As we finish up with our work from this class, we should take a moment to reflect on the new tools and techniques we have picked up, and how they have and will continue to affect our creative work, our stories we need to tell and the experiences we wish to share. We have moved through the areas of still life studies to graphic design to digital publishing, but what’s more important is that we now can do these things with more precision, clarity and confidence. It is time to remind you that a tool is just that – it really is more about YOU. YOU have the vision, YOU have the stories and YOU can make beautiful things.This second session is set up to be a solid entry point for the new user in this area of digital art. It really is important to get a handle on the most basic tools and being able to navigate the space, etc. Since Illustrator/vector objects are primarily based in a point-coordinate system, we should be comfortable moving, manipulating and managing these points and paths.
The first tools you will be getting accustomed to will be the Pencil and the Pen. We will get started first with the pencil. This tool has quite a bit of flexibility and function. It can create very precise lines and can also perform with smooth finesse. We can also create filled-in regions inside the paths that we draw, giving us solid forms within our design.
You will notice that illustration with the pencil tool is not all that different from using the physical tool that we grew up with, making marks on paper. What the luxury is when drawing in a vector format is the ability to revisit the path and dial it in, edit it, to your precise need. This is a time for you to get accustomed to selecting points along the path and manipulate the nature of their location, curve and weight.
SESSION INSIGHT
Every project eventually has a deadline or end date. That’s part of the definition of the project itself: a temporary endeavor with a defined beginning and end. While a lot of creative energy goes into setting the project into motion it can be easy to let that energetic focus drift away from the project as it moves toward the completion phase. Other class projects, competing interests, procrastination and laziness can enter the picture during the course of the project, stealing away focus. Finishing your project strong takes a conscious re-focus of energy and time, if you want to go out the way you came in or better.
As human beings, we strive to do good work and to improve upon it and make better things. Or at least most of us do. This is the great thing about us as a species. Right now, you are in this class because you wanted to learn a new way to create and better your craft. Many of you may think you struggled through some of the techniques and tasks and as you look back on projects you completed, may even feel like you could do better now that you have a little more knowledge and comfort with the tools.
Go back to the earlier assignments (still life not included) and read the instructions and parameters. Then look at your finished product. Do you feel like you did it right? Do you feel like you didn’t put into it what you could have? Is there balance, good composition and good communication? Does it stand up to professional examples you see every day? If not, get in there and re-work it. Make it feel the way you want it to.
I will accept two revisions and help you out grade-wise based on your updated work and focus. Pick two projects that you feel you botched or slacked on and make them rule! If you want. If you are happy and content with what you did and the grade you got, then good. I don’t teach this class to fail students, I teach it so people and learn and grow.
Think about portfolio work and pieces that you can present when looking for jobs. Here is your chance to polish up and look like you want to win.
Look for the Re-Do submission area in the Moodle grade book. Upload the revised work as a .zip file, and please, if it includes text, outline your strokes so I don’t have to struggle with font issues.
Inside the mind of the Procrastinator. A must-watch.
This introductory course in digital illustration and publication has left you with enough insight and direction to be dangerous (and really creative.) But maybe you are now wondering what you can do to keep the momentum going and move into greater depths of design and publishing. So where should you look and what can you do? As you know, the internet is an amazing resource for personal training and creative insight. But there’s so much out there, and a lot of it is junk. I will try to point you into several directions where you could pursue new training and inspiration.
Lynda.com – Lynda.com is a privately held online education company offering thousands of video courses in software, creative and business skills. This outfit is an amazing resource for personal development in digital design and animation careers.
Digital Tutors – Here you can learn to create stunning movies, games, projects and more with professional video tutorials. A pretty solid resource for online learning.
Deviant Art – is an online community showcasing various forms of user-made artwork. DeviantArt aims to provide a platform for any artist to exhibit and discuss works. Works are organized in a comprehensive category structure, including photography, digital art, traditional art, literature, Flash, filmmaking, skins for applications, operating system customization utilities and others, along with extensive downloadable resources such as tutorials and stock photography.