UNIT III: Vector - Type

UNIT III:  Vector

EXERCISE:  These words ignite our victorious hands

OBJECTIVE: Use a word or phrase and infuse it with additional meaning by altering the placement and relationships of the letters to the image field. Technical: To learn the basics of vector-based software (Adobe Illustrator).  Conceptual: To explore the use of type as abstract shape, and to investigate how framing creates and defines positive and negative space.

GOAL: To create abstract visual images and symbols that could be used to protest or persuade.

PROCESS: 

1. Listen intently to the lecture on Type, Framing, and Positive / Negative Space.

2. Launch Illustrator and create a new document (FILE >> NEW) that is 8 in. x 8 in.

3. Using the Type Tool, explore the different type faces (fonts) available, looking

specifically for font/letter combinations with interesting shapes, curves, lines, etc.

4. Once you’ve chosen the letter(s) and words you want to work with, convert it to outlines by selecting it with the Selection Tool (solid arrow), and by choosing “Create Outlines” under the “Type” menu.

5. Using your 8 x 8 inch document boundary as a frame, experiment with different

framing solutions by altering the letter’s scale, rotation, and placement. Pay special

attention to the positive / negative relationship that your framing choices create.

Also consider what reversing the colors of your positive / negative space will do to

the composition (white on black or black on white).

6.  Try adding simple shapes to your design and experimenting with complementary color.

7. When you feel like your composition is coming together, solidify your design by

creating a clipping mask.

A. Use the Rectangle Tool to draw a square the same size as your document.

B. Select everything by choosing “Select All” under the “Select” menu.

C. Finally, choose “Clipping Mask >> Make” under the “Object” menu.

You can continue to modify your composition’s scale, rotation, and placement even

after the clipping mask has been made.

8. When satisfied, save it as an Adobe Illustrator (Ai) file on your flash drive. Then save out a PNG copy of your composition :

A. File >> Save for Web and Devices.

B. For file type, select PNG from the dropdown menu.

C. Uncheck the box next to “Transparency.”

D. Under the “Image Size” tab, check “Clip to Artboard” and hit “Apply.”

E. Click “Save.”

F. Upload  your PNG file to the class’ blog. Write a brief explanation.

READING:  Digital Design Media Ch. 7 Drafted Lines (read)

           

VOCABULARY: scale, size, proportion, context, serif, font, typeface, vector, raster

REFERENCES:  Barbara Kruger, El Lissitzky, Jenny Holzer, Joseph Kosuth, dafont

DUE:  6 February 2012

GRADING:  (10pts)

TECHNICAL: (2pts) Is your project the appropriate size? Does it include text outlines?  Shapes?

AESTHETIC: (4pts) Does your image have a strong composition and unity? How does the letter placement affect the movement of the eye across it? Is the color scheme engaging?

CONCEPTUAL: (4pts) How successfully is your stance conveyed? Is your meaning clear? Is the selected text compelling or interesting? Is your subject a legitimate concern or issue?

NOTES: