Class Info

  • Date: Add date
  • Meeting InfoAdd online details or in-person location

Homework Due This Class

  • Use the 05Water.ai file and the 05Leaf.ai file provided and change all the colors to your own choices. Save it in the correct naming convention and email it for your folder.

Topic

Pathfinder Tools and Using the Blend Tool

Today, we will be using and creating Custom Gradients and working with Type in Illustrator

This Plaid Design was created with the Pathfinder Tool.

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

  • Pathfinder Tools
    • The Shape Modes
      • Add to shape area
      • Subtract from shape area
      • Intersect shape areas
    • The Pathfinders
      • Divide
      • Trim
      • Merge
      • Crop
      • Outline
      • Minus Back
  • Width Tool
  • The Blend Tool
  • Working with Type in Illustrator
    • Creating Point Type, Area Type,
    • Importing Text
    • Understanding Text Flow
    • Changing Font Size and Color – Attributes

Critique

Each week we will review homework assignments from the previous class. Students will participate in reviewing material and offering suggestions for improvement for their cohort. This week we discuss the use of the Gradient and its effectiveness in your designs.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time. Use your initials to create a logo that is woven with the pathfinder tool. Consider a background color if you like. A demonstration will be provided in class.

Discussion:

Each week you will need to respond to two questions posted. This is a requirement for participation part of your grade.

Homework Due Next Class: 

All work should be submitted by 5:00 pm the day before class.

Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., 06_LastName.ai (Illustrator).

  • Create a Woven Looking Pattern (Plaid). Use all the Pathfinder Tools to create a woven design. 
    You may use a color palette of 8 to 8 colors. Consider the background color.
  • Create a necklace using the Blend tool. Use links and demonstrated in class.
  • Save files in the correct naming convention and email it for your folder.

Vocabulary

Shape Modes, The Pathfinders, Blend Options

Do This in Class:
Setting Up the Midterm File

Create an 11 x 17 Tabloid File. Open the rulers (view > Rulers > Show Rulers) and drag a half-inch border all around the edges as a guide. Select three images from Google of a Disney Poster according to the demo. The file is prepared to draw on using the images as a template.

Resources

Here are some notes that you should read to educate yourself in the topic area described above. Pathfinder Techniques file will be emailed to you.