Class 3 - Thursday Sept 14

Schedule:

  • Reading Intro
  • Drawing Exercises
    • Warm Up Exercises
    • Contour Line Drawing
  • Digital Foundations Chapter 1
  • Vector Shape Tools
  • Pathfinder Tool & Shape Build
  • Import/Export Overview

Assignments:

Announcements:

Time Wasters:

Reading Overview

solarski

In the article "The Aesthetics of Game Art and Design," Solarski gives us an overview of how basic shapes are used as the basis for how different kinds of visual assets are designed for game environments. This approach is commonly used in design, because basic shapes like ellipse, rectangle, and triangle have distinctly different visual and psychological qualities. Although a design might not literally be a basic shape, it might still demonstrate its qualities. We will spend a short amount of time talking about some of these qualities and characteristics.

In Class Drawings

Contour

  • Warm Ups: Blind Contour - 2x3min & Continuous Line Contour - 2x3min
  • Extended Countour Line - 2x15min

Scanning & Importing

class 3

Following our drawing exercise, we will talk about scanning sketches. Each work station should have a scanner. There will be a brief demonstration on how the scanner operates and how it can be used to import sketches for use in Illustrator.

Illustrator Tutorials

Digital Foundations Chapter 1

Create a Dynamic Composition using only basic rectangles. Investigate how a composition can be created that is dynamic because it allows the viewer's eye to move around the picture plane. Consider how color can create complex forms through overlapping forms. Aesthetically interesting art and design usually demonstrate an understanding of effective visual composition. In addition this tutorial introduces Shape Tools.

Point-By-Point & Shape Build Exercises

class 3

We have used the Pen Tool to create a "Point-By-Point" drawing with vector graphics. Another method for drawing with vectors is to use the Shape Tool and Pathfinder Panel. The Pathfinder is a way of creating complex paths from simple ones. It takes some practice to get the hang of, as does the Pen Tool. In class we are introducing them side-by-side because they can work together or separately while both offering efficient ways of creating paths.

Continue drawing today by practicing the Point-By-Point method. Use the Pen Tool to trace your sketch. This vector drawing method is very useful once you learn by experience where the best position for your anchor points should be. "Prime Point Placement" refers to the ideal location for an anchor point that allows you to create vector graphics that are efficient, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing.

 

class 3

The Shape Build Method uses a combination of Shape Tools and the Pathfinder. A rough demonstration will be given in class. You may follow along if desired, but you will also have time later to put the concepts into practice on your own. Our work session will be open ended and your work will not be collected. Consider any extra time as room to practice, experiment, and/or catch up on the processes we have introduced so far.

  • Using a hand-drawn sketch as a template, Shape Build will create a "stylized" version
  • Shape Build takes advantage of vector graphics characteristics through simplified form
  • Layer or draw shapes in logical order
  • One shape will "Cut" or "Punch" out from the other
  • Mix and Match, Reorganize layers as needed
  • Create as many shapes as you think are necessary
  • Duplicate, Copy/Past, Past In Place when possible
  • Stylized and simplified forms benefit from Symmetry, Balance, and Pattern

class 4

  • Unite
  • Minus Front
  • Intersect
  • Exclude
  • Divide
  •  
  • Shaper Tool

Use only Vector Shape tools to create a stylized graphic of your subject. The above "Leaf Icon" illustration might be a good example to consider. Your sketch should follow the work you did earlier using the Pen Tool. Spend as much time as you need to refine and develop the graphic. The work will not be collected. We will use both "Point-By-Point" and "Shape Build" processes throughout the semester.

Saving & Exporting

As time permits, a demonstration will be given regarding saving and exporting from Illustrator. Later in the semester, you will be asked to submit images of your work in specific formats. Our demonstration will be focused on what some of those expectations will be. No work will be collected during this class, but it will be a good opportunity to practice this skill

  • Filenames
  • File "Save As" : AI & PDF
  • File "Export As" : PNG