COMD3711 Vector Art Editing, Spring 2026

Maureen Neuringer | Section D03

Welcome, To Vector Art Editing!

Welcome to Vector Art Editing. We will work together to explore the advanced techniques for designing and creating illustrations in Adobe Illustrator. We will work smart and use the correct and professional tools to create your vision.

Welcome, Students!

Please take some time to familiarize yourself with this OpenLab course site. Use the top navigation bar to explore the course information, activities, and resources. Scroll through the sidebar to find additional information about the materials shared here. As the course progresses, you will be adding your own work to the student work section.

Join this Course

Login to your OpenLab account to join this course. Follow these instructions if you need help joining this course.

If you’re new to the OpenLab, follow these instructions to create an account and then join the course.

Remember that your username and display name can be pseudonyms, rather than your real name. Your avatar does not need to be a picture of your face–just something that identifies you on the OpenLab.

Questions

If you have any questions, reach out via email or in Office Hours. If you need help on the OpenLab, you can consult OpenLab Help or contact the OpenLab Community Team.

Your City Tech Email

Having trouble accessing your City Tech email account?

Please follow the instructions below:

  1. Check to make sure your email is active on the City Tech E-mail Address Look Up.
  2. Go to Outlook.com
  3. Enter your City Tech email address and password.
    • Your City Tech Email Address is: firstname.lastname@mail.citytech.cuny.edu
    • Your default City Tech Password is the first initial of your first name (capitalized), first initial of your last name (lower case), your date of birth (MMDDYYYY), followed by the last four digits of your CUNYfirst EMPL ID. Example: JdMMDDYYYY9367
  4. If you are still having trouble contact the Student Help Desk.

09 Homework

Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., 09_LastName.ai .

Use the Flat Design Potted Plane Technique demonstrated in class to create at least four of your own designs. Then use the Shape Builder Tool to create shadows for your drawn items. See the samples in class.

Due Date(s)

  • 09_LastName.ai is due – 3:00 pm Wednesday before class. Students should email this file as required by the professor.

09 Discussion

Each week you will need to respond to a question posted. Your response should be a minimum of 150 words for both questions. You should also include at least one response to your fellow students. The responses are a requirement for participation part of your grade.

Question 01 –

What is the value of using the Shape Builders Tool?

Question 02 –

Describe how to “add” and subtract” from shapes.

Class 09

Class Info

  • Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
  • Meeting Info: In-person on campus

Topic

Flat Design Potted Plants

Today, we will discuss creating a Flat Design and using the Shape Builder Tool to add shadows and dimension to the design.

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

  • Techniques for using the Shape Builder tool.
    • Comparing Shape Builder to the Pathfinder Tool

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 students display their lollypop swirls, ribbon design, and custom Necklace design.

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time.

Create your Symetery file from the sample supplied to you.

  • Use your skills to create a Mandella like design.

Discussion:

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

Homework Due Next Class: 

All work should be submitted by 9:00 am the Friday before class.

Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., 09_LastName.ai (Illustrator).

  • Create your flat design in techniques demonstrated in class. Use at least four of your own designs (like, flowers, cars etc.)

Vocabulary

Shear, Shape Builder Tool

Resources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldqMYfMw5Sc&t=5s
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