Week 9 (10/10)
Adobe InDesign
Introduction
Main Tools Used
- Shape
- Pen
- Brush
- Line
- Curvature
- Type On Path
- Direct Selection
Reflection
During the tutorial, I experimented with Illustrator’s tools, changing the stroke, fill colours, and experimented with the gradient tool. The icons were also created using the tools listed above. I did these to familiarise myself with Illustrator and its features, following the tutorial.
During the tutorial, I experimented with Illustrator’s tools, changing the stroke, fill colours, and experimented with the gradient tool. The icons were also created using the tools listed above. I did these to familiarise myself with Illustrator and its features, following the tutorial.
Activity 1: Replicate vector icons
Activity Brief
Replicate the images shown on screen, using only the tools in Adobe Illustrator.
Main Tools Used
- Pen
- Shape
- Curvature
- Width
- Brush
- Direct Selection
- Anchor Point
Reflection
I tried to create them from scratch as much as possible, refraining from using the other tools that Illustrator offers. It was fairly easy to create these icons, mostly using the shape tool to create squares and circles, then using the curvature tool to adjust them. I also used the pen tool to add anchor points and direct selection tool to adjust those points.
I tried to create them from scratch as much as possible, refraining from using the other tools that Illustrator offers. It was fairly easy to create these icons, mostly using the shape tool to create squares and circles, then using the curvature tool to adjust them. I also used the pen tool to add anchor points and direct selection tool to adjust those points.
Activity 2: Create vector images
Activity Brief
Using your knowledge on Adobe Illustrator, create vector images based on images found on Google.
Main Tools Used- Shape
- Pen
- Brush
- Curvature
- Pathfinder
- Direct Selection
- Alignment
Reflection
Using the basics I learned from the introduction tutorial and icon replication activity, I created 3 different vector assets based on images I found on Google. Similar to how I worked on the icons, I started off by using the shape tool to create rectangles, squares, and circles. I traced over the references on the Illustrator artboards , lowering the opacity of the shapes I drew over the images so as to maintain visibility for myself. For each vector illustration, I had to tweak the images to avoid copying the image straight from the reference.
For the minion, I added a pocket to the jumpsuit, changed the rotation of the eyeballs, and used the Illustrator effects ‘Distort and Transform’ tool, ‘Zig Zag’, to create the mouth.
For the seal, I adjusted the arm of the seal, used the brush tool to draw the winking eye, then cleaned it up with Illustrator’s direct selection and curvature tools. I also changed the stroke cap to ‘rounded’ for the entire illustration.
For the caterpillar, I gave it an apple created using the shape tool and adjusted using the curvature tool. For the body of the caterpillar, I had to create multiple ovals that overlapped each other, then used the ‘divide’ tool under pathfinder to separate the overlapping shapes. I also used the gradient tool to give the caterpillar blush on its cheeks.
Overall, this lesson on Illustrator basics was relatively quick and simple for me as I had prior experience with Adobe Illustrator. I treated this lesson as a recap and practice session, and tried to push myself to create more complicated icons than just flat images and icons, hence the usage of tools like gradient and pathfinder tools.
Using the basics I learned from the introduction tutorial and icon replication activity, I created 3 different vector assets based on images I found on Google. Similar to how I worked on the icons, I started off by using the shape tool to create rectangles, squares, and circles. I traced over the references on the Illustrator artboards , lowering the opacity of the shapes I drew over the images so as to maintain visibility for myself. For each vector illustration, I had to tweak the images to avoid copying the image straight from the reference.
For the minion, I added a pocket to the jumpsuit, changed the rotation of the eyeballs, and used the Illustrator effects ‘Distort and Transform’ tool, ‘Zig Zag’, to create the mouth.
For the seal, I adjusted the arm of the seal, used the brush tool to draw the winking eye, then cleaned it up with Illustrator’s direct selection and curvature tools. I also changed the stroke cap to ‘rounded’ for the entire illustration.
For the caterpillar, I gave it an apple created using the shape tool and adjusted using the curvature tool. For the body of the caterpillar, I had to create multiple ovals that overlapped each other, then used the ‘divide’ tool under pathfinder to separate the overlapping shapes. I also used the gradient tool to give the caterpillar blush on its cheeks.
Overall, this lesson on Illustrator basics was relatively quick and simple for me as I had prior experience with Adobe Illustrator. I treated this lesson as a recap and practice session, and tried to push myself to create more complicated icons than just flat images and icons, hence the usage of tools like gradient and pathfinder tools.