Traditionally artist have created their work with the following tools: And the list goes on and on.

Today, these tools can be found on a computer.

The computer has become a powerful tool for creating art, but just understanding how it works doesn’t make you an artist, no more than knowing how to type makes you a writer or how to use a ruler a mathematician. The computer is simply a tool the artist uses. To be a true artist requires not only understanding how to use the tools of an artist, but also having an understanding of design and the creative process. In this course we will learn how Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop work, but more importantly we will learn about design and creativity.

Today’s designers use computers because they save time. The old hands on methods for are simply too labor intensive.

Because the computer allows the designer to work faster and still maintain quality, it becomes possible to create numerous variations of an idea without lots of extra work. The end result is more creativity and better designs.

Adobe Illustrator is one the best and most commonly used programs for creating graphics and is used by most professional designers along with Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Illustrator creates images with a vector system and is referred to as a draw program. Photoshop, creates images using bit-mapping and is referred to as a paint program.

Images created with vectors use a mathematical system that connect defined points with straight or curving lines. Images created by bit-mapping use a grid system. Grid squares are called pixels and can be adjusted to different sizes.

Sharpness is the main advantage in vector graphics Sharpness is the main advantage in vector graphics. The lines are smooth and clean, even when setting type. Bit-mapped lines appear stair-stepped or pixilated, unless the pixel size is very small.

. When drawing in illustrator the artist will draw separate shapes and combine them together to make a drawing. When enlarged the vector lines maintain their sharpness.

When working in photoshop the artist will manipulate a grid of pixels that work together to make the picture. Artist can use the bit-mapping system of Photoshop to draw and paint with, but they usually use it to manipulate digital photographs. When enlarged bit-mapping will begin to show the pixel grid.

Ultimately, bit-mapped images can be placed into a vector drawing; however they cannot be altered with vector tools. Vector drawings can also be placed into photoshop; however, they will be converted into bit-mapping.