DIGITAL TOOLS ASSIGNMENT 6, Creating a Graphic Image from a Sketch

The goal of this assignment is for you to be able practice using the pen tool, the add and subtract anchor point tools along with the gradient tool and the color picker. You will begin by scanning an image into the computer. This image will be one of your subject or something that relates to your subject. It also need to have been drawn by yourself. You will then trace the scanned image, my making "closed path" basic shapes" using the pen tool. Once traced you will spend some time filling in the illustration, giving it the illusion of three dimension through the use of, value, gradation and scale.


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1) Draw a sketch of your subject.

2) Scan your image using the Epson printer in the computer labs. See the post for getting help with Scanning Your Image. (Remember to save it as High Resolution (300-400dpi, TIFF)

3) Place the image in Illustrator.
go to File/Place to place an image
with the place window open remember to have the linked box unchecked.

4) In the layer that contains the sketch open up the top right layers folder and click template. This will lower the opacity of the image and will lock this layer.

5) In a new layer, trace your sketch using the pen tool 0r with the pencil tool/smooth tool. IMPORTANT: When tracing: you want to create closed paths. The easiest way to do this is to create a tracing that is made up of all shapes.

6) Once you have completed your tracing, Select the whole tracing (apple A) and copy it into a a new layer. Fill it in using the color picker and the gradient tool. Remember all your shapes must be closed paths, If you forgot to make closed paths you can always go back and use the join tool-see handout.


Due next week:

Post to your blog:

• the original sketch, scanned and saved for the web
• your tracing of the sketch (this will be a black and white illustration)
  
• your tracing of the sketch-filled in with color and gradations.
• and a colorful description of your final completed assignment.
  

Upload to Server

1. the original sketch, scanned saved as a tiff
   
2. the illustrator file which will include 3 individual layers :
   

• 1) the placed original image.
  
• 2) the tracing of the sketch,
  
• 3) the tracing of the sketch filled in with color picker and gradations.