NSCAD DSGN 1000 Class: Class 7

Mon, Mar 02

Vector drawing continues

Today's objectives

Learn the basics of using the pen tool
Draw lines and curves, and be able to modify them.
Control colour, fill and stroke, and stacking.
Learn the basics of proper drawing techniques.
Learn how to create, apply and modify gradients.

Preparation and resources

Setup

Have Illustrator running
Consider using a mouse - many people find the pen tool hard to use with a trackpad

Samples

Download the sample files
Download Illustrator samples and template files

Sample file notes:

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

Presentations

Resources

Illustrator: Drawing and modifying basic shapes

This video uses the sample file Illustrator template.ai you can download from the Samples portion of today's page.

Illustrator: Drawing curves with the pen tool

This video uses the sample file Illustrator template.ai you can download from the Samples portion of today's page.

More drawing practice

Another pen tool tutorial
Download the sample files from this web site follow along with the video. You'll notice slight differences in approach and terminology from one person to another. Don't be concerned as the core details are the same.

Making a template layer

Next steps

Additional tools and techniques - informational only
- Isolation mode
- Format: SVG
- Format: PDF
- Colour modes in AI - RGB vs CMYK
- Next steps in Illustrator

Assignment

Assignment 4: Recreate an image

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

Download a high-resolution JPEG version of it, here. You will need to unzip (decompress)this file.

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 6:00 PM, Sun, Mar 08.

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 (Type->Create outlines). Everyone's computer has different fonts installed; converting to outlines removes the need to have a font installed for the artwork to display properly.
Proper technique is vital. Closed shapes, attention to fill and stoke, accuracy (zoom in) and careful use of colour palette/swatches is vital. Don't try to draw outlines and and then "paint in" colours later - make sure you are able to successfully use colour at all stages of drawing.
When using tracing template layers, Illustrator's eyedropper tool sometimes samples the faded colours of the displayed tracing image and not the actual colour of the photo. This usually happens if you select "Link" when placing the file, so ensure that "Link" is not selected when placing. If this happens, and re-placing the file does not fix it, you can work around this by placing a copy of the photo on your pasteboard, on a non-template layer, and using it to sample the correct colours.

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.

Professional practice

Constructing good, editable files is a core skill in Illustrator. A file may be edited, updated and altered dozens, even hundreds of times. Making sure the base file is well-built is essential.

Pay attention to details - remember that a small irregularity on your screen could be a huge irregularity in a wall-sized museum display or billboard.