2025-10-04 DDM Exercise 3

Quick recap

The class focused on transitioning from pixel-based to vector-based graphic design, with extensive instruction on using Adobe Illustrator for vector work and its fundamental differences from pixel-based software like Photoshop. Brian led tutorials on various Illustrator tools and features, including object selection, color manipulation, and line work, while addressing technical issues and student questions throughout the session. The instructor concluded by discussing upcoming exercises, technical issues with the class website, and expectations for future class sessions focused on Illustrator work.

Next steps

• All students to complete Exercise 3 by the next day

• Students with technical difficulties to contact Mr. Campbell to get access to Illustrator software

• Students with technical difficulties to mention their issues in the comments when submitting their work

• Students to save and document content from their design studio projects for use in future exercises

• Students to prepare for Exercise 4 for next Saturday's class

• Brian to fix the ID number issue on the website grading system

• Students who cannot see their grades to try refreshing, using incognito mode, or waiting for the system to update

• Students who completed activities but don't see their ID numbers to contact Brian directly

Summary

Vector Graphics in Adobe Illustrator

The class discussed the transition from pixel-based to vector-based graphic design, focusing on Adobe Illustrator as the primary tool for vector work. Brian explained the fundamental differences between pixel and vector graphics, highlighting that vector images are resolution-independent and maintain sharpness at any size, making them ideal for architectural drawings and logos. The class explored Illustrator's user interface and basic tools, including the selection and direct selection tools, and practiced creating and manipulating vector shapes. Brian emphasized the importance of understanding when to use pixel-based versus vector-based software, depending on the final output and design requirements.

Illustrator Fundamentals Tutorial Overview

Brian led a tutorial on Illustrator, explaining fundamental concepts like selecting objects, changing fill and stroke colors, and understanding the control bar's functionality. He emphasized the importance of selecting objects before making changes and highlighted the differences between Illustrator and Photoshop in terms of tool and object-based properties. Brian also introduced the artboard tool, explaining its use for changing the size and name of the artboard. Leshon had trouble accessing the control bar due to a newer version of Illustrator, which Brian helped resolve by guiding Leshon to enable the control bar through the Window menu.

Adobe Illustrator Pen Tool Tutorial

Brian led a tutorial on using Adobe Illustrator, focusing on the pen tool and various panels. He demonstrated how to create and manipulate shapes, change stroke and fill colors, and adjust line properties. Brian explained the differences between Illustrator and Photoshop interfaces, noting that Illustrator is particularly strong in line work. He then guided participants through an exercise to convert a sketch into digital line work, emphasizing the importance of this skill in architecture.

Illustrator Vector Graphic Tracing Demo

Brian demonstrated how to trace and digitize a sketch in Illustrator, explaining the process of converting pixel-based images into vector graphics. He showed how to create new layers, use the pen tool, curvature tool, and direct selection tool to manipulate line work, and adjust stroke weights and corner rounding. Brian also introduced the pipette tool for copying object properties and addressed Rochelle's question about curve handles in Illustrator 2022, explaining how to convert straight lines to curves.

Illustrator Vector Artwork Techniques

Brian Williams demonstrated how to create and edit vector artwork in Illustrator, focusing on drawing and manipulating lines, patterns, and arrowheads. He explained techniques for selecting and organizing layers, using tools like the curvature tool, direct selection tool, and pipette tool. Brian also showed how to apply patterns to objects using the swatches panel and scale tool, and he emphasized the flexibility of vector artwork for future editing.

Illustrator Exercise and Technical Support

Brian explained that the remaining class time should be used to complete the current exercise, which will be available for download after encoding and uploading takes about 15-20 minutes. He emphasized the importance of the next Illustrator exercise, which will focus on enhancing drawings for presentation, and encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the tool. Brian also advised students to save and document their design studio content, including scans of sketches or other materials, for use in upcoming exercises. He addressed technical issues raised by students, including Rochelle's problem with unwanted arrowheads in Illustrator, and promised to investigate further.

Website Issues and Exercise Updates

The instructor addressed technical issues with the class website where some students were unable to see their ID numbers or check grades. He explained that the ID number display problem was due to a formula error and promised to fix it within 30-45 minutes. The instructor also clarified that Exercise 3 submissions should be made as PDF files, and students were advised to complete the current exercise during class time or by the following day. The next class will focus on Exercise 4, which involves Illustrator, and the instructor emphasized that while the class is scheduled for 4 hours, students should expect to spend most of that time working on exercises rather than listening to lectures.

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