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1 Illustrator Pen Tool

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Raster vs Vector

Before we can even begin looking at the Illustrator program, we have to examine the differences between these two types of graphics so that you know when to use them.  Click on the graphic to the right to view it bigger.

You'll need to be able to explain the differences between the 2 graphics.  If you need more information, watch this short video.

Illustrator Workspace

Illustrator is vector software made by Adobe, so everything will look very similar to you. There are some different tools that we'll explore throughout the Illustrator Challenges.

Watch this  video

Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is one of the more useful and frustrating tools that you will use. You'll see it in Photoshop, Flash, Fireworks & InDesign. You'll get some more practice on it here.

Watch this video below on Bezier Curves!

Cubic Bezier Curves - Under the Hood from Peter Nowell on Vimeo.

Then,  follow it up by using this website to help walk you through using the Pen Tool and adding Bezier Curves. It seems to work better using Microsoft Edge than it does on Chrome.

Now it's time for you to use the Pen Tool. You'll need to get the #_lastname_Pen_Tool.ai file from the Campus Share Drive and copy it to your folder in your One Drive. Rename it.

Watch and follow along with this video.

Save it, and then make sure you HIDE THE BOTTOM LAYER so that only your lines are showing:  Export > Save for Web and Devices as a JPG to upload to your Canvas ePortfolio.

Now, what can you create using just the pen tool?

Can you write your first name? Think about how you make straight lines, how  you make curved lines, and how you change the angle of the bezier handle. Single lines, nothing extra - no fills, no doubling up.

Try it, at save it as #_lastname_Name_Pen_Tool. Then, Export > Save for Web and save it as a JPG.

Turning it in

  1. Create a new page in your Canvas ePortfolio, call it Illustrator
  2. Write your entry
    1. Title of your assignment
    2. Answer the questions:
      1. Explain the difference between raster and vector graphics.
      2. Explain how the bezier handles/curves work.
    3. Insert the JPG(s) image of your completed work.