Embedded Files
T Illustration Techniques: Character/Cartoon
We begin a series of tutorials on using Illustrator for what it was intended: illustration.
dx/Illustration: Character/Cartoon T Illustration Techniques: Character/Cartoon
The first area we will work with is using Illustrator for character creation. Use these tutorials to follow: #1 (don't do the Photoshop part), #2, and #3, OPTIONAL!>then search for a comic style one of your choice from here or do a totally original character for a total of 4. Note that these are "Oldie-but-Goodies" but you should still be able to follow the technique in our updated current version of Illustrator. Place all 3 (or 4) together interacting in a cartoon scene. Add type to create image/word combinations (cartoon text bubbles) and maybe a cool comic-style title. This type of technique has many uses as can be seen in the Websites of the Day. Further your technique with research on "cartoon style with Adobe Illustrator".
Expert Tip:
A summary of useful items necessary for Event/Emblem logo project we went over last week-
MASTER THESE!
Gradients to shapes can be added using both the Gradient Tool, as well as the Gradient Palette. Both color and opacity can be controlled by the Gradient Palette as well as other gradient attributes. [Note that to get gradient fill on text, you must change the text to a shape...Top Menu>Type>Create Outlines]
Outlines/Strokes of shapes can be changed to shapes that can then be filled with gradients/patterns and have strokes of their own...Top Menu>Object>Path>Outline Stroke...position the Stroke on an object by Stroke Palette>Align Stroke (Center, Inside, Outside)...be sure to Ungroup several times then re-select to break the outlined stroke away from the original shape.
Patterns can be created from scratch, downloaded, or use the included ones. They are access through the Swatches Palette. They can be applied to shapes, then adjust the Transparency Palette to alter the intensity or how much you see of any underlying imagery.
The Transparency Palette not only has opacity options, but also blending options...check them out one by one to see how they affect colors and texture overlying one another.
The Graphic Styles Palette has loads of options and many more are available thorough the palette menu.
There are other ways to align type on the path other than the default, these can be reached by going to Top Menu>Type>Type on a Path
There two ways to warp shapes/type using the Make Envelope setting on the Options bar at top...Make with Warp and Make with Mesh...be sure to understand the use of both of these.
Under Top Menu>Effects>Stylize you will find several useful effects such as Drop Shadow, Feather, and Glow.
Any changes you make to the appearance like color, opacity, etc. can be seen in one place...the Appearance Palette.
Further Study:
The video tutorials below-
H Illustration Techniques: Stylized
dx/Illustration: Stylization
Stylizing and simplifying landscapes and images is a big part of vector art and is reminiscent of the Russian Constructivist movement. Complete this tutorial #1. and #2 .
Expert Tips:
Here's a great process from start to finish for you to try (OPTIONAL)-
Study Guide for Quiz 4
Know what file format is best to send to printers.
Understand the difference between vector and bitmapped art.
Is vecotr art resolution dependent or independent
Where did the mathmatics vector art is based on come from?
What is a popular format for vector art on the web?
What is a native file format?
Know the difference between a TIFF, PDF, GIG, JPG, PNG, EPS, DCS, BMP, PICT file formats.
What does compression do?
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse