromedia Freehand and CorelDRAW, Illustrator is still the defacto standard among graphics professionals. Enter any design firm and you can almost be assured that a copy of Illustrator is in use for demanding work. This is with good reason.
While there are other applications on the market, few have had the market penetration that Illustrator can claim. As powerful as CorelDRAW is, and as Web savvy as Freehand has remained, among the pros, Illustrator still rules. Although some complain and rumble about the steep learning curve, or feature set, there is a reason why Adobe Illustrator has kept the crown for so long, stability.
One of the basic rules of computing is that the more powerful and stable the program is, the greater the learning curve. If you do not believe that, just take a look at Painter, any version. As much as I enjoy, use and explore in Painter, it is far from intuitive. Looking past the steep learning curve, the payoff is painting features that are spectacular. Much the same can be said of Illustrator 10. Having worked with many other programs, when one addresses configurability, power and quality output, a learning curve is just the price of admission.
The last version of Illustrator I was somewhat familiar with was version 8. What ever one had to say about the application, it was miraculously stable. Even operating inside of the constantly failing Windows 95 and 98, Illustrator performed with stoic stability. For those with deadlines, complex tasks and in need of an application with built-in interoperability in a professional setting, Adobe was easily the stand out player. However, graphics software is a competitive field.
As Freehand gained momentum with regards to Web functionality, and its advantage of being related to the Macromedia family, which is the standard for hardcore Web developers, Illustrator was still viewed primarily as a print program. The deep roots that Illustrator has as a print application are still present. In this incarnation, Adobe has made some serious concessions to Web development by incorporating tools that allow vector graphics to make the transition to Web.
One way Illustrator 10 has gone about accomplishing the goal of greater Web functionality is the use of slicing tools. The new slicing tools built into Illustrator now make it possible to turn Web designs into fast loading Web pages without demanding the user switch tools. Another way in which Illustrator is becoming more Web friendly are the new connections with other programs in the Adobe Fleet. Interaction between Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere, Live Motion and GoLive are more reasons for considering Illustrator as more than a print tool. In tandem with the already Web enabled Photoshop 7, Adobe makes a compelling case for having both as complements for each other as aids in Web design.
Much has changed since Adobe Illustrator 8, the last version I was familiar with before becoming acquainted with 10. Those familiar with older versions of Illustrator will be surprised to learn that the basic layout has not changed dramatically. Rather than making drastic overhauls of their programs, Adobe has consistently taken the approach of gradual evolution as opposed to drastic revisions. Taking into consideration their large user base, gradual changes will be more welcome than dramatic ones.
This does not mean that things have not changed. Not unlike CorelDRAW, the manipulation tools in Illustrator have become more robust. One such tool that I found particularly interesting was the Flare tool. Relatively easy to access, the effects of lights and radiating rays is both effective and amazingly realistic considering this is all taking place within a vector program. In some respects, this effect made me think of another vector program with a decidedly different feel.
Geared more toward artistic creations than graphic ones, Creature House’ Expression 3 immediately comes to mind when using this effect. In addition, the flare tool’s effect holds up well when saved as an HTML graphic for the Web, thus proving that Illustrator’s skills with Web content are more than able to handle nuanced effects.
Another effect expanding the power of the application are the 15 customizable warping tools. In this department the use of effects took me to recalling Xara X. In Illustrator the warping effects can be previewed as they are altered without damaging the original image. You can literally customize settings for hours, preview the results and apply only when satisfied with the results. Like other effects in Illustrator, content can be edited without resorting to accessing the undo and redo effect. In this case, a great deal of time can be saved with this functionality. The interactivity present in 10 was something new to me from my past experiences, and clearly a welcome feature, particularly for designers.
Robust support has been added with regards to “symbols.” Symbols are essentially any drawing, object, text or combination of the aforementioned used to create an image in the application. Usually saved in libraries, symbols are an easy way to save frequently used content while at the same time trimming file size. As symbols are edited, their effects are instantly applied to wherever they are used. Saving time, reducing file size and allowing instant updating, symbols are given a great deal of consideration in version 10. Rather than being used strictly as a storage area, they can also be utilized as artistic tools.
All of this is just the tip of the proverbial design iceberg. Illustrator 10 hosts a new set of features that I do not recall Illustrator 8 ever having. One can literally push, pull, bend, twist and alter a design via some incredible features that literally would takes weeks, if not months, to fully comprehend. The potential in the Mesh tool, and the ability to edit compound shapes readily, are features that not only simplify the creative process, but enhance your imaginative ideas during the execution of them. One of these includes scripting support. Illustrator 10 supports JavaScript, Apple Script and Windows Visual Basic scripting.
Working in Illustrator has always been a less intimidating experience once you become familiar with the basic tools and their placement. In keeping with the softer look and feel of the recently released Photoshop 7, Illustrator 10 sports the same soft subtly shaded buttons. Certainly this is a small refinement, but a welcome one that gives the interface a more polished, decidedly less blocky, finished look.
Ironically for an application as serious and feature laden as Illustrator, I found the creative process to be a pleasant one within the Adobe environment. The wealth of new features invites a certain “playfulness” I found unexpected in a program of this caliber. While Illustrator may not have the same ease of use as CorelDRAW, once you invest in the layout, finding your way around becomes less and less intimading and more playful.
In order for the “fun” to start, I do strongly suggest a session with the enclosed manual. Adobe does ship this program with documentation and a reference card. Again, I do stress working with the application to become acquainted with all of the new functions. Although potent, Illustrator is not totally intuitive.
For graphics professionals who must look at interoperability, power and polished tool sets, the choice of Adobe Illustrator 10 becomes an obvious one. For those outside of the professional class, the choices become wider. Considering that the needs of professionals are based not only on power, speed, feature sets, and price points, but established standards and interoperability, the needs of the high end professional differ appreciably from the enthusiast or the home user. While I do recommend Illustrator as a great tool for artists, designers and professionals, it becomes less obvious for less experienced users. For home enthusiasts who just have slight needs, the more affordable feature rich CorelDRAW could be a much better choice. For Web developers who value support for Macromedia products, Freehand 10, and the new Freehand MX, could be better choices. No doubt in high powered design centers copies of all three could very well be present.
If you are a home user who values power, precision, stability and solid results, Illustrator is well worth considering, but do keep in mind it is strictly a professional application with power users in mind. However, if you dive into Illustrator, you will find the experience truly rewarding.
As a side note, Illustrator does run native on OS X and Windows XP. It also supports, naturally, the appearance of both operation systems. For Windows users I recommend as much memory as you can gather. I found it ran smoothly on Windows XP with 512 MB of RAM and a P4 processor. Considering the need for stability and power, do consider running Illustrator on a current Windows OS for better performance. In the past I have seen Illustrator run amazing well under the older Windows systems. But to really get the most out of this instrument, obtain as much power as your price points can allow.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
Lexar Jump Drive and Platinum II SDHC Card · IRISNotes 2 Executive · IOGEAR Spill-Resistant Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo · Logitech Z623 Computer Speakers · Gateway FX 6860-UR21P: An All-Purpose Desktop PC · Ridiculously Easy Backup From Rebit · The IOGear GPEN300 · A Review of the 5 inch EZReader Pocket Pro From Astak · A Review of the Barnes and Noble Color Nook · A Review of the Dell XPS 8100 · The Kobo eBook Reader, Just About Reading · The Best Ergonomic Mouse? The Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse · Sage Act 2010 · Microsoft Windows 7 · Adobe Creative Suite CS2 · Adobe Photoshop CS2 · SwissMemory Victorinox rubyRED Swiss Army Knife/Flash Drive · Tapwave Zodiac 2 · Stardock Object Desktop · Acrobat 7 Professional · Maximizer 8 · QuarkXPress 6.5 · McAfee's 2005 Product Line · Logitech io Personal Digital Pen 2 · IRIS Business Card Reader II for Windows/PC · Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Flash Drive · Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard · Maxon Cinema 4D 9 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 · Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier · Verbatim Store N' Go 2.1 GB Hard Drive · Corel Painter IX · Paint Shop Photo Album 5 · Adobe Video Collection Professional 2.5 · Alien Skin Eye Candy 5: Textures · Techsmith SnagIt 7.0 · Ulead Media Studio Pro 7 · Xara Webstyle 4 · Maxon BodyPaint 3D Release 2 · Eovia Carrara Studio 3 · AV Bros. Puzzle Pro 2 · AutoFX Mystical Tint Tone and Color · Andromeda Screens, Cutline and Etchtone Plug-In Filters · Macromedia Studio MX 2004 · Microsoft FrontPage 2003 · AutoFX AutoEye 2.0 · Adobe Premiere Pro · Adobe Audition · Amapi Designer 7 · Alien Skin Splat! · Alien Skin Eye Candy 4000 · Alien Skin Image Doctor · Canvas 9 · nik Dfine · Xenofex 2 · QuarkXpress 6 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8 · Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional · Corel Painter 8 · Nik Color Efex Pro · Caligari TrueSpace 6.5 · Macromedia Contribute · Maxon Cinema 4D · Sonic Foundry Sound Forge 6.0 · nik Sharpener Pro · Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album 4 · Xara Menu Maker 1 · Curious Labs Poser 5 · Macromedia Freehand MX · Adobe Illustrator 10 · Ulead Photoimpact 8 · Xara 3D 5 · Xara X · Microsoft Publisher 2002 · Creature House Expression 3 · CorelDRAW 11 Graphics Suite · Procreate Painter 7 · QuarkXpress 5 · Adobe Pagemaker 7 · Adobe Photoshop 7
Copyright © 1995–2013 Unleashed Productions, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
