Class Schedule

Class Duration: 10 hours total
Schedule: 5 days (2 hours each day)

Learn essential Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills required to produce clean, print-ready artwork for every machine inside Spyderlab. This course focuses on real production workflows: vectorizing text and artwork, fixing low-quality images, handling large files, creating clean paths for cutting and engraving, embedding images correctly, packaging files, setting up proper bleed, and exporting files the right way for DTG, DTF, UV, vinyl, laser, sublimation, and large-format printing.

Attire: Closed-toe shoes
Ages: 18+
Price: $1,500
Prerequisites: None
Certification Path: Recommended before all machine-specific classes

Day 01

Illustrator Fundamentals (2 Hrs)

What You’ll Learn

  • Understanding vector vs. raster artwork
  • Setting up accurate artboards for printing
  • Essential vector tools: Pen, Direct Selection, Shape Builder
  • Working with layers, grouping, and file organization
  • Vectorizing text and converting fonts to outlines
  • Vectorizing simple artwork for clean cut paths
  • Creating clean outlines for vinyl, laser, and UV printing
  • Building simple production graphics

Day 02

Photoshop Fundamentals (2 Hrs)

What You’ll Learn

  • DPI vs. resolution and correct image sizing
  • Removing backgrounds using Select & Mask
  • Cleaning low-resolution or pixelated images
  • Enhancing clarity, sharpening, and retouching
  • Working with layers, masks, and smart objects
  • RGB vs. CMYK and proper color usage
  • Cleaning up dust, noise, and artifacts

Day 03

Handling Large Files & Complex Artwork (2 Hrs)

What You’ll Learn

  • Working with oversized or high-resolution print files
  • Embedding vs. linking images (and when to use each)
  • Packaging a file for transfer or print shops
  • Avoiding missing links, lost fonts, and broken files
  • Reducing file size without losing print quality
  • Flattening and rasterizing safely
  • Managing multi-artboard Illustrator files
  • Color profiles and avoiding color-shift issues

Day 04

Preparing Designs for Print Production (2 Hrs)

What You’ll Learn

  • Preparing clean transparent PNGs for DTG/DTF/sublimation
  • Adding bleed, crop marks, and safe zones for large-format
  • Creating weeding-friendly vinyl designs
  • Creating proper cut lines for laser cutting
  • Avoiding halos, jagged edges, and bad transparency
  • Aligning artwork for multiple-pass UV printing
  • Sizing artwork correctly for shirts, mugs, tumblers, signs, and posters

Day 05

Exporting for Real Production (2 Hrs)

What You’ll do

  • Exporting correctly for every machine:
    PNG – DTG, DTF, sublimation
    SVG, EPS – vinyl cutting & laser engraving
    PDF – UV printing & large-format
    AI – vector master files
  • Preventing transparency loss and color flattening
  • Creating complete, organized print-ready file packages
  • Final hands-on project: prepare exports for three different printing methods
  • How to deliver files correctly to any print shop or production team