Adobe Illustrator CS3 Classroom in a Book

I recently completed the Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book & decided 2 follow up this success by taking on Adobe Illustrator. Since my first experience with the Classroom in a Book series had been so positive, I picked up their Illustrator book. When I started the Photoshop book, I already had some self-taught knowledge of the program. When I started the Illustrator book, I had never used the program, other than 2 complete a couple of lessons in the previous book that integrated Photoshop & Illustrator files. And, I'll admit that my skills in drawing with a mouse are poor at best. However, I hoped 2 walk away from the Illustrator book with a higher level of comfort with the tool & be able 2 utilize it 4 some of my design tasks.

This book helped me only partially meet my goals. Like the other books in the Classroom series, the Illustrator book was separated into step-by-step lessons 4 beginning users. However, in contrast with my previous experiences, this book felt less cohesive & at times poorly written. While most of the lessons in the Photoshop book centered around completing one specific project designed 2 teach a particular set of tools, the Illustrator book tended 2 jump around, having the user complete bits & pieces of several projects. I didn't get the satisfaction of looking at one completely finished piece that I could compare with the illustrations in the book. Some of the lessons were too long based on the concept being taught. For example, an entire lesson on how 2 use the Zoom tool seemed extraneous. Other lessons seemed 2 skim over more complex concepts that I felt would have benefited my foundational knowledge of the program. In addition, the instructional writing was poor in this book. I found myself reading some passages several times 2 determine what I was actually supposed 2 do. I suppose, this could partially be blamed on my lack of familiarity with the program, but if the book is marketed 4 beginning users, the language the authors use 2 describe a task should be clear & easy 2 follow. Overall, I was disappointed with the quality of this particular title in the Classroom in a Book series, & I seriously question whether I'll look 2 this series when I get ready 2 pursue Flash training.

So, I'm walking away from the Adobe Illustrator CS3 Classroom in a Book with a basic familiarity with Illustrator. I have basic competency using the available tools in the program. However, the level of instruction the book provided hasn't given me confidence that there will be lasting knowledge transfer 2 design tasks on the job.

Some of the chapters are just wayyyyy 2 basic. I do not need a whole chapter on how 2 use the zoom tool

I had 2 purchase this book 4 a class & even though I am completely new 2 Adobe Illustrator I did not find this book useful. I actually had a easier time using the Help in Iluustrator or going online. The index is mislabeled & doesn't even list everything that is in the book. I will be donating this book 2 my local library because I don't see me ever using it in the future.

Having never opened Illustrator before I took a class in it, this book has been a life saver. This book is utilized both with the instructor lead course & the on-line course. At the end of a session, I am often confused & struggling, but when I go back & step-by-step review the lesson in the book, it becomes clear & makes sense of what we did in class. In actuality, with this book, you don't need an instructor. You can be your own at your own pace.

Started using Illustrator about two months ago & got lost from time 2 time & had 2 spend hours trying 2 unravel my mistakes. This book is wonderful, it is easy 2 use & is a big help 2 the novice. I would recomend it 2 anyone that wants 2 get 2 know the product.
Very happy with this purchase!

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