Adobe Illustrator: Shape Builder vs. Pathfinder with Jason Hoppe

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Shape Builder vs. Pathfinder is a practical Adobe Illustrator class that shows how to create precise vector artwork by mastering two of Illustrator’s most important construction tools. In this session, Jason Hoppe breaks down when to use the Pathfinder panel and when to use the Shape Builder tool so you can move beyond tracing or drawing objects manually and start building them with more speed and control.

Through hands-on creation, you’ll explore the differences between these tools and learn how to add, subtract, and refine geometric shapes into clean, professional assets. The class focuses on building production-ready logos, icons, and illustrations with better symmetry, smarter structure, and more efficient workflows.

Whether you’re refining brand marks, cleaning up overlapping vector paths, or trying to work more confidently in Illustrator, this class offers a clearer and more professional approach to vector construction.

This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A directly with Jason Hoppe.

What You'll Learn

• Choose the best tool for building logos, icons, and illustrations.
• Construct clean geometric artwork by adding and subtracting basic shapes.
• Build non-destructive artwork using Compound Shapes in the Pathfinder panel.
• Optimize vector artwork with better symmetry and professional grid-based structure.
• Understand when Shape Builder offers a faster, more intuitive workflow than Pathfinder.

Who It's For

• Intermediate graphic designers who want a faster and more professional vector creation workflow.
• Logo and branding designers building balanced geometric marks from grid systems and primitive shapes.
• Illustrators and vector artists who want to clean up overlapping paths and optimize files for print or digital use.
• Self-taught Illustrator users who want to move beyond basic tools into more efficient professional workflows.

How to Join

• The class will be delivered via Zoom Webinars. You’ll need access to Zoom through a web browser or the Zoom app in order to participate.
• To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited.
• A unique Zoom join link will be sent to the maximum number of participants per class. You’ll receive this link one hour before the class start time.

About the Instructor

An Adobe® Certified Expert and Adobe® Certified Instructor, Jason Hoppe has accrued more than 17 years’ experience in high-end production training, photo retouching, color correction, and creative workflow management.

In fact, Jason has been performing high-end electronic production since the industry’s inception. Also during this time, Jason has taught prepress and electronic design to hundreds of Seattle-based creative professionals and aspiring designers in a variety of settings, including one-on-one tutoring, classroom instruction, live webcasting, and large group training.

He currently teaches the Adobe® Creative Suite at The School of Visual Concepts, Luminous Works and Seattle Central College and was the founding Instructor at CreativeLive.