Unit 2
Introduction to
Adobe Illustrator
Topics Covered
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interface / tools
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class protocols: output/authoring files, uploading work, sharing files
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vector vs. raster images
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stroke / fill (stroke palette)
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select / direct select tools
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drawing tools
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working with gradients
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the pen tool / bezier points
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grouping elements and organizing artwork
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the pathfinder palette
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the align palette
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the layers palette
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the type tool
Documents / Links
& Activities
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Tutorial: Pen Tool and Bezier Splines
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Advanced Illustrator: Gradient Mesh
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Game: The Bezier Game
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Activity: Elmo drawing
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Activity: Seeds logo
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Activity: Minions illustration
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Activity: Your name
The Longest Line?
Other Notes
Many of the skills from this unit will be required in our next unit, typography.
Adobe Illustrator is an industry standard vector-based drawing tool. It serves as our introduction to the Adobe creative suite, in part because it shares similar interface attributes to many of the other programs we will use in this course, but also because it has a less drastic learning curve, allowing new users to get right into creative exploration.
Folder structure
Create a new directory in your named folder as follows:
Assessment notes
Your local folder structure will be assessed a mark based on how well you have followed class protocols. This includes naming of files, organization of files, submission of BrightSpace portfolio items, etc.
PROTOCOLS
WIX WEBSITE
All activities in this unit must be uploaded to your WIX website.
BLOG ENTRIES
COMPLETION TASKS
You will be assigned the following activities that must be completed and posted as blog entries
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Illustrator Quiz Questions 1
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Illustrator Quiz Questions 2
You will be assigned the following activities which must be completed and exported as PNGs for inclusion on your WIX blog. Related authoring files (.ai) must be uploaded to your BrightSpace portfolio.
Completion task pages may need any of the following:
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at least one image (.png)
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an outline view of your work
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a description of the activity
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a list and description of new tools used
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learned concepts
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any other relevant information
Completion Tasks for this Unit
(This list is a guide only. There may be changes year over year)
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Elmo illustration
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Cookie Monster illustration
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Kermit illustration
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Grover illustration
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Minions illustration
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8x Logo illustrations
THEORY QUIZ
There will be a theory quiz covering key concepts, class discussions and tools. To properly prepare for the quiz, review all key concepts posted throughout this unit.
SKILLS TEST
At the end of this unit, part of your assessment is based on a skills test. In a skills test you are given the entire class to complete as much of an assigned task as you can, as accurately as possible. You will be assessed on
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how much you complete of the illustration (compared to the rest of the class)
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how accurate your work is
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your process and approach
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your tool selection and competence
The rubric can be previewed on BrightSpace
Want some practice? Here's an old skills test that you can work on.
This will be good practice run in preparation for the actual skills test .