Semester 2: Basic Computer Technology

Task One: Research on Raster and Vector graphics

Raster graphics are composed of pixels, while vector graphics are composed of paths. Vector graphics are not made of pixels, hence, the images can be scaled to be very large without losing quality. Raster graphics become "blocky", since each pixel increases in size as the image is made larger. This is why logos and other designs are created in vector format--the quality will look the same on a business card as it will on a billboard. Raster graphics are done in Photoshop while vector graphics are done in Illustrator.

VECTOR GRAPHICS

Five nights at Freddy's 4 Posters

by: CKibe

(source)

Stormtrooper

by: shoelesspeacock

(source)

The Creative Dork

by: Aseo

(source)

Tom Hiddleston: Polygon Portrait

by: Kabudragon

(source)

The Rocket Birds

by: Aseo

(source)

RASTOR GRAPHICS

Resting Under the Tree

by: TsaoShin

(source)

Lullaby for the Night Fury

by: TsaoShin

(source)

You can trust me, bud

by: Dreamsoffools

(source)

Amaterasu

by: Chiakiro

(source)

Dread Doctors

by: AkiMao

(source)

Task Two: Tracing with Adobe Illustrator

Our lecturer has put more focus on Adobe Illustrator during our lessons because the outcome of our projects will not be pixelated if done through this software. For the very first hands-on lesson, we were taught the basics of Adobe Illustrator. The Pen tool, is said to be the most useful tool on this software.

Software: Adobe Illustrator
Tools used: Rulers, Pen tool (P), Eyedropper Tool (I), Ellipse tool (L), Clipping Mask.

First, the original Starbucks logo was placed and locked onto the artboard so it does not move around throughout the process of tracing it.

By utilizing the Ellipse Tool (shortcut key: L), the circles were easily traced from the original and pasted on the empty space. The details were then carefully traced using the pen tool.

Using the eyedropper tool, the colours were accurately picked from the original logo and painted onto the traced logo.

Final

Other Logos and pictographs for practice purposes:

Avengers, Wendy's and KFC

KFC

Wendy's

Avengers

Pictographs

Original

Vector

Original Vector

Recorded Process

Task Three: Illustration - Composition

Software: Adobe Illustrator

Tools & Techniques used: Pen tool (P), Textures, Eyedropper (I), Transparency

Recorded Process

Ctrl+Y view

Final 1

Final 2

Task Four: Magazine Covers

Our lecturer has instructed us to design two magazine covers using Adobe Illustrator. Research was done for inspirational purposes and to collect ideas for my design. We were introduced to IdN Magazines. IdN magazines have a more artistic approach and is mostly for designer purposes.

Examples of IdN Magazine Covers

(source)

However, I chose the more fashionable approach for my magazine design covers because I personally am more interested in fashion. Thus, here is the process of my work.

Summary of the basic steps:

1. A new artboard is opened and under 'Document Setup', a bleeding (red box around artboard) of 0.5cm is added.

2. By pressing on Ctrl+R, rulers at the top and the left side of the screen are shown.

3. Drag lines from the rulers onto the artboard to create a template/guidelines (square boxes 4x6).

Design steps for "Carpe Diem":

1. Picture of a model is edited in Photoshop and then embedded onto the artboard prepared in Illustrator.

2. The magazine title "Carpe Diem" (text) is placed over the model's head.

3. Using the Pen tool (shortcut key: P), the outline of the model's head is traced and the traced shape covers the title text as well.

4. After duplicating (Ctrl+C) the title text and then pasting it to front (Ctrl+F), "Carpe Diem" and the traced shape are selected and Clipping Mask is used to create the effect where the words appear behind the model's head.

5. Texts are then added to create a magazine issue look.

6. Lastly, a barcode is added to the corner of the magazine design.

Design Steps for "60seconds":

1. Picture of model is cropped in Photoshop and then embedded onto a separate artboard prepared in Illustrator.

2. With the Polygon tool, a hexagon is created over the model's face.

3. By utilising the Clipping Mask method again, the model's face appears cropped out in the hexagon. The same is done with the body and these shapes are rearranged in a way such that it seems artistic.

4. After that, the title of magazine is inserted using the text tool.

5. Captions are added to attract reader's attention.

6. Barcode is also then added to the corner of the magazine design.

*data was lost when file failed to save properly.

will redo & reupload the final A.S.A.P.

Task Five: Gradient Mesh Tool

The software used for this task is Adobe Illustrator and the shortcut key for this tool is 'U'.

This feature is used to add realistic coloring, lighting and 3D characteristics to a flat vector object.

First, in a new document, a picture that is to be 'meshed' is embedded onto the artboard.

Note: I switched the workspace to 'Tracing' so that I am able to view my progress on the right hand top corner of Adobe Illustrator.

After that, using the Pen tool (shortcut key: P), the outline of the bottom bun is traced and with the Gradient Mesh tool (shortcut key: U), wires are formed by clicking at the edges of the outline traced.

Note: To be able to see through the gradient mesh feature, hold on Ctrl and clicking on the visibility setting on the respective layer (refer above photo, bottom right corner).

The top bun and bottom buns are traced and meshed first.
I separated my work into several layers, renaming them respectively so that it is easier to edit if there are any mistakes or if i need to touch up.