ILLUSTRATION AND VISUAL NARRATIVE ✿ EXERCISES ✿
ILLUSTRATION AND VISUAL NARRATIVE ✿ EXERCISES ✿
03.04.23 - 29.03.23
week 1 - week 4
✿ TAN JIA JIA 0350577 ✿
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
✿ LECTURE RECAP ✿
Week 1
During the first week of class, our module lecturer, Mr. Hafiz, provided
a brief introduction to the module content and assignments for the
semester. The focus of the class was on Adobe Illustrator, a graphic
design software primarily used for vector art. We learned about the
difference between raster and vector art, with vector art maintaining its
resolution even when zoomed in. The Pen tool was highlighted as a key
function in graphic design, and we practiced using it through the Berzier
game. Additionally, we explored the workspace, toolbar, and useful
functions like grouping and selection. The first assignment called the
Vormator challenge, involved tracing 8 different shapes using the Pen tool
in Adobe Illustrator.
Figure 1.1 Vormator shapes
Week 2
During the lecture, Mr. Hafiz emphasized the significance of character
design and highlighted the importance of proportions in creating
memorable characters. The average adult body is typically portrayed as 7
and a half heads tall, and maintaining realistic proportions is crucial
for achieving a well-composed character. However, unique proportions can
also be utilized to convey the personality and storytelling of each
character. For instance, strong characters may have a larger body in
relation to their heads, while nimble characters might have slender
pelvises and limbs. Additionally, Mr. Hafiz introduced the Curve Pen
Tool in Adobe Illustrator, which offers a more convenient way to create
curved lines compared to the default Pen Tool.
Figure 1.2 Shape of the characters
Following the lecture, we were assigned the task of compositing our
original character designs using the provided Vormator shapes. It was
important to maintain the integrity of the shapes without distorting
them.
Week 3
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Figure 1.3 Color, Gradient, Pattern, and Texture examples given by
Mr. Hafiz
There are multiple ways to apply color to artwork in Adobe Illustrator.
The first method is using the standard fill tool, which allows you to
color multiple shapes at once by grouping them. However, you can also
individually change the color of a specific shape within a group by
double-clicking on it to isolate it. To create color schemes, you can
reference other designs and utilize the Adobe website, where you can
export palettes to your library for convenient use. This enables you to
select complementary colors that work well together.
Another technique is using the gradient tool, which creates a gradual
blend of two or more colors or tints of the same color. Applying
gradients can add visual impact to your design and enhance its overall
appearance.
Furthermore, adding shadows to artwork can significantly enhance its
depth and create a sense of weight. It's important to determine the
light source when creating shadows to ensure realistic shading
throughout the artwork. You can use the Shape Builder tool to create
shadows by overlapping a shape onto a part of your artwork and
subtracting it. Shadows are typically darker versions of the object they
are cast upon but remain within the same color spectrum.
Week 4
During week 4, we were introduced to a range of tools that can be
utilized to create vector illustrations, with a particular focus on
manipulating fonts.
Text Tool - - The Text Tool
in Adobe Illustrator is essential for adding and manipulating text in
designs. It enables the creation of text boxes, font selection, size,
style, and color adjustments, as well as alignment and spacing controls.
With the ability to create point and area types, this tool provides
flexibility in incorporating textual elements into illustrations and
designs.
Smooth Tool - - The Smooth
Tool in Adobe Illustrator refines and smoothens paths and shapes,
eliminating jagged edges and irregularities. It improves the quality of
artwork by creating smoother lines and reducing abrupt changes in
direction. Useful for enhancing hand-drawn sketches and refining vector
artwork.
Shaper Tool - - The
Shaper Tool in Adobe Illustrator simplifies the process of creating
and manipulating shapes. It automatically detects and combines drawn
strokes into closed shapes, allowing for intuitive and freeform shape
creation. The tool is ideal for creating organic and irregular shapes,
providing a flexible and creative approach in Adobe Illustrator.
Width Tool - - The
Width Tool in Adobe Illustrator adjusts line widths for paths and
strokes, adding visual interest to designs. It offers quick and
intuitive control over width at specific points, making it useful for
creating expressive illustrations and typography.
Week 5
Adobe Illustrator has a 3D functionality that enables the creation of 3D
shapes from vector images. This feature allows users to generate
three-dimensional objects and add depth to their artwork. By leveraging
the 3D tools and settings in Illustrator, artists and designers can
bring their illustrations to life with realistic three-dimensional
effects.
In the class, we were given the practice to do a rainbow in 3D:
Figure 1.4 Rainbow in 3D
Figure 1.5 Intersection between "Flora" and the leaf.
✿ INSTRUCTION ✿
Figure 2 MIB of COM 61304 / ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL NARRATIVE
✿ 1.0 VORMATOR CHALLENGE CHARACTER ✿
In week 1, Mr. Hafiz assigned us the task of drawing the Vormator shapes
in Adobe Illustrator. This proved to be a challenge for me as I was
unfamiliar with the software at that time.
Figure 3.1 Vormator shapes
In week 2, our task was to design a character using only the given Vormator shapes. The challenge was that we were not allowed to distort any of the shapes, but we could add, subtract, and group elements using the functions in Adobe Illustrator.
Figure 3.1 example vormator from internet.
Based on this example, I decided to create a character inspired by "Daijin"
from the movie "Suzume." This character is a white cat with a black area
surrounding its eyes.
Figure 3.2 Photo of "Daijin"
After establishing the direction for my design, I eagerly delved into the
creative process using Adobe Illustrator.
Figure 3.3 Outline of my final outcome.
Final Outcome
Figure 3.4 Final Outcome
✿ 2.0 ILLUSTRATED TYPOGRAPHY ✿
The second exercise of the first assignment for the Illustration and
Visual Narrative module required us to create a design surrounding the
definition of the two words selected by a random word generator. This
exercise emphasizes on utilizing the function and tools of Adobe
Illustrator in designing an illustrated typography with a clear expression
of the selected words.
Based on the random word generator, the words that were given to me are
Pond and Music.
Figure 4.1 the random word given by random word generator.
Figure 4.2 Sketches of Pond
Figure 4.3 Sketches of Music
After finalizing the initial sketches, I eagerly delved into the exciting
phase of adding colors to breathe life into my design.
Figure 4.4 sketches with color
Figure 4.5 Sketches with color
After finalizing the sketches and colors, I began using Adobe Illustrator to
complete my design. I spent a significant amount of time on this process as
I was not very familiar with Adobe Illustrator.
Figure 4.6 Process of creating "Pond"
During the design process of "Pond", I made the decision to work on the
background before creating the word "Pond". I wanted the background to
reflect the meaning of "Pond", so I created an illustration of a pond as the
backdrop for my design.
Figure 4.7 Outline of "Pond"
In the design of "Music", I used a musical staff as the background. To
represent the word "Music," I incorporated musical notes into the
typography, transforming the letters into the shape of notes. Music and
musical notes go hand in hand, so it felt appropriate to use notes as visual
elements in the design.
Figure 4.8 Process of creting "Music"
Figure 4.9 Outline of "Music"
Final Outcome
Figure 4 Final Outcome of "Pond"
Figure 4 Final Outcome of "Music"
✿ REFLECTION ✿
In the exercises of the Illustration and Visual Narrative module, I learned how to use Adobe Illustrator and gained valuable skills in digital illustration and design. Through hands-on practice, I familiarized myself with the software's tools and features, such as creating vector shapes, applying colors and gradients, working with typography, and utilizing various drawing and editing tools. I also learned about composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy in design. Overall, the exercises provided me with a solid foundation in Adobe Illustrator and expanded my artistic capabilities.
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