1.1 DESIGN AND RESEARCH

Adobe Illustrator

Skye Putwain

Animals - Frog and Panda and Pig

credit to the original illustration - https://www.behance.net/evanpolonski 

This task was to recreate Ethan Polanski's Illustrations (as shown in the link). When re creating these animals I used many tools, this included the shape tool, transform tool, pen tool,color wheel etc. To manipulate the shape of the objects, I used the direct selection tool, this allowed me to change the curves of either side of the shape. Another tool that allowed to create these animals was the pen tool. When suing the pen tool I used a 'stroke 2'. This allowed me to create the eyes and lips for the animal. I also used the direct selection tool after I'd create the facial features, this is so that I could give them expressions and manipulate the angles using the anchor points.

ANALYSIS

What was the task you were asked to complete?

My task was to replicate the illustrated of Ethan Polonski's kawaii animals.

How successful were you at completing this task?

I believe I was successful in this task as I created both kawaii illustrated animals using similar shapes and colours compared to the original illustrations. However, I did find converting the shapes of the animals challenging as certain anchor points would structure the shape in the wrong position and create uneven sides.  

3. In what ways were your skillset challenged during this project?

One of the challenging skills was using the correct path finders to cover and reveal layers of the illustration. For both animations I had to experiment with the path finders to see which one would give me the correct layout I wanted. My illustrated were very similar to his originals because of their colour. Although, I feel my shape and sizing of both illustrated could have been smoother.

4.If you were to carry out the production again, what changes would you make?

To improve my frog I would next time create a smoother outline by using more convert anchor points for the frog's lighter green shape on it's stomach. For the panda I would improve it by  transforming then reflecting its eyes and cheeks to give a more symmetrical layout. 

I also feel I worked well independently, as I found Adobe Illustrator to be clear with it's layout format and it had useful colouring scales, which helped me create a more accurate replica of Polonski's illustrations.

5.How did you perform working independently?

I  feel I worked well independently, as I found Adobe Illustrator to be clear with it's layout format and it had useful colouring scales, which helped me create a more accurate replica of Polonski's animations. 

6.What aspect of the project did you enjoy the most?

To conclude, I enjoyed creating the details of the animations the most. This was because I could draw my own shapes (e.g heart for the panda's nose) using the pen tool and make the animations accurate and as detailed as possible. 

 9.How could you apply the skills you learned in this project to future projects?

The skills I have learned in this task will only help me with a future project that is only based around animation and graphs as I learned how to create shapes, use path finders and anchor points. However, I won't be able to use the skills I have learned on Adobe Illustrator in all my next future projects. 

Adobe Illustrator Project

Here is my first animation using Adobe Illustrator.
I used the transform tool, pen tool and shape tool to recreate Ethan Polanski's Illustration. By using the transform tool it allowed me to manipulate the different layers. For example, when creating the facial shapes on the pig's face i used the transform tool 'Bring to front' to make them visible. I also used the anchor point tools to manipulate the shape of the Illustration, this allowed me to give the pig illustration a more comic/2d look.

Lollipop Illustrations - Fab and twister

For this task i was asked to recreate a fab lollipop and then a lollipop of my choice (twister).
I recreated them using the anchor point tools, shapes,shape tool and transform tool on Adobe Illustrator. For this task, I practised creating a 3D effect with the bite mark on the fab and twister lollipops. This was created by making different shapes and layering them (using the transform tool) to add a realistic bite mark. For my watermelon lollipop, I used the shape tool and anchor points to manipulate the curves. Thus allowed me to recreate a teardrop to give it a melting effect. 

iPhone  Illustration

For this task I was asked to re create an object/item. I chose to re create an iPhone.

(I animated all of the apps/logos inside the iPhone animation also).
I recreated them using the anchor point tools, shape tool and transform tools on Adobe Illustrator. This task allowed me to focus on the transform tools and understand how to layer objects over each other. For example, when re creating the apps I used the 'bring to front' transform tool as this allowed me to layer my apps over the phone layer.

Adidas Trainer Illustration

For this task I was asked to re create a singular trainer. I chose to recreate a Adidas gazelle baby pink trainer. For this task I used the anchor point tools, shapes and shape tool on Adobe Illustrator. I also used the shape tool for the first time in this task. This enabled my to understand that each shape should be joined together as this allows me to manipulate which colour certain part of my object (shoe) needed. 

The five objects Illustration

For this task, I was asked to select five objects from my house that represented me.
I chose- headphones, guitar, beanie, candle and a TV. When re creating these images I had to use different transform tool to layers certain shapes upon each other. I also wanted some of my objects to have a 3D look (e.g TV), so I created other shapes behind the object and rotate them to add a layered 3D effect.  For this task I used the anchor point tools, shapes and shape tool and the shape tool on Adobe Illustrator.

Self Portrait Illustration

For this task I had to do a self portrait, using the anchor point tools, shapes and shape tool on Adobe Illustrator. This task was to challenge my skills in Illustrator by tracing the previous image and creating the proportions accurately. As well as using different transform tools to control the layers behind the shapes. 

Analysis - Questions and Answers

What benefit does vector image have over raster image?
Vector image has more benefit than raster because the image/shape can be stretched and zoomed with no pixels. This allows for a much clearer and sharper detailed image. Whereas with raster images, the shape/image becomes pixelated when zoomed or stretched.

What does saving an object as a symbol on illustrator allow you to do?
Saving an object on Illustrator allows for your image/shape to keep the stroke at the same size, when shrinking or expanding the size of your object. When the image/shape uses stroke without being a symbol, it's stroke will increase.

What different ways do you have to manipulate the shape of an object on Illustrator?
There are many ways in which you can manipulate the shape of your object. For example, you can use the direct selection tool to change the angles of your object by changing the anchor points position. This will determine what angle you want your points to face. You can also manipulate the shape by using the anchor point tool.This will allow you to change certain anchor points without changing the shape/angle of the other anchor points (as they are connected). This tool is very useful when changing the shape of your object as it allows you to manipulate the curve of your anchor points. Another way you can easily change the shape of your object is by using the direct tool. The direct tool allows you to manipulate the size of your object and change the shape by stretching, shrinking and squashing your object.

Text bubble and 3d Symbol

For this task I had to create a text bubble, to do this I learned how to create different fonts. I also learned how to develop shapes/objects into symbols. This allowed me to change the size and stretch of the objects without changing the stroke. For the devil hey girl symbol, I learned how to use different warps when working with objects. This allowed me to create a 3d styled object.

Hey Girl text bubble

 Hey Girl Devil Symbol

Wallpaper and Pattern

For this task i had to combine all of my Illustrations that I have created on Adobe Illustrator and create a wallpaper/pattern. I used the transform tool move, to reflect my symbols to my wallpaper. This was so that my symbols were symmetrical and smooth. I also changed the size of the symbols  to create a realistic and artsy wallpaper design.
The first image is the pattern I used to create my wallpaper.