05/04/2023 - 26/04/2023 (Week 01 - Week 04)
Wong Khye Qing / 0361000
Illustration and Visual Narrative/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Wong Khye Qing / 0361000
Illustration and Visual Narrative/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 1 - Exercises 1
Lectures
Week 1 (07/04/2023)
This week the lecturer briefed us about what will be expected by this course. He also briefed us about the Assignments that we will be doing throughout the whole course.
Week 2 (14/04/2023)
This week the lecturer briefed us about the Vormator character assignment with examples. He also let us practice on tracing with a Pen Tool with The Bézier Game online. By doing so, we get to understand more about the fundamentals of the workings of Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator. He also tasked us to trace a given image.
Week 3 (14/04/2023)
This week the lecturer showed us about the color and texture that we could apply into our vormator character. It has also demonstrated that colors are important and could affect the overall look of the graphic if chosen wrongly.
Exercise 1: Vormator character
Instructions
Week 1 (07/04/2023)
Tracing Image
Fig. 1.1 Reference image for tracing
We were tasked to practice tracing and proceed tracing the shapes in the given image into vector paths using Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator. These
Fig. 1.2 Tracing results
Week 02 (14/04/2023)
References and Sketching
Fig. 1.3 Sketches and Reference images
My initial idea for my character is a Gnome. In the sketch (First picture), I wanted the gnome to be short and also have a steady figure, which is why I used a short Rectangle as the silhouette of the character.
Then, I wanted the gnome to be a Miner and I have searched some images online for references. Picture 4 and 5 is also one of the things I wanted to integrate into my gnome design, which are long beard and the hat covering the eyes. This could show that the gnome does like to speak much and does not like having much eye contacts with others.
Forming of vectors
Fig. 1.4 Vector Paths Formation Process
The first picture on the left shows that I am experimenting with the traced vector paths to create the head and body of the gnome. Knowing that the body does not need any armor, I put aside this process and proceed to experimenting with the paths to create a recognizable head.
The second picture shows the process of creating a head. At first I wanted to use the curly vector to create the cone hat that the gnome is wearing , put I figured that the heat might be too long for it. I also tried to Unite both of the curly vector together, but it doesn't seem to fit.
Which moves on to the next vector that I have created which is Dividing a teardrop and guitar pick-shaped vector which forms a hat and beard of the gnome. I intended to hide the eyes of the gnome and just reveal some portion of the face to show that he is reserved and secretive.
Week 3 (21/04/2023)
Forming of character
Fig. 1.5 Building the Character's Body
I have started to creating the body of the gnome. There are height difference between the two attempts made. One was shorter with arms spreading out wider and another which is taller with longer legs as well as hands that are facing more into the body. I have also added a nose on the beard.
Fig. 1.6 Modification of Height and Beard
After some consideration I thought of making the beard longer as I think it might be too short and I changed the height of the gnome with shorter legs, this is to show that he is steady, experienced, quiet and reserved.
Fig. 1.7 Color and Texture Selection
I received feedbacks from the lecturer telling me to choose the colors and adding texture to my character. I have chosen the color Red, Green and Blue for the clothing of the gnome. I have chosen Red and Green as they are complimentary colors which will be able to work together as a harmonious contrast towards each other. Grain textures were added to all the clothing to show gradient and depth towards the appearance.
Besides the pants are in blue with the Texturizer texture to make it have a rough texture. The shoe also has Grain texture on it with a white color to act as the shine reflection from the shoe. The beard do also have Gray Grain texture to it to add depth to the white beard that is just flat white. There is also a faint Pink Grain texture on the nose of the gnome to show the redness of the nose.
Final breakdown
Fig. 1.8 Total Numbers of Vector Paths used
I have used a total of 11 vector paths. Which included 2 paths getting Divided with Pathfinding tool for the use of head and beard.
Final Vormator Character
Fig. 1.8 Final Design for Vormator Character
Fig. 1.9 Outline for Vormator Character
Feedbacks
Week 4 (25 April 2023)
The character has an appeal to it. The color would be where I would spend a bit more time on. You can try out more interesting colors and shading.
Reflection
Experience
I feel that this assignment is a great start for students, as it touched the fundamentals of the using the Adobe Illustrator with Pen tool. It let me experienced back the when I was started designing, I will be using basic shapes to form vectors and form. This is a great way of letting me to conceptualize what I imagine into a vector character.
Observation
I observed that by having progress in an assignment, even if it is a small progress, I get to gradually look at what I have done and decide on what direction that I wanted to go with and change if needed.
Findings
I found out that texture is important for vector graphics as it can add depth to it and produce a more interesting appearance to it. Grain texture is able elevate the look of a flat vector that is just a solid color.