How To Use Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Design

A programme like Adobe Illustrator can be utterly terrifying at first, and without the right direction catastrophic when it comes to saving and sizing. But never fear Fashion Antidote is here to show you the way and get your head around this amazing tool for Fashion Design.

We have long been a hands on school, preferring to sketch with pencils and embroider with needles rather than computers, but that doesn't mean that we're not ready to embrace the newest and most efficient ways of designing and making!

Our tutor Michelle has developed a Beginners Illustrator course with a focussed approach to using the programme for Fashion Design and Specification drawing, including the Tech Pack. The important thing here is to not be afraid! Get stuck in and see what its all about.

We've kept the course short and affordable, starting with 2 evenings on the basics, (stage 1) then another evening on the Tech Pack (stage 2)

Stage 1 includes understanding the program and all the different tools, not to mention a  whole host of skills, such as:

• Orientation to illustrator - main menu bar and tools bar  
• Using the Pen tool
• Using the Scale tool
• Using the Text tool
• Using the Stokes
• Fills - Filling shapes with colour, pattern and gradient
• Shortcut/hot keys for actions
• Creating layers
• Drawing actual garments shapes
• Create a basic repeat pattern and re-addressing filling with a pattern
• Brushes - create a simple button brush
• Reflecting and duplicating objects
• Using average joining tool and grouping objects

Stage 2 focuses on The Tech Pack is an essential part of technical design and putting garment into production. Techpacks include all the specifications and instructions for the garments to be manufactured. This course is ideal for new graduates or those setting up a fashion business, looking to create their first technical pack for industry.

Check out the courses here and get in contact if you need any other info!