Revolutionizing Design Education: An Exclusive Interview with IllustratorHow's Founder, June Escalada

Oct 3, 2024

June Escalada is the innovative mind behind IllustratorHow, a platform that’s transforming the way people learn Adobe Illustrator. Since launching in 2021, June has redefined design education by breaking down complex concepts into simple, bite-sized lessons that empower her learners to unleash their creative potential. From mastering the tricky Pen Tool to designing logos from scratch, her learner-centric approach is making high-quality design education accessible to all.

IllustratorHow has already cultivated a thriving community of enthusiasts, many of whom have turned their newfound skills into successful design careers. In an exclusive interview with PVM Magazine, June dives into her inspiring journey and the impact she’s making in the ed-tech space.

June, IllustratorHow has quickly become a go-to platform for design enthusiasts. Can you share what initially inspired you to launch this revolutionary platform?

As the founder and lead graphic designer at IllustratorHow, my initial inspiration to launch this revolutionary platform was born out of a combination of my passion for design and a keen awareness of the gap in the market for accessible, high-quality design education. During my career, I frequently came across both beginners and seasoned professionals who were struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of digital tools and software, especially Adobe Illustrator, which is known for its steep learning curve.

I saw that many available resources were either too fragmented or didn't provide the kind of structured, user-friendly learning paths that catered to the individual pacing and skill levels of users. So, I envisioned a platform that could democratize the learning process, making it more tailored to the user's needs and yet comprehensive enough to take them from novice to expert level.

When IllustratorHow was created, I wanted to eliminate those barriers to entry and provide a resource where users could confidently start their journey with step-by-step guides and gain practical hands-on experience. What excited me was the possibility of helping other creative individuals all over the world to not only understand the technicalities of Adobe Illustrator but also to apply their skills in practical and professional scenarios. This holistic approach to learning and application is what I believe would truly allow individuals to unlock their creative potential and blossom in their careers.

The initial response to IllustratorHow confirmed my beliefs – there was a real hunger for this kind of education. Learners didn't just want to know which buttons to press; they wanted to understand how they could use those tools to bring their unique visions to life. Seeing IllustratorHow become a go-to platform for design enthusiasts, empowering them to launch successful careers and create beautiful, impactful work, has been the most rewarding part of this journey. And that's really what keeps me inspired to continue growing and evolving the platform every day.

You’ve mentioned that your mission is to make high-quality design education accessible to all. What do you believe are the biggest barriers to learning design, and how does IllustratorHow break them down?

I believe the biggest barriers to learning design are accessibility, complexity of tools, and a lack of real-world application in traditional learning environments. Many people who are interested in design feel overwhelmed by the cost of education, the intricate software, and the theoretical approach often taken by traditional institutions.

At IllustratorHow, we aim to break down these barriers with a more practical, accessible, and user-friendly approach. Access to high-quality education should not be limited by location or financial capacity. We bridge this gap by offering free and affordable courses that are available online to anyone with an internet connection.

We also recognize that design tools like Adobe Illustrator can be complex for beginners, which is why our tutorials are curated to simplify these tools. Our 'Mastering Pen Tool in Illustrator' guide, for example, breaks down the tool into steps that are easy to follow and understand.

Our focus isn't just on the technical skills, but also on their application in the real world. Our resources, such as 'Branding Basics: Designing a Logo from Scratch,' help learners apply what they've learned to practical projects. This not only enhances their understanding of design principles but also gives them a portfolio of work that they can use professionally.

By adopting a learner-centric approach, we've created a community of design enthusiasts who can learn at their own pace, in a way that suits their learning style best. Witnessing users gaining confidence, growing their skills, and progressing in their design careers is the most rewarding aspect of my work, and it motivates me to continue breaking down the barriers to high-quality design education.

The 'learner-centric' approach is at the core of your platform. How do you ensure that your tutorials address the diverse needs and learning styles of your audience?

Here's how I ensure that my tutorials on IllustratorHow address the diverse needs and learning styles of my audience:

I've always prioritized a learner-centric approach, understanding that each individual has unique needs and learning preferences. To cater to this diversity, I implement several strategies to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness in my tutorials:

-Differentiated Instruction: I create tutorials that appeal to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners by incorporating a mix of text, images, video content, and practical exercises. This multimodal approach keeps our content engaging and accessible to a variety of learners.

-Personalized Learning Paths: Recognizing that each learner has a different pace and set of goals, I offer personalized learning plans. Users can choose their course trajectory, focusing on the skills they want to develop or the projects they aspire to complete.

-Step-by-Step Guides: To accommodate beginners and advanced users alike, I design tutorials with clear, step-by-step instructions. This approach allows newcomers to follow along without getting overwhelmed while giving more experienced users the ability to jump to specific sections that interest them.

-Real-World Application: I connect the dots between learning a tool and applying it to practical scenarios. For example, the 'Branding Basics: Designing a Logo from Scratch' tutorial not only teaches Illustrator skills but also the principles of brand design, which enhances understanding and retention.

-Interactive Feedback: I actively engage with our community, soliciting feedback and holding Q&A sessions. This direct interaction helps me identify areas that need further clarification and adapt my tutorials accordingly.

-Continuous Improvement: Based on analytics and user feedback, I constantly update and refine tutorials to ensure they stay relevant, easy to understand, and effective in helping users achieve their creative and professional goals.

-Inclusivity: My platform is designed to be accessible, with care taken to ensure that IllustratorHow is user-friendly for individuals with disabilities, incorporating accessibility features and design principles that support users with different requirements.

In essence, my commitment to a learner-centric platform is about versatility, adaptability, and a continuous conversation with my audience, which allows me to tailor the learning experience to suit their individual needs, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the comprehensive Adobe Illustrator tutorials and courses offered at IllustratorHow.

In less than a year, IllustratorHow has built a strong and appreciative community. Could you share some of the most memorable or rewarding success stories from users who have benefited from your platform?

Certainly, it's been an incredible journey with IllustratorHow, and there are so many stories that have touched my heart and reinforced my commitment to this platform.

One of our users, Emily, was a stay-at-home mom who had a passion for art but never had the chance to pursue it professionally. She started using IllustratorHow to learn Adobe Illustrator during her free time. Within a few months, she had developed a strong portfolio of work and began freelancing. She shared how the tutorials not only taught her the tools but also how to think like a designer, which made all the difference in her work. Today, she's running her own successful freelance business, creating logos and branding materials for local businesses.

Then there's Alex, a recent graduate who felt overwhelmed by the competition in the design field. He used our IllustratorHow career guidance resources and portfolio development advice to refine his approach to job applications. Armed with enhanced skills from our advanced tutorials, he landed a job as a graphic designer at a leading marketing firm. He sent a heartfelt note saying that IllustratorHow was instrumental in his success and that he continues to use our platform to stay updated with the latest design trends and techniques.

Another inspiring story is of Anika, who comes from a background where access to design education is limited. She utilized our affordable courses to learn at her own pace. Anika was particularly grateful for the supportive community on IllustratorHow that helped her through challenging projects. With her new skills, she's now contributing to a non-profit organization by creating educational materials for underprivileged children, which is a cause close to her heart.

These stories, among many others, truly encapsulate what IllustratorHow is all about—breaking down barriers to professional-quality design education and empowering individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, to achieve their creative dreams. It's gratifying to see tangible results and know that IllustratorHow is making a real difference in people's lives.

The EdTech sector is highly competitive. What challenges have you faced in building IllustratorHow, and how have you overcome them?

Entering the highly competitive EdTech space with IllustratorHow was both exciting and challenging. Initially, my biggest challenge was standing out among numerous platforms offering Illustrator tutorials. Everyone seemed to promise quick mastery or shortcuts to becoming a pro-designer. I focused on what truly mattered: nurturing a deep understanding of design concepts and Illustrator's toolset with practical, real-life applications.

To overcome this, I emphasized the uniqueness of IllustratorHow in providing personalized, learner-centric content. Our tutorials aren't just generic walkthroughs; they're structured to adapt to different learning paces and styles. I made sure to integrate my extensive background in brand design and strategy to relate the course material to actual industry scenarios. This wasn't just about teaching software; it was about fostering market-ready professionals.

Another challenge was content creation. Producing high-quality, engaging tutorials requires significant time and effort, especially when you aim to simplify complex design subjects. Our 'Mastering Pen Tool in Illustrator' guide, for example, took numerous iterations to ensure it was comprehensive yet accessible for beginners. Overcoming this challenge meant investing in a meticulous content planning and review process, sometimes necessitating late nights and early mornings to ensure our materials met the highest educational standards.

Cultivating a community around IllustratorHow was another hurdle. We wanted our users to feel supported and connected, not just with us, but with each other. Achieving this meant leveraging social media, interactive webinars, and a responsive support system, fostering a sense of belonging and shared passion for design.

Financial constraints were also an obstacle, especially given the premium nature of our content. Subscription models are tricky; price them too high, and you lose potential learners, too low and you undermine the value of your offering. Striking that balance required understanding our audience deeply and providing flexible pricing options without compromising on quality.

Despite these challenges, the most rewarding part of this journey has been witnessing the transformation of our users. Hearing their success stories, seeing their progress from novices to confident designers, and knowing IllustratorHow played a part in that is an unmatched fulfillment. It motivates me to constantly innovate and push the boundaries of what we can offer in the EdTech space.

You launched the platform in 2021, amidst the rise of online learning. How do you keep IllustratorHow fresh and innovative in a space that's evolving so rapidly?

I'm always looking forward to expanding and innovating the content we provide. I envision our platform to continue to grow not only in the breadth of tutorials for Adobe Illustrator but also in the range of topics we cover. We plan on introducing more advanced techniques, incorporating elements of animation, and possibly delving into 3D design, always with a focus on how they can be achieved within Adobe Illustrator.

Additionally, we plan to offer comprehensive courses that focus on entire workflows. These will help learners understand how to manage a design project from the initial concept to the final product. Part of our expansion could also look into areas complementary to Illustrator, such as integrating with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and InDesign, essentially aiding our users to become more versatile graphic designers.

We're also looking to provide more community-driven features, such as live Q&A sessions, mentorship opportunities, and collaboration projects that allow our users to work on real-world problems together. It's not just about learning a tool; it's about creating a space where real growth and networking can happen.

While our primary focus remains on Adobe Illustrator, because of its pivotal role in graphic design, we're open to exploring related fields that our community shows interest in. This could mean branching into digital marketing design principles, user interface design, and perhaps even entering different mediums like video editing, given their relevance in today's digital ecosystem.

The goal is to create a holistic learning environment that adapts to the evolving demands of the design industry and equips our learners with a wide array of skills. This way, IllustratorHow can truly become a one-stop learning hub for design enthusiasts of all levels.

Reflecting on your journey, what’s been the most fulfilling part of your role in transforming how people learn design?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the most fulfilling part of my role at IllustratorHow has been witnessing the transformation of my students as they unlock their personal creative prowess. Design is such an integral aspect of our visual world, and to know that through IllustratorHow, I am contributing to that sphere is incredibly rewarding.

From the very beginning, my goal was to dismantle the barriers that made design seem inaccessible. I wanted to demystify complex software like Adobe Illustrator, and see the light bulbs go off for our users – that moment when a concept clicks, when they share the projects they were only able to dream of before – that is the essence of why I started this platform.

Our approach to learning is not just about technical skills. It's about fostering critical thinking and a strategic mindset, so when I see our users not only mastering tools but actually implementing these skills in practical, professional, and personal projects, I realize the depth of impact we’re making.

I remember when a user, a former barista with no prior design experience, shared his first professional logo. The pride in his eyes was a testament to our mission. Now he's running a small yet successful freelance business. Stories like this validate all the late nights, the constant search for improvement in our courses, and the personal touch we try to give to every interaction.

In essence, the most fulfilling aspect has been cultivating a community that's not just about individual success but collective growth. Every time a user says that IllustratorHow was a stepping stone in their design journey, I know we have transcended being just a learning platform. We've become a movement that's transforming how people weave design into their narratives, equipping them not just with skills, but with the confidence to innovate and express. And that, to me, is the heart of education and creativity.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers who are just starting their creative journeys and may feel overwhelmed by the learning curve?

Embarking on a creative journey can indeed be quite overwhelming at the beginning, especially when faced with the sheer volume of tools, techniques, and concepts that one needs to master in design. My advice to aspiring designers just starting out would be to embrace the learning process and not rush through it. Here's a more detailed framework on how you can navigate the initial challenges:

-Start with the fundamentals: Before diving into complex software and tools, get a solid understanding of the basics of design. Understanding principles such as color theory, typography, layout, and composition will serve as a foundation for all your future work.

-Learn at your own pace: Remember, everyone has a unique learning curve. Instead of feeling pressured to keep up with others, focus on your journey. Take the time to really understand each concept before moving on to the next. Platforms like IllustratorHow make it easier to learn step-by-step without feeling overwhelmed.

-Practice consistently: The best way to learn design is to do design. Regular practice will help you refine your skills and develop your own style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes - they are the stepping stones to becoming proficient.

-Seek feedback and mentorship: Join design communities and forums where you can share your work and get feedback from your peers. Connecting with experienced designers can also provide valuable insights and mentorship to guide you through your learning process.

-Use the right resources: Invest time in finding the right learning resources that cater to your style of learning. Whether it's through video tutorials, online courses, or books, make sure the resources are clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date.

-Apply your knowledge to real-world projects: Take theory into practice by working on real-life projects. This could be redesigning an existing logo, creating business cards, or even volunteering your design skills for a good cause. This will give you hands-on experience and build your portfolio.

-Stay curious and inspired: Keep exploring the field of design. Follow the work of designers you admire, and don’t limit yourself to just one area of design. The field is constantly evolving with new trends and tools, and staying curious will keep you motivated and inspired.

-Believe in yourself: Confidence comes from practice and successful experiences. Remember that every master was once a beginner. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remain patient and persistent. Your passion for design will drive you forward.

In conclusion, remember that learning is a journey, not a race. At IllustratorHow, we've seen many beginners develop into skilled designers by applying these principles. Keep your passion alive, and trust that with time and effort, you will overcome the learning curve and achieve your aspirations as a designer.