LESSON 2.3
YOUR TOOLBOX
THE PEN TOOL AND BEZIER SPLINES
BONUS
Now that you have gained some comfort with the interface, and you are starting to be able to move around the software with some confidence, let's meet some of the tools that are at your disposal.
One of the most commonly used, and versatile tools we will cover in the Illustrator tool set is the pen tool. This is based mostly on the ability to create and manipulate control handles, known as Bezier splines. In this set of lessons we will be introduced to this tool and will practice using control handles to draw various shapes.
In-class activity 2.3: Drawing shapes and working with Bezier control handles
You have already been introduced to the concept behind Bezier control handles in the Bezier game. The controls in Illustrator are not exactly the same, but the concept is. Complete the tutorial below to see how Illustrator differs. This tool and the modifier keys may seem awkward at first, but you will gain confidence and aptitude with continued practice.
Choose two of the basic shapes and one of the complicated shapes at the end of the lesson to draw.
Create a new blog post on your WIX website titled 'Pen tool tutorial'
include
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a PNG of your finished graphics
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an outlines screenshot of your artwork
No written description is required.
Key concepts:
Anchor points (add/subtract), direct selection, Bezier splines, modifier keys
Key tools:
Pen tool, add/delete anchor point, convert anchor point tool, select/direct select tool
BEZIERS
Working with the pen tool, layers and the shape builder tool, we create a more advanced graphic
Download the graphic
CONCEPTS: Planning and building shapes, structuring an illustration, closing shapes, grouping shapes
TOOLS: Anchor points (add/subtract), direct selection, Bezier splines, modifier keys
BRIGHTSPACE: upload the .ai (authoring file) to your Brightspace portfolio. Make sure you save it as a .zip file.
WIX: Create a blog entry, and include a PNG of your final image and a screenshot of your outlines in the blog. Explain which tools were used in the making of this graphic.
SKILL-DEV
Some students complete the in-class requirements early and are looking for ways to demonstrate their skills. Here is a challenge. (Note: to include the speckled texture you see in the image, you might need to search for a tutorial that explains how to add texture in Illustrator.)
CONCEPTS: Practice and application of learned skills and concepts without guidance or a tutorial.
TOOLS: Anchor points, shape tools, direct selection, layers, colour, organization, Bezier splines, modifier keys and research skills.
BRIGHTSPACE: upload the .ai (authoring file) to your Brightspace portfolio. Make sure you save it as a .zip file.
WIX: Create a blog entry, and include a PNG of your final image and a screenshot of your outlines in the blog. Explain which tools were used in the making of this graphic.