ACG112 Electronic Illustration

Final illustration project: initial sketch

• The objective of this project is to create an illustration, using either FreeHand or Illustrator, or both.
  • When used in your portfolio, this piece should compel the viewer to take an interest in your art.
• The requirements for a successful project are:
  • The illustration includes both "freeform" shapes and "mechanical" shapes:
    • Freeform shapes have outlines with irregular paths, and complex shading. The exact details of their component parts are less important than their relative proportions.
      
      • You will likely draw the component parts with the freehand tool for speed.
      • You will break down complex areas into simpler parts to allow shading with gradients, and resort to blends when simplification is not possible.
    • Mechanical shapes require exact dimensioning and positioning of elements. They are often built up from many component parts, usually arrayed in regular patterns.
      
      • You will likely draw the component parts with the pen tool for accuracy.
      • You will exploit symmetry in the object to reduce the amount of work involved.
      • You will use numeric input in dialog boxes when creating/modifying the objects to fit them precisely to their proper space.
  • The objects in the illustration are presented with "illusionistic" rendering:
    • Display three-dimensional items in perspective.
    • Use shading and cast shadows to enhance sense of depth and clarify spatial relationships.
    • Use shading, patterning, and transparency to indicate the material makeup of the objects.
  • The completed file can be used to create camera-ready art:
    • The illustration is suitable for process-color reproduction through proper choice of palette, trapping.
    • All files necessary for final output are provided.
  • The piece makes a strong statement about your skills and creativity:
    • The work demonstrates your efficient use of illustration software.
    • The work showcases the best of your artistic abilities and your understanding of computers as an art medium/tool.
• First step--sketch illustration template
  • Illustration software does not lend itself easily to casual sketching.
    • It requires some amount of planning for best results.
    • Usually, this is done with a paper drawing that is eventually scanned and used as a template.
  • Establish shape of component objects:
    • Concentrate on establishing overall shape and proportion. These are hardest to modify quickly on the screen as a collection of control points. Use a spare, contour-drawing style for clarity.
    • Do not concern yourself with precision of details--that can be handled better and quicker on the computer.
    • Likewise, the arrangement and scale of the objects on the page can be readily modified on the computer. In fact, you may want to sketch, scan, and trace the various objects separately, and combine them as a later step.
    • If you have doubts about proper perspective and proportion, feel free to make use of photographs.