Unit 4 - Illustrator Basics & Vector Art
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For this intro to Illustrator unit, you will be exploring the tools, options, and palettes through a variety of episodes. The button link will provide the information you will need for the unit. The video below describes the directions and breaks down the course into details.
Formative Assignment / Section, Episode:
Formative Assignment / Section, Episode:
- You may choose to summarize each video by answering the prompts from Schoology and submitting your responses.
- You may choose to create a quick visual example of what you learn from the video tutorial in Illustrator and submit / export as a jpeg copy or pdf file.
Summative Project - From Tasty Tuts Course
Based on the knowledge and skills you've acquired from working through the Tasty Tuts video tutorials and by creating the practice vector skull graphic, now create your own symmetrical full color traditional tattoo or t-shirt design.
Formative Learning Opportunity - Option 2
This animated video was made with the help of a Vector Graphics program? What are vector graphics? What is the difference between vector and raster?
Click on the above link button. Look to the left of the screen and watch the video from parts 1, 2 and 3.
Files for Formative Lessons / Vids
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#1 - Anchor Points, Handles, Shapes & Strokes#2 - Pen Tool Exercise#2.5 - More on Pen Tool#3 - Pathfinder#4 - Layers#5 - Gradients |
#6 - Gradient Mesh - optional
#7 - Joining Two PathsExtra Vids | ||
Tips for Creating Art with Illustrator
- Be careful about using black outlines (strokes) for your designs, unless the design visually / aesthetically calls for it - as in the chainsaw bunny illustration below or in characters like Homer Simpson. If you feel like you need an outline, remember, outlines do not have to be black.
- Consider creating movement and rhythm in the background to help guide the viewer through the composition. Again use discretion depending on the aesthetic of your piece.
- Lines NEED to be clean and smooth. Create handles when using the pen tool for nice curves.
- Use layers to organize shapes and elements for busy compositions.
Summative Composition - Vector Character
Criteria for All Illustrator Summative Options
- Set up Art boards at 9"x12" (inches) cmyk
- Fill the composition picture plane with purpose. White space is ok if it helps the balance.
- Consider Balance - symmetry or asymmetry. Consider the main idea. What is the focal point? What's holding emphasis?
| rubric_-_illustrator_vector_character_unit_3.docx |
Option #1
By utilizing the pen tool (paths and anchors), pathfinder options, shape tool, and gradients, your challenge is to create your own cartoon character (monster, animal, as a vector graphic. Click on the "Art Prompts" button below, then click on the "Character" or "Creature" option. Try to force yourself to stick with the first prompt the site gives you. You may want to tackle this challenge one of two ways:
By utilizing the pen tool (paths and anchors), pathfinder options, shape tool, and gradients, your challenge is to create your own cartoon character (monster, animal, as a vector graphic. Click on the "Art Prompts" button below, then click on the "Character" or "Creature" option. Try to force yourself to stick with the first prompt the site gives you. You may want to tackle this challenge one of two ways:
- Use the pathfinder options and shape as your main design tools to construct the main body and features of your character...or...
- Draw out, take a picture of your drawing, and trace with the pen as your main design tool, then fill in the shapes with color while using layers to define the features of the character.
Option #2
By utilizing the pen tool (paths and anchors), pathfinder options, shape tool, and gradients, this option challenges you to create yourself, a friend, or even a teacher (with his or her permission of course) as a vector character.
By utilizing the pen tool (paths and anchors), pathfinder options, shape tool, and gradients, this option challenges you to create yourself, a friend, or even a teacher (with his or her permission of course) as a vector character.
Option #3
Create an original composition of your choice, setting up your artboard (new file) as 9" x 12". You may choose to draw this first, take a photo of your drawing and import your image. The use of good design should be evident. What Principle of Design will you choose to focus on? Emphasis? Repetition? Balance? Unity? Variety? Movement & Rhythm? Use the Elements of Art to drive the Principle of Design in your work.
Create an original composition of your choice, setting up your artboard (new file) as 9" x 12". You may choose to draw this first, take a photo of your drawing and import your image. The use of good design should be evident. What Principle of Design will you choose to focus on? Emphasis? Repetition? Balance? Unity? Variety? Movement & Rhythm? Use the Elements of Art to drive the Principle of Design in your work.
