Tue, Oct 11

Vector Drawing

Today's objectives

  • Quiz today See previous class page for coverage.
  • Vector basics review
  • Pen tool
  • Type tool
  • Tracing exercises
  • Open and closed shapes
  • Gradients
  • Guides and rulers

Preparation

  • Download Illustrator samples
  • Consider using a mouse - many people find the pen tool hard to use with a trackpad

Resources

Sample files

Illustrator samples

Sample file notes:

  • Illustrator template.ai - basic shapes
  • Firenze.Baptistry06.JPG- replicate features of the architecture using simple shapes
  • HenryMoore_RecliningFigure_1951.jpg - trace the complex curves of the outline

Handouts

Download "File formats" handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF

Tutorials

Illustrator pen tool cursors

You need to look carefully at them.

Illustrator pen tools
Using the pen tools to draw

A good basic pen tutorial.

More pen tool drawing

Another good pen tutorial

Making a template layer

Assignment 4:

Recreate this image as a vector-based image created in Illustrator.

Renault H Van

Download a high-resolution version of it, here.

Ensure that that you meet the objective of demonstrating skill in Illustrator. You are not aiming to reproduce every detail. Simplify where needed, but try to retain accuracy. The types of illustrations seen in instruction booklets or assembly guides are a good example of simplicity and accuracy.

Original image: Oxyman / CC BY-SA. Minor perspective corrections by R. Currie.

Submit: digital file in .AI format, uploaded to Brightspace by 6 pm, Mon, Oct 17

Ensure that the filename is
YOURLASTNAME_Assignment4.ai

  • Remember to turn off (or delete) the original tracing layer before submitting.
  • Convert all fonts to outlines before submitting. Everyones computer has different fonts installed; converting to outlines removes the need to have a font installed for the artwork to display properly.
Late assignment penalties

For this assignment, late submissions will be penalized at 10% of the total mark (that is, if an assignment is graded out of 10, you will lose 1 point per day, starting on the due date.)

A 1-hour grace period after the assignment due time will be given to avoid any technical issues related to internet speed resulting in late assignment penalties.

The best approach, however, is to submit work early.