Raster/Vector Graphics, Spring 2026

Class Info

• Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
• Meeting Info: In Person

Topic

Midterm Project

Today, we will combine Pen Tool, Shape Tool, and Curvature Tool techniques to draw a poster. Make sure shapes are closed. We will use the Eyedropper to sample colors that will be demonstrated.

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

• Drawing from a Template
• Using Guides
• Creating Layers
  • Locking layers
  • Diming layers
  • Stacking Order of Layers
• Using Eyedropper to sample colors
• Changing Blend Modes
• Creating Blurs – Gaussian Blurs
• Feathering

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 Pathfinder Tools and Blend Tool and the challenges they presented.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time.

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. Using the template, students will start to draw shapes and then fill in colors in shaped areas. Color modes, layers, and blurring effects will be discussed.

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 3:00 p.m. the day before class.

Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., 1162_Midterm_LastName.ai (Illustrator).

• Complete outlining the Midterm Poster. Make sure the Pen has no fill and a black stroke.

Vocabulary

Template, Layers, Gaussian Blur, Feathering

Resources

Here are some notes that you should read to educate yourself in the topic area described above.

Class Info

• Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
• Meeting Info: In Person

Topic

Using the Pathfinder Tools

Today, we will be using the Pathfinder Tools in Illustrator

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

• Pathfinder Tools
  • The Shape Modes
    • Add to shape area
    • Subtract from the 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 the Pathfinder Tool to create a plaid design as demonstrated in class. You may use a color palette of 6 to 8 colors. Consider the background.

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., 1162_06_LastNameHW.ai

• Create a plaid design. Follow the demonstration in class.
• Save files in the correct naming convention and email the file to your folder.

Vocabulary

Shape Modes, The Pathfinders

Resources

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

Class Info

• Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
• Meeting Info: In Person

Gradients and Type

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

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

• Types of Gradients
  • Linear
  • Radial
  • Freeform
  • Mesh Gradients
• Assigning A Gradient
  • Angle of Gradient
  • Reversing a Gradient
  • Changing the location of Color Stops
  • The opacity of Color Stops
  • Duplicating A Color Stop
  • Deleting A Color Stop
  • Creating a Rich Black
  • Saving a Gradient
• Working with Type
  • Point Type
  • Area Type
  • Importing Text
  • Understanding Text Flow, Text Reflow, and Threading Text
  • Resizing the Text Area
  • Changing Text Attributes
  • Changing Font Color and Font Size
  • Sampling Text
  • Creating Text on a Path and Shapes

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 Pen Tool and its challenges.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time. Lab assignments are done during class time. A demonstration will be provided in class.

Lab – Create Six Bubbles and change the colors of the gradient.
Save File As 1162_05_LastName_Lab.ai

Add an artboard – Create a Circle and place Text on a Path to create your own button. Save File.

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 Tuesday, the day before class.

• HW – Use the 05Water.ai file provided and change all the colors to your own choices. Sample and demonstrations will be shown in class. Remember the source of light comes from the top. Save it in the correct naming convention and email it to your folder. Save File As – 1162_05_Lastname_HW.ai

Vocabulary

Gradients – Linear, Radial and Freeform, Point type, Area Type, Attributes, Threading Text.

Resources

Here are some notes that you should read to educate yourself in the topic area described above.