6/30: Text Tools,Live Paint Bucket,Layers, Effects, Live Trace

Text Tool

Generates Horizontal or Vertical type, use with the Option Bar (choose font style, size, etc.)  Open the Character Panel for further choices (>Window >Character).

• Type Tool: Add Horizontal text and/or Vertical text. Click on document to get flashing curser, start typing.
• Area Type Tool: Fills the inside of an object; Text REPLACES the fill color. Create a object first! Click on document to get flashing curser, start typing.
• Path Type Tool: Fills an object’s path. Text REPLACES the stroke color.Create a path (try line, spiral, arc Tool…) first! Click on document to get flashing curser, start typing. More options found at >Type >Type On A Path >Type On A Path Options

EDIT Text by Breaking the Type  Apart:

1. Create type with the Text Tool.
2. Select Text with a Selection Tool.
3. >Type >Create Outlines
4. You will see each the individual paths/points of each letter. Edit as you would any vector object.

Live Paint Bucket Tool

Select parts of overlapping objects and fills in with color. Must select object with DIRECT SELECTION Tool first.

Layers

Open the Layers Panel: >Window >Layers
Each vector object is automatically placed in its own Path Layer, all are grouped in one “main” Layer. See below for options to group into new Layers.

Select a Path Layer by clicking the button (not just highlighting) to the right of the Path Layer name. Notice the vector object highlighted in the document.

Layer options include:

• Name/Re-name-double click on the Path Layer text to rename.
• Stacking/ Re-stacking- click and drag on the Path Layer. “Reads” from top to bottom. Changes made using >Object >Arrange: Bring to front, send to back, etc. are reflected in the order of the Path Layers.
• Delete-drag to Trash icon at bottom of Layers Palette-NOT in the DOCK.
• Group and place on separate Layers – click on the New Layer icon button at bottom of Layers Palette-or- >Object >Group
• Visible/invisible-temporarily make a Path Layer invisible by clicking on the “eye” icon.
• Lock-click on the “lock” (box next to the “eye” icon) to prevent a Path Layer from moving.

Add a Grid

>View >Show Grid

Effects

Cosmetic changes that alter a vector object’s appearance, though the original paths/points remain the same. In other words….looks cool, but harder to edit in the end!
1. Select the object with a Selection Tool
2. >Effects >Choose an effect: Distort and Transform : pucker and bloat, zig zag, etc…

Illustrator Filters-unlike Effects-are for imported bitmap objects.
Effects *rasterize* vector objects when making the cosmetic change. Not adviseable since we want to keep the smooth edges of our design.

Live Trace

Turn an imported bitmap image into vector paths and points. **It is best to modify the original image in Photoshop first; the more clean and simple, the better the vector outcome.

1. >File >Place…navigate the the bitmap image you want to import.

2. The imported bitmap will appear on your AI document with a blue bounding box. This is Live Trace edit mode.

3. In the Option Bar, select a preset (ie: Color 6)

4. Click the Expand Button when ready to accept edit; individual points and paths appear.

5. Edit paths and points with Illustrator Tools to personalize the vector design.

Open Lab:

*Finish* your 2 logo concepts from yesterday before starting the next assignment. Seperate your two designs into their own Layers by copying & pasting. Name these Layers: “Logo 1″ and “Logo 2″

In-Class Assignment #2: Business Card

Create an additional Artboard for a business card. Of the two logos you have designed, select the strongest one.  Ask one other classmate for their opinion. If you are feeling good about *both* your designs, by all means create a  business card for each!

1. Use the Artboard Tool to create a new Artboard within your exisiting document.

Artboard Size: 3.5″ x 2″

2. Select & copy your logo into a NEW LAYER. Name the Layer: “Business Card”

3. Paste your logo into the Business Card Layer.

4. Choose an appropriate font. Add content to your business card such as a name, company name, tagline, title, website, email, and/or other related information you want to add. Use the Grid for better alignment.

Logos/Business Card Assignment will be due mid-class on Wednesday, July 1.

Links to Review:

AI 30 Day tutorial

~ by idst120 on June 30, 2009.