Open Illustrator.
Click File > New.
To add a grid, click View > Show Grid.
To see rulers, click View > Rulers > Show Rulers.
Select the Shape Tool you would like to use.
Click and drag the cursor to create your desired size.
To keep proportions, hold the Shift key while dragging the cursor.
Select the Type Tool from the toolbar.
Click where you would like the textbox to be placed.
Use the Selection Tool to resize the text box.
Use the Properties tab for the type tool to change the formatting, size, color, font, etc.
Creating Swatches:
Click Window > Swatches.
Click the Options menu.
Select New Swatch.
Adjust the color as needed.
Applying Swatches:
Click the Selection Tool in the Tools panel.
Select your desired swatch.
Set both the stroke and fill to the swatch color for best results.
Creating Layers:
Click the New Layer icon at the bottom of the layers panel.
Editing Layers:
Lock the original layer by clicking the empty space next to the layer.
Rearrange the layers by dragging them over/under each other.