Visual Communication Lesson 7

In the 7th Week of Visual Communication class, we learnt more about the different tools on the Illustrator software before we go on to do our first VC CA. In this lesson, we jumped straight into the software.  Firstly, we have to recreate the Captain America icon/logo. Initially I was going to give up because it looks so difficult. But in the end I did it.

This is the original image.

Firstly, we have to use the Eclipse tool and create the circle.To make sure it's a nice round circle, we have to press on the shift key. After creating each circle, we have to use the eyedropper tool to fill in the colour. After we are done with the circles, we to to create the star. This was slightly challenging for me and the star by default in the star tool has curved edges. And the picture calls for straight lined star. After we're done with measuring the star size, we have to use another tool and make sure the star is straight. 

After we're done with the icon, we have to fill in the words 'Captain America The Mighty Super Hero'

To do that, we have to use the text tool, specifically 'Type on a path tool'. This allowed the text wanted to be typed to follow the path of the shape. However, after typing the text, one circle of colour will be gone. To curb this problem, we were taught to always have a duplicate of the colour and put it back in after we're done with the text. To make the colours proper, in terms of positioning, and to make sure it doesn't cover the typed text, we have to send it either back or forward, subject to which one we're doing. I did this twice and this is the end-result.

My work on the right. Even thought there were some parts that was not similar, I am satisfied and happy with my end product. Given the fact that I have bad chemistry and luck with computer editing softwares. 

The next activity/assignment is a bit more focused of text. This helps us for our CA if we rely on already existing fonts and want to use it for our logo and help us change it so that we don't just copy it. Firstly, we went on to a website to download free fonts. The font we downloaded was called 'Lobster'

So we had to modify it using tools such as Direct/Group selection tool and etc. Here is the end results!

If you don't know, the letter 'V' & 'L' were modified.

As homework, we have to do a modification of our own names. This is my end result.

Definitely not well done whatsoever. However, I did not know how to use the tool properly.

(Name above is a pseudonym)  

Visual Communication Lesson 6

In Week 6 of Visual Communications Class, we learn more about tracing, and also layering. Initially, I was super duper confused, as I'm a dummy for things with the computer, and didn't really see the purpose of it. However, once the lecturer explained to us how it will make alot of things easier, such as not accidentally moving a shape that was done, or even worse, to delete the entire thing and having to redo. Hence, having layers and locking them is extremely important. I also learnt that we should not have too many layers, as that will increase the file size. So we should keep layers to an adequate amount.

First of all, we are required to do tracing, and this sharpen out tracing skills of not just simple shapes, but edges and interesting patterns as well. The first in-class practice/assignment was to duplicate the Singapore National Games Mascot. Initially, I did it wrongly by not tracing it from start to end, resulted in problem when using the eyedropper tool. (I'll discuss about that in a while). As a result, I had to delete everything and re-trace it. I think it's a good thing for me as I can practice once more and trace it with more details. The general shape of the mascot was simple. The only part I believe was a bit of a challenge was it's facial details and features such as blush, eyes, pupils & etc. It was difficult as firstly, the features are very small, so it made it hard to trace. When we want to zoom it, it gets blurry and pixelated.

Once we are done with the tracing, we have to fill in the colours. Since we're doing duplicates, one good thing is that we can use the eyedropper tool and click on the exact colours. After the tutorial session, this is my end result.

The left one is the original one, and the right side is mine. Obviously, mine is cuter. I think I have to improve on the details as I personally think that some parts are not traced nicely. After the lesson,we are given homework. The assignment is to trace and fill for another 2 images. The first being a Hello Kitty, and the second, a penguin. So here is my results. Original will be on the left side.

HELLO KITTY IMAGE

I think generally, it looks similar, however, I think that certain parts are not drawn as nice as I hoped it would be. However, in a nutshell, I am satisfied with the outcome.

PENGUIN IMAGE

Personally, I think out of all 3 images and tracing, this is the one I am most satisfied and happy with. Reason being in terms of how similar it is, I think it's almost identical. And is most polished. I think this is so because it is easier juxtapose to the Hello Kitty one, and it doesn't fave fanciful accessories.