Illustration and Visual Narrative - Project 1
05.04.2023 - 10.05.2023 (Week 1 - Week 6)
Sorcha Griselda / 0353056
Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Project 1 - Exercises 1 & 2
LECTURES
Week 1
- During the first week, Mr. Hafiz introduced the class about the module and the assignments breakdown.
- We also learned about using Adobe Illustrator and he gave us an introduction to the selection and grouping tools.
Week 2
- During the second week, Mr. Hafiz introduced the class by learning new tools, such as selection tool, pen tool and curvature tool.
- Before beginning the tutorial class, Mr. Hafiz showed us a lecturer video on Characters Design Fundamentals.
- We are assigned to start with exercise 1, which is about designing a unique character with the provided shapes with using Adobe Illustrator.
Week 3
- During the third week, Mr. Hafiz introduced the class with new skillsets about color, gradient, pattern and texture.
- He guide us on how to use the shape builder tool and how to adjust the color of the vormator character in order to elevate the design of it.
Week 4
- Ms. Noranis gave briefing about the MyTiger Competition details.
- Mr. Hafiz explains about the tools that will be used on creating the second exercise which is on illustrated typography.
Week 5
- Mr. Hafiz gave tutorials on how to covert our designs into 3D as well as explaining about image tracing.
Week 6
- Ms. Noranis check on our progression for the exercise 2 and giving some feedbacks.
INSTRUCTIONS
TUTORIAL & PRACTICAL
Week 1: Direct and Grouping Selection Tool
- Direct selection tool (A): Individual anchor points or path segments that can be selected by clicking on them, or a complete path/group can be selected by clicking on any other on the item.
- Grouping selection tool: It is used to change individual objects within a group without first having to deselect them.
Week 2: Pen Tool and Curvature Tool
- Pen tool (P): It can be used to make shapes by using the Freeform curves.
- Curvature tool (Shift+'): It allows to establish the link between each anchor point and modify the path.
- Practical 1: Tracing the Vormator shapes using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator
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| Figure 1.1 Vormator Shape Tracing (05.04.2023) |
Week 3:
- Shape Builder tool (Shift+M):It allows to remove the edges from the chosen shapes which essentially giving the designs a digital haircut. Simply select the Shape Builder Tool while pressing Option key to trim the misplaced paths.
- Gradient tool (G): It is used to adjust the appearance of the gradient on the selected shape.
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| Figure 1.2 Color and Gradient on Vormator Character (19.04.2023) |
Week 4:
- Typing the texts given from the random word generator using the Type Tool (T) and converting those texts into shapes that represent the words.
- Pencil tool (N): Allows to draw freehand lines and shapes by clicking and dragging the mouse. It is useful to create quick sketches and rough shapes.
- Smooth tool: It is used to refine existing paths and make them smoother.
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| Figure 1.3 Pencil Tracing Exercise (26.04.2023) |
- 3D: Allows to crate three-dimensional shapes and objects. We can also add depth and dimension to our creations by using the 3D features. In addition, the materials are the textures and finishes that may be applied to the 3D objects. It allows to build realistic-looking designs that mimic the look and feel of the real-world objects.
- Image trace: Allows to convert raster images into vector artwork. Once the tracing parameters are specified, users can expand the image to transform it into a vector shape. This capability is useful for converting raster images into scalable graphics and logos.
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| Figure 1.4 3D Sushi Illustration Exercise (03.05.2023) |
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| Figure 1.5 3D Rainbow (Basics) Exercise (03.05.2023) |
EXERCISE 1: VORMATOR CHARACTER
Task description:
- Designing a unique character with the provided shapes with using Adobe Illustrator.
- Requirements:
- Can rotate, flip and duplicate the shapes
- Not obliged to use all the shapes
- Can scale size, but only proportionally
- No skewing or free transform
- No altering the original shapes
- Can add, subtract, intersect and group elements as you see fit
- Unlimited colour use
- Can use gradients and texture
- NO OUTLINE STROKES!
- No background
My concept in this exercise is derived from one of my favourite
Pixar movie illustration known as 'How to Train Your Dragon'. I was
inspired to create a vormator character based from one of the dragon
character found in the movie.
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| Figure 2.1 Light Fury |
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| Figure 2.2 First character sketch (11.04.2023) |
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As progressing with creating my character, I did numerous amount of
changes on the shapes placement as well as the color. There are
certain times that I was not satisfied with the design of the
character, so I keep on changing it while also developing new idea
concept on how to make it more appealing. During the third week
class, I learnt some new skills as the lecturer introduce us on how
to use the shape builder and transform tool. I started to applied
these skills and develop my vormator character design. As a result,
my color scheme turns out to be elevated which contributes on the
overall design of my character.
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Final Vormator Character
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EXERCISE 2: ILLUSTRATED TYPEFACE
Task Description
- Continuing the Ai tools mastery, design and create an aesthetically pleasing illustrated typography by using words from the Pictionary Generator.
- Requirements:
- The illustrations and words compliment each other
- The design makes sense
- Use non-decorative fonts as the base of the design
For this second exercise, I got the 'sleep' and 'spill' as the
words that are going to be created into an illustrated
typography.
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| Figure 4.1 The Given Words From Pictionary Generator |
When we were introduced on how using the pen tool for creating
illustrated typography, I came up with the idea of combining the two
words where I created the 'Sleep' to look melting away and spilled
down. However, I was not satisfied with the outcome.
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Figure 4.2 First Draft of the Typography
Illustration (26.04.2023) |
Then on the following class, we are introduced with using the 3D
and materials effect. From here, I started to get all creative and
try to apply the effect on the text and see which one is the most
suitable on expressing the words.
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| Figure 4.3 First Trial of using the 3D effect on 'Sleep' Typography (28.04.2023) |
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| Figure 4.4 Second Trial of using the 3D effect on 'Spill' Typography (28.04.2023) |
After getting used on using both tools on Adobe Illustrator, I
tried to create objects that could help in the expression of the
words. For 'Sleep', I decided to create a 3D sleeping mattress that
looks comfortable in the viewers eyes, which draw them to instantly
know the idea behind the word itself.
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| Figure 4.5 Process of Creating the Sleeping Mattress (01.05.2023) |
Once I have completed with the 3D object, I start to input the
'Sleep' text in which I used the font of Bodoni 72 Bold. As can
be seen from the pictures below, I tried to do the blur text effect
(left picture) and placing it on the bottom left. However, I did not
like the outcome and attempt to use the blend tool and place the text
on top of the object (right picture).
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| Figure 4.6 'Sleep' Typography Placement (01.05.2023) |
For 'Spill' illustrated typography, I decided to create a 3D bottle in
order to create a water spill effect on the word typeface. I started
out by using the shapes tools and then applied the 3D and material
effects on them. Afterwards, I choose the font of
Adobe Caslon Pro for the word typeface. To achieve the
water-dripping look, I used the pencil tool as well as applying the 3D
effect. I adjusted the lighting and contrast on the 3D typeface.
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| Figure 4.7 Process of Creating 'Spill' Illustrated Typography (01.05.2023) |
After receiving some feedback from Ms. Noranis, I decided to improve my
designs and follow her evaluation that she kindly sketched which can be
seen from the picture below:
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| Figure 4.8 Feedback Sketched by Ms. Noranis (10.05.2023) |
However after following the feedbacks given, I decided to stick with my
first idea as I am not satisfied with the result. Nonetheless, I still
applied some advice that Ms. Noranis had given before.
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| Figure 4.9 Isometric Bed Idea Inspired From Mrs. Noranis' Feedback (13.05.2023) |
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| Figure 4.10 Changes After Receiving Feedback (13.05.2023) |
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| Figure 4.11 Final 'Sleep' Outline | JPEG Format (06.05.2023) |
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| Figure 4.12 Final 'Spill' Outline | JPEG Format (10.05.2023) |
Final Illustrated Typography
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| Figure 5.1 Final 'Sleep' Illustrated Typeface | JPEG Format (06.05.2023) |
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| Figure 5.2 Final 'Spill' Illustrated Typeface | JPEG Format (10.05.2023) |
FEEDBACK
(a) Exercise 1: Vormator Challange
- Try to explore using and applying the gradient and shadow on the character, so it can become more interesting to look at.
(b) Exercise 2: Illustrated Typography
- Great idea but you need to work on the execution of the typeface.
REFLECTION
Throughout this project, I learned the fundamental tools and
techniques of Adobe Illustrator. I find it fascinating that we are
able to create any kind of digital designs that we desire
by combining shapes and forms, adding some visual effects and
many more. From creating my first vormator character, I was able to
show my creativity as well as maximizes my productivity by using Adobe
Illustrator.
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