Intro to Vector Graphics in Illustrator Workshop Outline
Workshop purpose:
- Get started with vector-based design. Resize document/individual elements without losing resolution. Photoshop loses resolution when resizing elements.
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- Design using Illustrator instead of Word – more control/precision with positioning.
- Practice using some of the design tools found in Adobe’s design programs.
Software utilized:
- Canva – find template design
- Illustrator – recreate template using same ~tools as XD
Workshop Outline:
- Sign up for Adobe CC
- MC Overview
- Download tools guide:
- visit mediacommons.psu.edu/illustrator
- click Tools guide button
- Will be used during illustrator section
- Also to be used as a handout for in-person, printable for remote
- Choose template design
- In a browser, go to Canva.com
- Search for “resume”
- Click “see all” under Corporate Resume
- Pick a design that has a variety of shapes (rectangle, triangle/circle, lines) and 2-3 colors
- Download jpg to desktop
- Launch Illustrator
- Create Letter size document, found under “Print”
- set-up for demo
- Point out the tools in the toolbar that you’ll be working with.
- Place (File>Place/shift+cmd+P) template for reference. Move it off art board
- Place tools guide for reference. Move it off artboard
- Recreate template for purposes of letter head instead of resume
- Pick different colors than original – that was just a jumping-off point
- Elements can hang off artboard rather than resizing perfectly
- Make approximate shapes (Removing outlines, picking colors):
- Make triangle using PEN TOOL (p)
- Tweak triangle with SELECTION TOOL (v, esc)
- Resize, rotate, move
- Tweak triangle with SELECTION TOOL (v, esc)
- Make rectangle using RECTANGLE TOOL (m)
- Show right-click>Bring to front/send to back
- Make triangle using PEN TOOL (p)
- Add text TEXT TOOL (t)
- Show difference between creating text by clicking vs clicking/dragging.
- Add name with single click
- Change color/font/size
- Don’t use comic sans!
- Use copy/paste-in-place
- Add “address” (the word address or city/state/zip, phone, email
- Change size
- Add placeholder letter content with click/drag
- If Generic Letter
- Salutation, intro, body, body,
- If Cover Letter:
- Dear EmployerName, Intro, Body, Maybe Bullets, Body, Call to action
- If Generic Letter
- Add closing/signature with click/drag
- Add lines using LINE TOOL (\) –
- not necessarily where they are in the template.
- Adjust stroke thickness, add rounded ends, color
- not necessarily where they are in the template.
- Tweak design
- Rotate, move, resize elements
- Delete template and tool guide
- Save as pdf
- Preserve illustrator editing (leave this checked)
- Allows PDF to be reopened in Illustrator if something happens to the ai file.
- Preserve illustrator editing (leave this checked)
- Time permitting:
- Show reopening of pdf in illustrator to make changes/updates
- use opacity from Transparency window.
- Adobe stock from Libraries panel