ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

introduction to vector graphics

Basics of Illustrator

Illustrator uses layers like Photoshop.

There are two color swatches: the stroke (the outline) and the

fills (shape color)

The pen tool is the easiest way to begin to understand vector

graphics. Use the anchor points to rotate, stretch, resize

etc. Add points to make shapes.

Make a curved line now: Make your first point. Then, make your second point, but don’t release the mouse. Instead,

drag the mouse downward or upward slowly. You’ll notice the line starts to curve. When you

get the curve you want, release the mouse button.

Lesson 1: Tracing a Sketch with the Pen Tool

Step 1

Import a hand drawn image of the cartoon character above. For this lesson draw the

leaf above.

Step 2

Use the pen tool an trace portions of the image. Work in small areas at first, try not to

do too much at once.

Step 3

Use the zoom tool to see where you are bending points. Continue to add points before

making segments.

Step 4

Complete one side of the image. You will copy this and

join it later.

Lesson 1: Tracing a Sketch with the Pen Tool

Step 5

Copy and past the line work. Illustrator not only uses layers, but also uses stacking (Bring Forward, Send Backward) like in PPT. Then reflect the copied

image.

Step 6

Use the ALIGN TOP function to keep the copies aligned.

Step 7

In order to “join” work you must use the Pathfinder. Illustrator is not like in

Photoshop in that you can just use the eraser tool. Illustrator

is not a BITMAP editor.

Step 8

Use the shape tool to create other parts of the drawing

(such as the ellipse, rectangular, star or polygon)

Lesson 1: Tracing a Sketch with the Pen Tool

Step 9

Adjust the shapes using the anchor point and handle.

Step 10

Finalize any of the missing shapes. Again, use the handle

and anchor points to adjust “perfect” polygons.

Step 11

Create a symmetrical curve. TIP: While using the Pen Tool

you can press CTRL to deselect the curve and use the selection

too.

Step 12

Turn your strokes into a closed shape using the Outline Stroke

and Pathfinder window.

Lesson 1: Tracing a Sketch with the Pen Tool

Step 13

Draw a path using the pen tool. Then change the stroke weight so that the line becomes thick.

Step 14

Use the OUTLINE STROKE to turn this into a shape.

Step 15

Adjust the shape using the anchor points and handles. Add an anchor point to the center.

Step 16

Use the CONVERT to round the point.

Lesson 1: Tracing a Sketch with the Pen Tool

Step 17

Add fill colors by turning off the stroke and turning on the fill.

Step 18

Copy and paste part of your drawing. Choose offset path to

turn your path into a shape.

Step 19

Using stacked copies of your original image, you can use the

arrow keys to nudge the image. This will create a less

uniform outline.

Step 20

Add a GRADIENT by choosing the red to yellow gradient from

the FILL MENU.

Lesson 1: Tracing a Sketch with the Pen Tool

Step 21

Choose GRADIENT from the WINDOW menu. Click on a

color swatch in the gradient menu to adjust the colors.

Step 22

Change the gradient color for the shapes.

Step 23

Use the gradient tool from the tool bar. You can adjust the direction gradients go using

this tool.

Step 24

Make any final adjustments and complete your vector

cartoon drawing. When you are done, you should have

something like the image above.