Tutorial 6: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

This week, we learnt how to use Adobe Illustrator and use shapes to draw images. It was tricky at first, and it took me some time before I got used to handling the tools. We were introduced to the basic illustration tools such as the pen tools, type tool, selection and direct selection tools. We learnt to use the gradient tool and scale our drawings on illustrator, as well as using guides to arrange drawings and put them in place. The penguin below is a result of a whole day of sitting in front of the laptop and scaling the drawings.

Original penguin 

Penguin drawn by me

The penguin on the left is the original image while the one on the right is the result of my work. Although the lines and curves are not smooth, this is my first try and I aim to do better with more practices ahead.

During this process, I learnt that it is important for me to plan before I draw. It is always best to break the different part into layers so that I do not delete the parts that I have done by accident. I have also learnt that it is best to be thorough in my tight sketches so that I can scan them in and use them as a guide on Adobe Illustrator (AI) when I execute my designs on the software. However, I also need to use the rulers and guides on AI to ensure that my drawings are scaled and proportionate. I cannot depend on my tight sketches alone as they are only rough guides.

Adobe Illustrator is once I get the hang of it. However, judging from how my penguin drawing turned out, I believe I need to polish my skills more.

Visual Comm Week 5: Logo & Mascot Design and Introduction to Illustrator

Week 5 of Visual Communication was fun as we learnt how to use the Illustrator. We also learnt about the definite different types of logos and functions of mascots.

1. Iconic logo

Iconic logos are symbolic designs that represents a particular brand, without any indication of the name of the brand in numerals or alphabets. In order for an iconic logo to be an effective one, it has to have features that can me instantly recognised and remembered. 

The Apple logo is an example of
an iconic logo.

 2. Logotypes
Logotypes or wordmarks are graphics of the name of a particular brand. An example would be the logo of Mediacorp logo as shown below.

3. Combination Marks
Combination marks are logos with both the the organisation's name and an icon which represents the organisation.

The logo of Reebok, a brand for sports apparels,
 is an example of a combination mark. 

In order for a logo design to be effective, it is best for it to be simple, memorable, timeless, versatile and appropriate. This is because a simple logo would be easily recognised and remembered, making the brand or organisation more recognisable.

Apart from logos, I've also realised the importance of mascots. Mascots allow organisations to communicate effectively with the target audience and make their brand or products stand out. In order for a mascot to be of a good quality, it has to appeal to the audience by having a reasonable and interesting background story. It also has to be designed and styled appropriately, following the preferences of the target audiences. 

Lastly, we learnt how to use the Illustrator software. Below is a screenshot of what we did during class whilst familiarising with the software.

The tutorial this week made me realise how important it is to keep my logo designs simple in order for it to be remembered effectively by the audience. This caused me to make some adjustments to my rough sketches and thumbnails to make it as simple and memorable as possible for it to be an effective logo. It also reminds me of the few things that I have to keep in mind while working on my mascot design for my t-shirt brand. I hope to maximise the knowledge I've gotten this week to do my best in designing an effective logo and mascot. 

Photo credits:

http://keithsawyer.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/apple-logo1.jpg

http://www.cdrc-phil.com/visayas-and-mindanao-folks-cry-%E2%80%9Cwe-don%E2%80%99t-want-%E2%80%98ondoy%E2%80%99-to-happen-to-us%E2%80%9D/

http://fontsinuse.com/uses/5143/reebok-logos-1970s-2002

Visual Comm Week 4: Graphic Design History 2, Storyboards & Moodboards

This week, we learnt the second part of Graphic Design History. A short history of books was introduced, followed by an overview of the history of posters.

I found it unique and clever of the people in the past who made use of animal skins and palm leaves as surfaces to write.

A wax tablet, one of the earliest book forms, commonly
used by Greeks and Romans in the past.

We also learnt about the history of posters. Although there is a variety of posters available now, I prefer one of the earliest forms of posters, the broadside. Below are some examples of broadside posters.

I prefer the broadside printing of posters or advertisements because it is neat and has a structure. Although it may seem dull as it appears to follow a specific template, its vintage-like font and colour is unique to me because broadside printed posters and advertisements were more commonly used in the 18th and 19th century.

Lastly, we learnt about storyboards and mood boards. We were tasked to create our own moodboards and I chose to do mine based on the theme of music concerts.

Besides learning about the theories about graphic design, storyboards and moodboards, we also learnt about various art movements such as art nouveau, cubism, dada and pop art through the activities in class where we were tasked to do a research about the art movements and present out findings to the class. Such activities are not only beneficial as it polishes our public speaking and presentation skills, but also allows us to learn and teach each other about the various art movements in a more interactive way. 

Photo credits:

http://www.concordlibrary.org/scollect/Fin_Aids/Broadsides.htm

http://digital.lib.ecu.edu/staffpick/?p=2691
http://www.bibleandscience.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=207

Visual Comm Week 3: History of Symbols, History of Typography & Basic Photography (Composition)

On the third week of Visual Communication, we learnt about the history of symbols, including the different symbols such as ideogram, pictogram, trademarks and many more. We also learnt about the history of typography and basic photography. As part of our assignment this week, we were told to take pictures of the 5 themes of basic photography which are line, framing, rule of thirds, simplicity and balance.

1. Line

 

 

 

 2. Framing

This was taken through the glass window near the skate park. The panes acted as a frame around the subject.

This was taken at the end of a corridor. The side walls of the narrow opening acted as a frame around the subject.

This was taken near Foodcourt 3. The pillars acted as a frame around the subject.

 3. Rule of thirds

 

4. Simplicity



 

 

5. Balance

 

The vibrant colour of the murals on the left balances with the subject on the right of the picture. This way, balance in the photo is achieved.



Both subjects are in two similar poses and positions.

Both subjects are in two similar poses and positions as well.

 



Learning the basic photograpy compositions helped me to take better photographs. I can also differentiate the different themes implemented when I look through photographs. I believe that there are areas of improvement based on the photographs I have taken, and I will take more photographs after this as practice. It is a very useful skill that I will try to develop so that I can take better photographs.