Illustrated Instructions Poster

Project Brief

Create an 11"x17" poster that instructs the reader how to complete a task, both written and visually (illustrations).

Inspiration

We will look through these in class, but here they are also for your reference.

Click the arrows on the bottom left to view all the slides.

Inspiration

Decide on Your Task

Think of a task that you want to create illustrated instructions for:

  • It could be a task that you're good at that you want to teach others

  • It could be a task that you want to learn how to do

Draft Instructions

  1. Go to the "Draft Instructions..." Canvas Assignment.

  2. Click "Start Assignment"

  3. In the "Text Entry" area, type out your instructions for your chosen task. You can find instructions online, but you need to edit them to make sure they make sense and fit the guidelines:

    • 5-9 steps

    • Each step: 1-2 sentences (2-20 words total/step)

    • 150 words max for all steps combined

  4. Check the word count by clicking "Tools" > "Word count" (max: 150 words)

  5. Submit.

Draft Illustrations

  1. Get a blank piece of paper and a writing utensil

  2. For each of your steps to complete your task, draw draft illustrations.

    • Your illustrations/visuals for each task need to be created by you. Photographs/graphics from online are not an option for this project.

  3. Once you're done drafting your illustrations, raise your hand.

  4. Mrs. Hodges will take a photo of your draft illustrations and upload it to the Draft Illustrations Google Drive.

  5. Put your paper in your folder.

  6. Download the photo of your draft illustrations from the Draft Illustrations Google Drive.

Copy Illustrator Template

  1. Go to the Illustrated Instructions Poster Template

  2. If you aren't already signed in to Adobe, click "Sign in" in the top right corner.

  3. Click "Copy to Files"

  4. Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.

  5. Rename: Right-click on the file and click "Rename" to add your last name to the start:

    • "Last Name, Instructions"

  6. Open: Right-click and click "Open"

  7. Workspace: Adjust your workspace (go to "Window" > "Workspace" > "Essentials Classic")

Set up Your Poster & Add Text

  1. In your "Guides" layer:

    • Create 1" guides for margins on all four sides

    • Create a 3x3 Rule of Thirds grid

    • Lock your "Guides layer"

  2. In your "Background" layer:

    • Create a rectangle and choose a color for your background

    • Lock your "Background" layer

  3. In your "Text" layer:

    • Copy and paste your instructions into illustrator. You might want to copy and paste each step in the instructions separately so they are their own text boxes.

      • Minimum text size: 24pt.

    • Add a title for your instructions.

      • Minimum text size: double the size of your instructions text.

    • Adjust the typography:

      • Change the fonts

      • Change the colors

Add Illustrations

  1. In your "Layers" panel, create a new layer "Image" for your illustration reference photo (downloaded from the Draft Illustrations Google Drive).

  2. Drag your image from your downloads folder into Illustrator.

  3. Embed image: Go to "Window" > "Links" then click on the image and click the button in the top right with the three links and click "Embed Images"

  4. In your "Layers" panel, click on your "Image" layer and then click the button in the top right with the three lines and click "Template"

    • You can also get references photographs from online to use to trace.

  5. In your "Layers" panel, create a new layer called "Illustrations" above your "Image" layer

  6. Trace/draw your illustrations for each step in your instructions:

    • Tools available:

      • Pen Tool

      • Drawing tablet pen with the Paintbrush Tool

      • Shaper Tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, etc.)

    • Guidelines:

      • Illustrations need to be created by you in Illustrator. You may trace photos from online if you need to.

      • They should be similar/united in style (color, lines, shading, shapes (2D) vs. forms (3D), etc.)

      • Illustrations should be easy to understand and complement the written instructions for each step in the task.

Hide Your Guides & Image Layer

In your "Layers" panel, click the eye icon on the left of "Guides" and "Image" layers to hide the layers.

Save as .AIC and .PDF

  1. Go to "File" > "Save" to make sure to save your .aic file (if it is grayed out then it is already saved).

  2. Go to "File" > "Save As..."

  3. Choose "On your computer"

  4. Click "Creative Cloud Files" folder on the left menu

  5. Name: "Last Name, Instructions"

  6. Click "Save"

  7. Click "Save PDF"

  8. Once you save as a .pdf, exit out of Illustrator. If you need to edit again and resave, make sure to edit your .aic file and re-save as a .pdf.

Turn in to Canvas

Turn in your .pdf file on Canvas in the "Illustrated Instructions Poster" assignment.

"I'm Done"

If you have more time in class, check out the "I'm Done" page.