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Intro Graphic Design
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What is Vector Art? 1
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2. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Intro Graphic Design
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What is Vector Art? Objective: Clarify how vector art / tools works & demonstrate a best approach method 2
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Defining Vector Art
What is Vector Art?
Used commonly in typography (the art of lettering) and logo design to avoid pixelation (as seen at right).
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Defining Vector Art
The wireframe is made up of a series of connected dots, called Anchor Points.
In this example, you see what the computer sees: not pixels, but a wireframe.
The curve between these can be controlled using handles
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File Set-Up
The New Document panel allows you to define various aspects of the file you’re about to create, including NAME and DIMENSIONS
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Layers
When creating a digital illustration, your file will contain many small objects. Separating into layers can help to isolate and organize the file, making it easier to work with.
• Selected objects will be highlighted using the color of the layer they are located on.
• Layers can be locked to help isolate & focus on one element at a time.
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Basic Tools
SHAPES
FILL & STROKE
Illustrator has tools to make some basic geometric shapes.
• Click & drag to create a generic shape
• Single click to open shape- specific menu
• Hold ‘Shif’t to maintain proportions
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Object Controls
Selection Tool (Black Arrow)
Used for bigger changes: to move objects, adjust size via bounding box
Direct-Select Tool (White Arrow)
Used for smaller changes: fine-tune shapes by adjusting individual anchor points & handles on strokes of objects
Stroke
Control Panel
Adjusts the thickness of the outline edges of shapes. Can make dashed lines, rounded endcaps of line segments.
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Drawing Tools
Many objects cannot be made with simple geometric shapes, and you’ll need to draw more organic shapes.
The BRUSH TOOL and PENCIL TOOL are used to create complex, curved shapes.
• The Pencil will follow your drawn lines more closely.
• The Brush will simplify your lines to look more smooth.
CLOSE YOUR SHAPES!
Fill colors always connect from start point to end point of any line segment, so draw around the entire border of any shape you want filled with color.
VS.
*There are other ways to draw shapes, which will be introduced in later assignments.
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Transparency & Gradients
TRANSPARANCY
This option allows you to set the properties of a shape to be see-through, like glass.
GRADIENTS
You can choose to fill an object with a blend from color-to- color instead of a single color.
• Double-click the bixes on the slider bar to change or add colors to your gradient.
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Key Commands
ZOOM
Command +
Command –
Command 0
MOVE AROUND
SPACEBAR
CLONE
OPTION (click & drag)
COPY
Command C
PASTE
Command V
UNDO
Command Z
REDO
Command Shift Z
PROPORTIONAL SCALE
Hold SHIFT while enlarging
*There are many more of these time-savers available to you, which you’ll learn over time.
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Key Commands Practice
In your notes, write the key commands.

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Art Creation Sequence
Art creation sequence
When doing character designs in future
remember this sequence; Create enclosed shape (pen, paintbrush, shape tool)
2. Change stroke / fill , lock the layer.
3. Create new layer and add details / shapes and lock Continue until this way until art project is done.
*There are many more of these time-savers available to you, which you’ll learn over time.
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Quick Quiz!
Open note quiz – Go to our Digital Media Assignment / notes page. Click on Vector Recap to take quiz.

15. Try the Art Creation sequence
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Try the Art Creation sequence
Use your shape tools, layers, paintbrush / pen tool, to create something interesting. Don’t forget to experiment with transparency and gradient.