Vector Drawing on the iPad with Affinity Designer Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This project-driven course guides beginners through creating professional vector artwork using Affinity Designer on the iPad. With a focus on touch-optimized tools and Apple Pencil precision, you’ll progress from interface fundamentals to exporting polished illustrations. The course spans approximately 6.5 hours of hands-on learning, combining core techniques with practical exercises to build confidence and workflow efficiency.
Module 1: Getting Started & Interface
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Affinity Designer iPad layout
- Touch Shortcuts
- Personas (Vector, Pixel, Export)
- Customizing workspace and importing reference images
Module 2: Basic Shape Creation & Editing
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Drawing primitives (rectangles, ellipses, polygons)
- Snapping and alignment tools
- Combining and editing basic shapes
- Hands-on icon construction
Module 3: Pen Tool & Node Editing
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Pen vs. Pencil workflows
- Adding and removing nodes
- Curve handles and node types
- Tracing and refining freeform sketches
Module 4: Layers, Symbols & Assets
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Layer hierarchy and masking
- Creating reusable Symbols
- Using the Asset panel
- Reusing Symbols across artboards
Module 5: Styling, Fills & Effects
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Solid and gradient fills
- Stroke options
- Layer effects (shadow, glow, feather)
- Designing a branded badge with styling
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 1.5 hours
- Planning a full-color vector illustration
- Applying layering strategies
- Final polish with effects and export for web and print
Prerequisites
- iPad with Affinity Designer installed
- Apple Pencil (recommended for precision)
- No prior vector experience required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Navigate Affinity Designer’s touch interface confidently
- Create precise vector shapes using Apple Pencil-optimized tools
- Organize scalable projects with Symbols, Assets, and Layers
- Apply advanced styling including gradients, strokes, and effects
- Export multi-resolution assets for web, print, and UI design