Illustration And Visual Narrative / Exercises

 Illustration And Visual Narrative / Exercises
03.04.23 - 29.03.23

Week 1 - Week 4

Chen Nan 0363533

LECTURE RECAP

Week 1

During the first week of class, we were introduced to Adobe Illustrator and learned about the difference between raster and vector art. We focused on the Pen tool and practiced tracing shapes using it in the Bezier game. We also explored the workspace, toolbar, and important functions like grouping and selection. Our first assignment, the Vormator challenge, involved tracing eight shapes using the Pen tool in Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 1.1 Vormator shape


Week 2

During the lecture, Mr. Hafiz emphasized character design and the importance of proportions in creating memorable characters. He discussed the average adult body being 7.5 heads tall and the significance of maintaining realistic proportions. However, unique proportions can also be used to convey character personality and storytelling. For example, strong characters may have larger bodies relative to their heads, while nimble characters may have slender pelvises and limbs. Additionally, Mr. Hafiz introduced the Curve Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator as a more convenient way to create curved lines compared to the default Pen Tool.


Week 3

There are multiple ways to apply color to artwork in Adobe Illustrator. The standard fill tool allows for coloring multiple shapes at once by grouping them, and individual shapes can be isolated and colored by double-clicking on them. Color schemes can be created by referencing other designs or using Adobe's website to export palettes to your library.

The gradient tool creates gradual blends of colors or tints, adding visual impact to your design. Gradients can be used to enhance the overall appearance of the artwork.

Adding shadows to artwork can enhance depth and create a sense of weight. It's important to determine the light source and apply shadows accordingly for realistic shading. The Shape Builder tool can be used to create shadows by overlapping shapes and subtracting them. Shadows are typically darker versions of the object they are cast upon but remain within the same color spectrum.

Figure 1.2 Vormator example



Week 4

Text Tool: Allows you to add and manipulate text within your artwork. It provides options for selecting fonts, adjusting font size, changing text color, and applying various text effects. With the text tool, you can easily create and edit text-based elements to add informative or decorative elements to your designs.

Smooth Tool: To refine and smooth out the paths and curves in your artwork. It helps to eliminate jagged or uneven lines and create cleaner and more polished shapes. By dragging the smooth tool over a path, it automatically adjusts the curve and creates a smoother appearance. This tool is especially useful when working with hand-drawn or irregular shapes, allowing you to achieve a more refined and professional look for your designs.

Shaper Tool: A versatile and intuitive tool used for creating and refining shapes. It allows you to quickly sketch freeform shapes and then convert them into clean and precise vector paths. With the Shaper Tool, you can draw, combine, and refine shapes effortlessly by simply dragging your cursor over the areas you want to include. It automatically detects and merges intersecting shapes, making it easy to create complex compositions. The Shaper Tool is a great asset for creating organic and fluid designs, as well as for quickly editing and adjusting existing shapes in your artwork.

Width Tool: Allows you to adjust the width of a stroke at different points along its path. With this tool, you can create dynamic and varied line weights, adding depth and dimension to your artwork. By clicking and dragging on a stroke, you can easily manipulate its width, making it thicker or thinner as desired. The Width Tool gives you precise control over the width profile, enabling you to create tapered, tapered, or variable-width strokes. This tool is particularly useful for creating stylized artwork, and calligraphy, and adding visual interest to your illustrations and designs.

Week 5

Adobe Illustrator offers a powerful 3D functionality that allows users to create three-dimensional shapes from vector images. With this feature, artists and designers can generate 3D objects and enhance their artwork by adding depth and realism. By leveraging the various 3D tools and settings available in Illustrator, users can bring their illustrations to life with stunning three-dimensional effects. This enables them to create visually engaging designs and artwork that stand out.


INSTRUCTION

Figure 2.1 MIB of IVN

1.0 VORMATOR CHALLENGE CHARACTER

In week 1, Mr. Hafiz assigned us to draw the Vormator shapes using Adobe Illustrator. The Vormator challenge involved tracing eight different shapes using the Pen tool in Illustrator. This exercise helped us practice our skills in using the Pen tool and familiarize ourselves with the tools and functions of Illustrator. It also served as a foundation for understanding the importance of precise lines and shapes in graphic design.

Figure 3.1 Vormator shapes

In week 2, Mr. Hafiz assigned us the task of designing a character using the Vormator shapes we had learned in the previous week. The objective was to apply our knowledge of creating precise lines and shapes to develop a unique and visually appealing character. We were encouraged to explore different combinations and arrangements of the Vormator shapes to bring our characters to life. This task allowed us to exercise our creativity and problem-solving skills while honing our skills in character design and illustration.

Figure 3.2 Research from the Internet


After conducting some research and gathering inspiration, I made the decision to challenge myself by designing a poster using only the Vormator shapes. By limiting myself to these shapes, I aimed to explore the versatility and creative possibilities that could be achieved within such constraints. 

Figure 3.3 Final Design in Outline

Final Outcome

Figure 3.4 Final Outcome



2.0 ILLUSTRATED TYPOGRAPHY

The second exercise of the first assignment in the Illustration and Visual Narrative module involved creating an illustrated typography design based on the definitions of two randomly generated words. The exercise focused on utilizing Adobe Illustrator's functions and tools to effectively express the meaning of the selected words through visually engaging typography.

Based on the Pictionary Generator, the word given is "rain" and "swimming".

Figure 4.1 Pictionary Generator

Before diving into the design process, I conducted thorough research to gather inspiration and ideas for the specific design I wanted to create. This research involved studying various design styles, exploring typography techniques, and examining relevant visuals and artworks. 

Figure 4.2 Research from the Internet

Once I had determined the design direction for my project, I proceeded to sketch out the initial concept using Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 4.3 Outline of "Rain"

In the design of the word "rain," I opted for a minimalistic approach. I incorporated a few water droplets besides the word to visually represent the concept of rain. By keeping the design simple, I aimed to convey a sense of elegance and clarity while emphasizing the theme of rain. The strategically placed droplets added a subtle visual element that enhanced the overall design without overpowering it.

Figure 4.4 Outline of "Swimming"

On the other hand, for the design of "Swimming," I took a more elaborate approach. I placed the word "Swimming" on a surfboard to create a connection with the water sports theme. The background was designed to resemble a beach, with elements such as sand, waves, and palm trees, to further reinforce the concept. The intention behind this design was to create a vibrant and dynamic visual representation of swimming, capturing the energy and excitement associated with the activity.

Final Outcome

Figure 4.5 Final Design of "Rain"

Figure 4.6 Final Design of "Swimming"


REFLECTION

The Vormator shapes exercise pushed me to think creatively and find innovative ways to combine and manipulate the shapes. It was a valuable exercise in understanding the versatility of vector shapes.

The illustrated typography exercise allowed me to showcase my skills in Adobe Illustrator and express the essence of words through visual elements. Researching and exploring different design styles helped me refine my ideas and create visually striking typography designs.

Overall, these exercises helped me develop my skills in Adobe Illustrator and challenged me to think outside the box in terms of design and creativity. They were valuable learning experiences that deepened my understanding of the design process.

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