Week 1

Adobe Illustrator

This week gets you familiar with the most important basics of Illustrator as well as introduces some surprisingly easy professional level techniques.

iCE: Pen Tool Exercise

To use Illustrator effectively, you must MASTER the Pen Tool.  Use the three exercise templates found under the Pen Tool folder in the class D2L site under the Week 1 Content page and trace the lines with the Pen Tool as demoed in class.  Do this until you have full control over the technique. Export out as jpg and upload into the proper D2L folder.

Expert Tip: Use Command Z as a multiple step undo.

Use the video below for additional help on the Pen Tool-

iCE: Hand Lettering Exercise

Look in the D2L site under Week 1 folder and view the two files. Practice the hand lettering this phrase "The Quick Brown Fox Jumped Over The Lazy Dog".  Do at least 50 practice sentences on a sheet of paper (rules or un-ruled, your choice). This is what professional designers use in their sketches and notes so be sure to practice until yours looks good and then use it in your sketches where necessary. When finished, photograph with phone, upload into the proper D2L folder as shown in class. 

This style of hand printing is used almost exclusively in all fields of design sketching.

Use the video below as an additional guide-

iCE: Layered Lettering Exercise

(Food packaging examples)

(Target Ad)

Go to John Burns Lettering.  Utilize the techniques I went over and using your name/nickname and font that somewhat matches the Burn's logo, study then recreate the colors and layers of four of the following logos found on his site: under “All” > Ruffles, Fritos, Baby Ruth, Extreme Nacho, Black Bolt, and Joe Expresso, Plan Tea.  Then do one with your name/initials and any symbols (such as found in Dingbats, Webdings, or any symbol font, etc.) or shapes you wish.  You may also use gradations.

Take the time to explore the rest of his site especially the “Case Studies” and other lettering artists’ sites such as those listed in the Reference Links/Illustrator/Lettering.

Expert tip: To change typeface/fonts there are several methods:

• Top Menu>Windows>Type>Character

• Top Menu>Type>Fonts     this way allows you to see the actual fonts

• Top Menu>Type>Glyphs   this way allows you to see the entire font

Study Guide for Quiz 1

What is important when beginning a printed project?

What is a signature?

Understand the difference between the types of spreads.

Understand paper grading.

Understand binding types.

Understand the difference between DPI and PPI.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the types of printers listed?

Know when it is economical to print in-house versus out-sourcing.