Problem: Based on your research and sketches create an abstract black and white illustration of interrelated shapes with a combination of straight, curved and combination paths.
Limits: Use only the Bezier Pen and Direct Selection tools. Keep the number of points to a minimum. White fill, no stroke.
- Research / Inspiration
- Look for examples of interesting contour shape relationships in art, design, nature or everyday objects
- For example: wood grain on a cabinet, the top of a pine cone, a child’s puzzle, cobblestones or sidewalk or stone path
- Document these observations in your sketchbook
- Experimentation / Iteration
- Make at least 6 thumbnails in pencil of free-form shape relationships. Start with one shape and the create another shape that follows the path of the first.
- Development of Skill and Craft
- Open the file called bezier_shapes.ai and rename it to include your first inital and last name.
- There are three different views at the bottom of the View Menu: Your Practice Shapes, Your Shapes Illustration and Tips.
- Complete “Your Practice Shapes” first. Choose the practice shapes layer to start.
- When you have completed Your Practice Shapes, choose Your Shapes Illustration from the view member and choose the your shapes layer to start.
- Choose Views > TIPS if you need some help.
- Notice that a black background rectangle has been created and locked on a layer.
- Set your stroke to none by selecting the stroke icon in the tools palette and click the none icon.
- Set your fill color to white by selecting the white swatch in the color palette.
- Turn off smart guides and hide the bounding box.
- Create your drawing in Outline mode (View > Outline) using only the Bezier Pen and Direct Selection tools.
- Create CLOSED paths of interlocking shapes.
- Create a combination of angles, curves and combination paths using as FEW points as possible.
- Try to relate each shape to its neighbor, as if they are puzzle pieces that can fit together, but are pulled apart slightly.
- When you have completed your drawing switch to Preview (Cmd+Y). If any of your shapes are not closed paths, select the two anchor points and join (Cmd+J) the anchor points.
- Expression of Form, Emotions, Concepts, and Voice
- Your illustration, while limited to by the constraints of the project, should express your unique voice or graphic style using basic design principles.
- Show a connection between the original research and the final illustration
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Student Example
Student Example
- Thoughtful Assessment (Critique)
- Bring all assignment parts to class.
- Be prepared to present, discuss and analyze your finished work in terms of concept, craft, and what you learned.
- State the following: your name, what you are presenting (title and design problem), which parts are successful and why, which parts are unsuccessful and why.
- Work Hour Tally
- In the info section of your file, define the hours committed for each portion of the assignment, including dates and times.
- Submission
- Your illustration is due in the DropBox at the beginning of the next class meeting.
- Name your file: firstinitiallastname_assignment2.ai
