Illustration and Visual Narrative ✦Project 1✦
03.04.23 - 05.05.23
WEEK 1 - WEEK 6
✦Ariel Chin Bei Yi 0343651✦
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Food Science
During the first week of class, our module lecturer, Mr. Hafiz, gave a short briefing to introduce the module content as well as the assignments to be completed throughout the semester with a short briefing.
The class started with Mr. Hafiz introducing the functions of Adobe Illustrator. Adobe Illustrator is mainly used in the field of graphic design as it mainly focus on vector art. The difference between raster and vector art is that when you zoom in, raster art appears to be pixelized while vector art is able to retain its resolution regardless of any distortion.
Other than that, the main function in which we will always utilize in graphic design is the Pen tool. We were encouraged to play the Berzier game to get to know how to use the pen tool and its various functions so we are able to transfer that knowledge to Adobe Illustrator. Then, we were also taught about the workspace and toolbar where we can fully utilize all the functions swiftly. Grouping and selection was also a very useful function as it allows us to move, resize or manipulate multiple objects at once.
After the quick tutorial of the particular software, we were given instructions for our first assignment. Our first task was the Vormator challenge, in which we are given 8 different shapes to trace using the Pen tool of Adobe Illustrator.
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| Figure 1.1: Vormator shapes. |
Week 2
During this week, Mr. Hafiz gave a lecture regarding the importance in character design. Proportions are the most important factor in the creation of a memorable character. The body of a average adult is 7 and a half head. Although we have to keep in mind the realistic proportions of a person to avoid bad body composition, every good character design will have unique proportions that allow the storytelling of their respective personalities. For example, strong characters will have a large body relative to their heads while nimble characters will have thin pelvis and limbs.
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| Figure 1.2: Examples of various character designs. |
Furthermore, Mr. Hafiz also taught us the use of the Curve Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator. This tool allows the manipulation of lines into an arc which is significantly more convenient than using the default Pen Tool in the creation of a curved line.
After the lecture, we are given the task to composite our original character design using the given Vormator shapes in which we are not allow to distort the shape.
Week 3
This week Mr. Hafiz introduced the different ways to colour in Adobe Illustrator.
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| Figure 1.3: Different ways to colour in Adobe Illustrator. |
The first way to colour is by the standard fill tool. By creating a group with many different shapes, they can be coloured all at once. However, the colour of a specific shape in a group can be changed through isolation by double clicking it. Colour schemes can be create by referencing other designs utilizing the adobe website in which the palette can be exported to the library and used with convenience. This allows various different colours to complement each other well.
Another way is by the utilization of the gradient tool. Gradient is a graduated blend of two or more colours of tints of the same color. This tool gives more impact to a particular design by creating blends of colour, improving the overall visual effect.
Other than that, the addition of shadows is able to significantly enhance an artwork as it gives depth and weight. The light source must first be determined when creating shadows as to avoid messy and unrealistic shades throughout the artwork. Shadows can be created using the Shape Builder tool by overlapping a shape onto a part of your artwork and substracting it out. The shadow is usually a darker colour of the object that it is casted on, but remains in the same spectrum.
Week 4
This week we were taught various tools that can be used to create vector illustrations in Adobe Illustrator, mainly ways to manipulate fonts.
1.0 Pencil Tool
The pencil tool (Shortcut = N) is used to design freeform paths as compared to the pen tool. It can be utilized for outlining and tracing existing artworks as well as manipulate them by freely adding curves or strokes with no restrictions. The accuracy and smoothness can also be adjusted based on preferences on whether you want to achieve a smooth or precise line. The greatest benefit of the pencil tool is that the paths created can be edited easily by tracing over the previous path.
2.0 Smooth Tool
The smooth tool is usually paired with the pencil tool. This is used when some strokes created by the pencil tool has some rough edges which are desirable. Hence, the smooth tool can be used to smooth out the edges resulting in a smooth stroke.
3.0 Shaper Tool
The shaper tool can be used to convert natural gestures into vector shapes.
4.0 Width Tool
The width tool (Shortcut = Shift+W) is utilized to adjust the width of a stroke. This is able to achieve a stroke with taper appearing as if it is drawn by an ink pen.
Week 5
Adobe Illustrator includes a 3-dimension functionality which allows the generation of 3D shapes from vector images. There are four types of 3D effects that can be applied which are:
- Plane
- Extrude
- Revolve
- Inflate
We were given practical exercises to understand the various type of 3D functions and the ways to apply them.
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| Figure 1.4: 3D effect on a rainbow vector image. |
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| Figure 1.5: Intersection between the type expression and leaf vines. |
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✦INSTRUCTIONS✦
Figure 2.1:Assignment guidelines for Illustration and Visual Narrative.
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✦1.0 VORMATOR CHALLENGE CHARACTER✦
During week 1, I followed the instructions given by the lecturer and traced the Vormator shapes using the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator. The curve and the arcs took more time than the straight lines as it was challenging to draw a perfect arc according the orginal shape.
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| Figure 3.1: Vormator shapes traced out using Adobe Illustrator. |
During week 2, we are required to design a character only using the Vormator shapes given. The challenge is that we are not allow to distort any of the shapes but can add, substract and group elements using the functions in Adobe Illustrator.
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| Figure 3.2: Sketch of character design based on mushrooms. |
First, I sketched out a character design to serve as a guide on what kind of character I wanted to create. Based on the draft, I put down the general outline of the character.
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| Figure 3.3: Outline of character. |
I have used the Group Selection tool and Shape Builder tool to substract overlapping elements to achieve a variety of shapes that can be used in the design of my character.
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| Figure 3.4: Use of shape builder tool to create different shapes. |
Then, I have added colour to my character following the reference. This is followed by the rendering process through the addition of shadows and such which is achieved by the utilization of shape builder tool.
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| Figure 3.5: Base colour of character. |
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| Figure 3.6: Rendering of character. |
Final Outcome
The character I have designed is a mushroom themed fairy that is lost in the mushroom forest whilst looking for their family. All that is left with them is a generational family heirloom which is the dark green necklace around it's neck. The fairy is now on a journey to navigate through the mushroom woods, find it's family and return home safely.
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| Figure 3.7: Final Outcome of Vormator Character Design Challenge, Mushroom Fairy -JPEG. |
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| Figure 3.8: Outline View of Vormator Character Design Challenge, Mushroom Fairy. |
Figure 3.9: Final Outcome of Vormator Character Design Challenge, Mushroom Fairy -PDF.
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✦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 mainly using graphical elements to blend the words together.
Based on the random word generator, the words that were given to me are waffle and frog.
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| Figure 4.1: 'Waffle' and 'Frog' were selected by the Pictionary Generator. |
Before I begin the design process, I conducted ideation by sketching out some ideas on a blank canvas based on the two words selected.
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| Figure 4.2: Draft #1 using the words 'Waffle' and 'Frog'. |
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| Figure 4.3: Draft #2 using the words 'Waffle' and 'Frog'. |
I have selected Draft #2 as I prefer the overall composition of Draft #2 which utilizes the entire canvas. The words are seemingly floating on the pond which gives a cute effect. I also explored colours and created a general colour scheme for this artwork.
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| Figure 4.4: Colour scheme exploration. |
Then, I moved on to continue on the digitalization process in Adobe Illustrator. During the digitalization process, I manipulated the words from the font, Arial Rounded MT Bold by adding additional strokes using the pencil tool.
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| Figure 4.5: Manipulation of existing fonts using the pencil tool. |
Then, I arranged the fonts as well as utilize the shape builder tool to create various shapes throughout the canvas. I have created a frog sitting on a waffle covered in whipped cream to complement the two words given, 'Waffle' and 'Frog'.
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| Figure 4.6: Addition of complementary images utilizing the shape builder tool. |
The design is further completed with the addition of a background. The background I decided to add is a pond theme in correlation with the frogs swimming about. I utilized the curve pen tool as well as various geometric shapes, mainly circles, to create the ripple effect of water. I also chose a background with a cool tone to contrast the warm palettes of the waffle. The ripple effect is placed carefully to ensure balance in composition to give a visually appealing effect.
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| Figure 4.7: Addition of a pond background. |
Final Outcome
This design is based on two words, 'Waffle' and 'Frog' which comes together forms a frog resting on a waffle covered in whipped cream as if it is part of the waffle garnishes. The waffle mimics a lily pad floating on the water in which a frog is resting upon. Another frog can be seen curiously popping its head out of the pond. Hence, this design give a relaxing effect with the cool tones of the water contrasting the warm and delicious tone of the waffle.
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| Figure 4.8: Final Outcome of Illustrated Typography 'Waffle Frog' -JPEG. |
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| Figure 4.9: Outline View of Illustrated Typography. |
Figure 4.10: Final Outcome of Illustrated Typography 'Waffle Frog' -PDF.
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✦REFLECTION✦
The first few weeks of the Illustration and Visual Narrative module introduced us the basic functions of Adobe Illustrator. I had little to no experience in Adobe Illustrator, hence, I was slightly intimidated with all the new functions that we are required to learn in a short period of time. All our assignments for this module requires the use of the particular software so it was challenging at first to get use to the new workspace. However, we were provided with demos and practice exercises during the classes which gave us sufficient amount of practice to understand each of the basic functions in AI.
The first assignment of the module only take up 10% of the total grade and it is mainly to assist us in getting use to the graphic design tools provided in AI. The exercises gave us a lot of creative freedom into what we want to create with minimal restrictions. Thus, it was fun to follow a theme and create something interesting. In the short span of 5 weeks, I was able to learn the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator and create a visually appealing artwork utilizing all the provided functions well.
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