1. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Intro Graphic Design
South
Park 1
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011

2. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
OBJECTIVE
Use the skills learned through demonstrations to create an original illustrated illustration that effectively uses the south park cartoon style.
You may not be able to draw with the realism of this picture, but anyone can draw using simple geometric shapes. Along the way, you’ll familiarize yourself with Illustrator & its tools while creating a fun image that we can share with one another. 2
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011

3. SAMPLE IMAGES: Note how the characters are all drawn with very basic shapes, yet are still effective. 3

4. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Defining Vector Art
What is Vector Art?
Used commonly in typography (the art of lettering) and logo design to avoid pixelation (as seen at right).
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5. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Defining Vector Art
The wireframe is made up of a series of connected dots, called Anchor Points.
In this example, you see what the computer sees: not pixels, but a wireframe.
The curve between these can be controlled using handles
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6. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
File Set-Up
The New Document panel allows you to define various aspects of the file you’re about to create, including NAME and DIMENSIONS
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7. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Layers
When creating a digital illustration, your file will contain many small objects. Separating into layers can help to isolate and organize the file, making it easier to work with.
• Selected objects will be highlighted using the color of the layer they are located on.
• Layers can be locked to help isolate & focus on one element at a time.
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8. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Basic Tools
SHAPES
FILL & STROKE
Illustrator has tools to make some basic geometric shapes.
• Click & drag to create a generic shape
• Single click to open shape-specific menu
• Hold ‘Shif’t to maintain proportions
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9. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Object Controls
Selection Tool (Black Arrow)
Used for bigger changes: to move objects, adjust size via bounding box
Direct-Select Tool (White Arrow)
Used for smaller changes: fine-tune shapes by adjusting individual anchor points & handles on strokes of objects
Stroke
Control Panel
Adjusts the thickness of the outline edges of shapes. Can make dashed lines, rounded endcaps of line segments.
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10. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Drawing Tools
Many objects cannot be made with simple geometric shapes, and you’ll need to draw more organic shapes.
The BRUSH TOOL and PENCIL TOOL are used to create complex, curved shapes.
• The Pencil will follow your drawn lines more closely.
• The Brush will simplify your lines to look more smooth.
CLOSE YOUR SHAPES!
Fill colors always connect from start point to end point of any line segment, so draw around the entire border of any shape you want filled with color.
VS.
*There are other ways to draw shapes, which will be introduced in later assignments.
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11. Transparency & Gradients
TRANSPARANCY
This option allows you to set the properties of a shape to be see-through, like glass.
GRADIENTS
You can choose to fill an object with a blend from color-to-color instead of a single color.
• Double-click the bixes on the slider bar to change or add colors to your gradient.
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12. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Key Commands
ZOOM
Command +
Command –
Command 0
MOVE AROUND
SPACEBAR
CLONE
OPTION (click & drag)
COPY
Command C
PASTE
Command V
UNDO
Command Z
REDO
Command Shift Z
PROPORTIONAL SCALE
Hold SHIFT while enlarging
*There are many more of these time-savers available to you, which you’ll learn over time.
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13. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2011
Requirements
BACKGROUND
The far-off distance that includes land & sky, separated by a horizon line.
REQUIREMENTS:
Sky & Land with details.
SUGGESTIONS:
Mountains, clouds, roads, plants, flying objects, etc.
MIDDLE GROUND
In-between space that includes the scenery.
REQUIREMENTS:
At least 2 detailed Buildings
SUGGESTIONS:
Road signs, trees, cars, bikes, power lines, landscaping, etc.
FOREGROUND
Area nearest to the viewer, up-close.
REQUIREMENTS:
At least 2 detailed characters
SUGGESTIONS:
You and/or friends, pets, celebrities, monsters, animals, etc.
• To ensure the best grade possible, include as much detail as possible on all objects.
• More drawing of organic shapes with brush/pencil and less simple shapes will demonstrate your time investment and skill development.
• Remember to keep all aspects of your image school-appropriate.
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