Intro Graphic Design What is Vector Art PROPERTY

Intro Graphic Design What is Vector Art? PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 1

Intro Graphic Design What is Vector Art? Objective: Clarify how vector art / tools works & demonstrate a best approach method PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 2

Defining Vector Art What is Vector Art? Used commonly in typography (the art of lettering) and logo design to avoid pixelation (as seen at right). PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 3

Defining Vector Art The wireframe is made up of a series of connected dots, called Anchor Points. In this example, you see what the computer sees: not pixels, but a wireframe. The curve between these can be controlled using handles PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 4

File Set-Up The New Document panel allows you to define various aspects of the file you’re about to create, including NAME and DIMENSIONS PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 5

Layers When creating a digital illustration, your file will contain many small objects. Separating into layers can help to isolate and organize the file, making it easier to work with. • Selected objects will be highlighted using the color of the layer they are located on. • Layers can be locked to help isolate & focus on one element at a time. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 6

Basic Tools SHAPES FILL & STROKE Illustrator has tools to make some basic geometric shapes. • Click & drag to create a generic shape • Single click to open shapespecific menu • Hold ‘Shif’t to maintain proportions PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 7

Object Controls Selection Tool (Black Arrow) Used for bigger changes: to move objects, adjust size via bounding box Direct-Select Tool (White Arrow) Used for smaller changes: fine-tune shapes by adjusting individual anchor points & handles on strokes of objects Stroke Control Panel Adjusts the thickness of the outline edges of shapes. Can make dashed lines, rounded endcaps of line segments. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 8

Drawing Tools Many objects cannot be made with simple geometric shapes, and you’ll need to draw more organic shapes. The BRUSH TOOL and PENCIL TOOL are used to create complex, curved shapes. • The Pencil will follow your drawn lines more closely. • The Brush will simplify your lines to look more smooth. CLOSE YOUR SHAPES! VS. Fill colors always connect from start point to end point of any line segment, so draw around the entire border of any shape you want filled with color. *There are other ways to draw shapes, which will be introduced in later assignments. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 9

Transparency & Gradients TRANSPARANCY This option allows you to set the properties of a shape to be see -through, like glass. GRADIENTS You can choose to fill an object with a blend from color-tocolor instead of a single color. • Double-click the bixes on the slider bar to change or add colors to your gradient. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 10

Key Commands ZOOM Command + Command – Command 0 MOVE AROUND CLONE SPACEBAR COPY OPTION (click & drag) Command C PROPORTIONAL SCALE Hold SHIFT while enlarging PASTE Command V UNDO Command Z REDO Command Shift Z *There are many more of these time-savers available to you, which you’ll learn over time. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 11

Key Commands Practice • In your notes, write the key commands.

Art Creation Sequence Art creation sequence When doing character designs in future remember this sequence; 1. Create enclosed shape (pen, paintbrush, shape tool) 2. Change stroke / fill , lock the layer. 3. Create new layer and add details / shapes and lock Continue until this way until art project is done. *There are many more of these time-savers available to you, which you’ll learn over time. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011 13

Quick Quiz! • Open note quiz – Go to our Digital Media Assignment / notes page. Click on Vector Recap to take quiz.

Try the Art Creation sequence • Use your shape tools, layers, paintbrush / pen tool, to create something interesting. Don’t forget to experiment with transparency and gradient.