Techincal and Skill Development Assignments

Point By Point

Line Contour and Organic Form

This assignment will challenge you to create a drawing from observation and then transform it into vector graphics. The subject for your drawing should be organic in nature. That means it could be a house plant, fruit, or other thing that is living and not man made. There will be several house plants available for you to focus on. Draw in your sketchbook from observation. Then scan and use the drawing as a template for vector graphics illustration. To trace the drawing, use the Pen Tool and focus on the use of bezier curves to create organic forms. Use only black line on white ground. Once the drawing has been traced, you should explore changing line quality through brush profile and size. To complete your work, hide your source image and then export a PNG file for submission.

Objectives:

  • Develop understanding of use of Pen Tool
  • Develop ability to draw and trace with vector graphics
  • Practice observational drawing skills
  • Explore contour line drawing

Process:

  • Choose an organic form to draw (house plant, etc)
  • Using pen or pencil, draw the object from observation
  • Scan your drawing in and save appropriately
  • New Illustrator Document: Letter Size (8 1/2 X 11)
  • "Place" your sketch/drawing image
  • Set source image as Template Layer
  • Use of Pen Tool to trace sketch/drawing
    • Use only line
    • Explore contour line
    • Explore bezier curve
    • Consider visual composition and placement of drawing on artboard
    • Organize layers based on source image
  • Hide or Delete Template Layer
  • Export as PNG
  • Submit assignment upon completion
    • Submit one PNG (Web Safe)
    • "lastname_LineOrganic.png"

Evaluation:

  • 25 points – Requirements
    • Meets Requirements
    • Project Appears Complete
    • Illustrations are Well-Developed
    • Basic (15pts) - Mid Level (20pts) - Advanced (25pts)
  • 25 points - Execution
    • Demonstrates Correct Use of Vector Tools
    • Vector Tools Applied in Appropriate Ways
    • Shows Evidence of Understanding Assigned Processes
    • Basic (15pts) - Mid Level (20pts) - Advanced (25pts)
  • 25 points - Presentation
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Visual Design Principles
    • Shows Evidence of Attention to Detail
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Aesthetic Presentation
    • Basic (15pts) - Mid Level (20pts) - Advanced (25pts)
  • 25 points – Solution
    • Evidence of Self Expression
    • Evidence of Creative Approach
    • Evidence of Risk Taking
    • Basic (15pts) - Mid Level (20pts) - Advanced (25pts)

Conditions:

  • Technical and Skill Development Assignment: Point By Point Category