Vector Graphics

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Vector Graphics
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Review

• Remember
• Raster images are pixel-based.
• Vector images are math-based.
• Illustrator creates vector graphics and vector
  text.
• PhotoShop creates raster graphics.
• Raster images are larger than vector images.
• Vector images can be scaled to any size with out
  losing quality.
• A raster image will change quality if you enlarge
  it or reduce it.
• Filters can be applied to raster images but not
  to vector images.
• Raster images can be used on the Internet.
• Vector images can only be used on the Internet
  when used in Flash.
• Saving a vector image to gif or jpg will convert
  it to raster.
• Illustrator file extension ai

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Vector Graphics

• What are vector graphics?
• Graphics are resolution-independent
• Scalable format composed of individual objects
  made up of mathematical calculations
• Allows multiple sizes
• Can be resized easily without loss of quality
• Ideal for initial design of logos and
  illustrations

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Vector Art

• Vector art has come a long way
• Due to improvement in software
• Higher skill sets
• Realistic images are generated by lines, points,
  and curves
• Cartography
• Mapmaking
• Illustrator imports GIS image and adds
  annotations
• Vectors are designed for streets, transit lines,
  etc

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Which is the Photo?
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Bezier Curves

• Lines, points and curves make up a vector image
• Bezier curves
• Results from line segments that have anchor
  points at each end which define their position
  and curve attributes
• May be smooth and streamlined
• May have very sharp turns
• May have one or two bends or loops
• Communicate emotion

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Curves Communicate
http//www.webreference.com/dlab/9902/examples-iii
.html
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Examples

• See more examples here
• http//www.wizard2.com/
• http//browse.deviantart.com/digitalart/vector/?or
  der5
• http//www.ebypaidrick.com/main.html

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Credible Logo Assignment Part 1

• Read the Unit 6 Reading
• Located in the Assignments section of BlackBoard
• Part 1
• Think about a company that you would like to
  start (this can include a charity, commercial
  endeavor, service provider, etc.). This will be
  your starting place to designing a credible logo.
  
• Submit in writing
• The source or sender of the message (the
  company).
• The product or service that is being sold.
• The message.
• The receiver (stakeholder).
• DUE Next class meeting

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Drawing in Illustrator
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Essentials

• Vector Objects
• Created from paths, lines and points
• Combined to create Bezier curves

Images from http//www.sketchpad.net/drawing1.htm
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Anchor Points

• Anchor points
• Most fundamental component in Illustrator
• Defines the line segment and the Bezier curve
  attributes
• Do not show up on the final image
• Two Categories
• Control Handles
• Controls the portion of the curve facing the
  handle
• Uses direction and length
• Curves direction and magnitude are determined by
  the entering and leaving anchor points
• No Control Handles

Bezier curves
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Objects

• Object Properties
• Stroke
• Weight (line thickness)
• Color
• Solid vs. Dashed
• Line Caps and Corners
• Fill
• Color
• Uniform or Gradient Fill
• Patterns and Textures
• Open and closed paths can be filled

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Object Manipulation

• Grouped Objects
• Allows selection as a group
• Composite Objects
• Creates donut shapes and knockouts
• Combined Objects
• Merges separate shapes into new shapes

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Creating Curves

• The Pen Tool
• Difficult tool that can be mastered with practice
• Use the pen tool to create curves
• Pen tool (p)
• Add anchor point ()
• Delete anchor points (-)
• Convert anchor point tool (shift C)
• More shortcut keys
• ALT
• Switches between the selection and the anchor
• Shift
• Draw 45? lines

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Practice, Practice, Practice