Reading Discussion

Our question in the reading Discussion Forum will be reviewed at the beginning of class. Our discussion will help to gain a better understanding of the text by focusing on some of the more important concepts.

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Review Class 3 Drawing Assignment

Discussion will center on the drawings that were submitted at the end of Class 3.

 

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In Class Drawing Exercises

• Sketching
• Blind Contour
• Thumbnails
• Composition Studies
• Basic Shapes
• "Stylized"
• Refer to reading: Aesthetics of Game Art and Design - Solarski (6 pages total)

Point-By-Point & Shape Build Exercises

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.

Samples for drawing should be from observation in class, including our earlier sketches. There will also be a few example images that you can load and use as reference images for this exercise.

 

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

• Unite
• Minus Front
• Intersect
• Exclude
• Divide
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• 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.

• Ficus Example 1
• Ficus Example 2
• Ficus Example 3
• Ficus Example 3

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