If you've recently received a copy of CorelDraw bundled with your new system, had it on your desktop forever untouched, or would just like to brush up on some rusty techniques, this class is for you. The course will cover the basics of computer illustration, introduce the student to the tools available in CorelDraw, how to use them, how to work with and manipulate objects, text, and color. Videos and special-focus lectures provide in-depth studies of the more difficult-to-use tools, and students will receive instruction in basic art principles.

Software Requirements: Lessons may be done in either CorelDraw version 9, 10, or 11.

LVS is a Corel Training Partner. Enrolled students are eligible to purchase selected Corel products directly from Corel at the educational discounted rate: Corel Education Store. Follow this link for details: http://www.lvsonline.com/news.shtml

Prerequisites: Students should have a good working knowledge of computers, files, file extensions, and directories. (The free Intro to Windows Class or the equivalent.) They should also have the ability to create and post a basic web page (Free tutorials are also available for these skills) or students may use the Student Upload Area for posting assignments (details are provided in the classroom).

Week 1 - Getting Started

• Overview of illustration basics
  • Raster vs. vector graphics
  • Print vs. web

Week 2 - Tools, Part I

• Toolbars
  • Default toolbox
• Let's Play
  • Drawing, selecting, moving & manipulating object center points
  • Filling & outlining
• Undo the deed
• Bounding Box
• Special Focus - Navigation
• Shape Tool
• Drawing and manipulating lines, curves, arcs

Week 3 - Transforming Objects

• Scaling & Stretching
• Rotating & Reflecting
• Shearing
• Positioning objects
  • Aligning & Distributing
  • Stacking/Ordering objects
  • Nudging
• Tyin' 'em Together & Breakin' 'em apart
  • Grouping & ungrouping
  • Locking & unlocking
  • Combining & breaking apart
• Cloning vs. Copying vs. Duplicating
  • Is there a difference?
• Layers

Week 4 - Text & Color

• Working with text
  • Adding, selecting & manipulating text
  • Editing existing text
  • Formatting
  • Fitting text to a curve or line
  • Fitting text to a shape
  • Wrapping text
  • Symbols & special characters
  • Spacing, kerning & leading
• Spell checking
• Text special effects
• Working with color
  • A word about color
  • Color aspects
  • Special painting tools
  • Spot & process color
• One last word about color

• Working with ClipArt
• 3D Tips & Tricks
• Perspective
• Final Words on Perspective

• Blends
• Meshes
• Masks
• Filters & Tools