Session 1: This week will we continue our Adobe Illustrator lessons and introduce the Design Contest Entry project. Today I will be presenting the third lecture written by Professor Mike O’Donnell titled, The Basics of Composition. Following the lecture I will demonstrate Illustrator Lesson 4.
DUE TODAY – Exercise #1: Good versus Bad Logo Design
Illustrator Lesson 4: The Pen Tool and Bézier Curves
Introducing the pen tool
Drawing point to point
Getting started with Bézier curves
A Bézier curve is a parametric curve frequently used in computer graphics and related fields. Generalizations of Bézier curves to higher dimensions are called Bézier surfaces, of which the Bézier triangle is a special case. In vector graphics, Bézier curves are used to model smooth curves that can be scaled indefinitely. “Paths”, as they are commonly referred to in image manipulation programs, are combinations of linked Bézier curves. Paths are not bound by the limits of rasterized images and are intuitive to modify. – Wikipedia
Session 2: Today we will discuss the requirements for the Design Contest Entry project. Following the discussion I will be demonstrating some more examples of using Bézier curves in Illustrator. Having a good understanding of how to draw using this technique will be an essential skill for Design Contest Entry project and many other tasks that apply to this course.
Quick tip: What is bottom-weighting? Bottom-weighting is when a larger amount of space is used in the bottom of a mat or margin than the top. Often this is expressed using the Golden Mean or ratio (1/1.618034).
Project #1: Design Contest Entry
Due: Session 2, Week 6 (9 points)
Description:
Design and produce an entry for the design contest presented in class. Start by carefully reading and understanding the contest rules and requirements. Next, hand sketch a minimum of six thumbnails to express your concepts. Refine your design based on the discussions and feedback about your thumbnails. Create your design using Adobe Illustrator. Do not use artwork other than your own. This means no clipart, whether or not is available in the public domain. Derivative work may be acceptable as long as it is significantly different from the original piece (i.e. tracing the photo of a monument or landmark). Include examples of your design in use within the context of the contest submission guidelines.
Requirements:
The following requirements are in addition to those specified in the contest submission guidelines:
1. Make your design adaptable to multiple uses (digital, print, name tags, and promotional material)
2. Your design should not lose impact or legibility when substantially reduced in size
3. Consider and apply the design principles we’ve discussed (MAYA, Gestalt theory, etc.)
4. Your design should be reproducible in solid tones using one color (black)
5. No tints, no blends, no gradations are allowed unless specified in the contest guidelines
6. Do not include copyrighted artwork or any clipart, including work within the public domain
7. Make sure all type has been converted to outlines and upload the Illustrator (.ai) file, a PDF version, and a scan of your hand drawn sketches to Canvas by week 6, session 1
Points Breakdown:
Up to 3 points earned for initiating the project with six hand drawn sketches or thumbnails
Up to 3 points earned for writing a clear one page document describing your concept for the design
Up to 3 points earned for creating an attractive design that meets all specified requirements
Illustrator Lesson 5:
Drawing Bézier curves
Practice with Bézier curves
Download the pen tool practice templates