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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.
        • 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:

      Printable version

      • 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
            • Make rectangle using RECTANGLE TOOL (m)
              • Show right-click>Bring to front/send to back
          • 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
            • 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
          • 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.
        •  
        •  
        • Time permitting: 
          • Show reopening of pdf in illustrator to make changes/updates
          • use opacity from Transparency window.
          • Adobe stock from Libraries panel