StretchLearn Course

Draw crisp vector art that scales from a sticker to a billboard

Real Pen-tool control, fast Shape Builder construction, gradient mesh shading, and print files that actually work.

Beginner9 hr 25 minSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

This course builds vector art from the anchor point up, covering Pen tool curve control, the Shape Builder and Pathfinder workflows, gradient mesh shading, and intricate portrait and scene illustration in Adobe Illustrator. You will trace a self-portrait, build a layered scene, and shade an object with mesh, then prepare each piece as print-ready files. Every step uses exact handle ratios, named panels, and real spot-color and DPI specs so your work holds up on a t-shirt, a sticker, or a poster.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

Draw smooth, editable Bezier curves with the Pen tool using one-third handle control

Construct and divide artwork rapidly with Shape Builder and the Pathfinder panel

Shade form and skin with gradient mesh and clipping masks

Illustrate a layered portrait and a multi-element scene from a reference

Build limited spot-color artwork that survives screen printing and DTG

Export and package print-ready vectors for merch, stickers, and posters

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Pen Tool and Bezier Control

Build real command of anchor points, handles, and curves so every path you draw is smooth, intentional, and editable.

3 lessons

How Bezier Curves Actually WorkContent · 45 min

Preview Enabled

Pen Tool Drills That Build Muscle MemoryContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Curvature Pen, Pencil, and When to Use EachContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 2

Module 2: Shape Builder and Construction Workflows

Build complex artwork fast by combining, dividing, and slicing simple shapes with Shape Builder, Pathfinder, and the alignment tools.

3 lessons

Drawing With Primitives Instead of OutliningContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Shape Builder and Pathfinder in PracticeContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Alignment, Pixel Grid, and Clean OutputContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 3

Module 3: Color, Gradient Mesh, and Shading

Give vector art volume and life with global color, blends, and gradient mesh, the tool that produces smooth, photographic shading in vectors.

3 lessons

Building a Palette With Global and Spot ColorsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Gradient Mesh for Smooth VolumeContent · 50 min

LMS Access

Blends, Opacity, and Faking Mesh the Fast WayContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 4

Module 4: Illustration Projects and Print-Ready Output

Pull every skill together on real pieces, a portrait and a scene, then prepare flawless files for apparel, stickers, and posters.

3 lessons

Vectorizing a Portrait From ReferenceContent · 55 min

LMS Access

Composing a Layered SceneContent · 50 min

LMS Access

Print Prep for Merch, Stickers, and PostersContent · 50 min

LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

vector artAdobe IllustratorPen toolgradient meshShape Builderportrait illustrationprint-ready artworkmerch design