Week 5: Weekly Blog Post 2

 Jaiden O’Brien 

Sean Brennan 

FMX 210-3 

September 3, 2024 

I have been on an exciting journey of learning and developing with Adobe Illustrator over the past four weeks. It has been thrilling as well as challenging for someone lacking in graphic design experience to start creating vector-based artwork. This blog post reflects my experiences, projects, and design processes, as well as the significant improvements I've achieved along the way. 

I picked up the basic principles of Illustrator. With a range of tools and settings, at first it was overwhelming. But first, I became familiar with the workspace and played with colors, shapes, and basic tools such as the shape builder and pen tools. In my early illustrations, I mostly created simple geometric shapes and tried figuring out how to arrange them into complex forms. Being comfortable using the tools provided an obstacle in this instance. To further develop my understanding, I undertook exercises and watched tutorials. I eventually began learning the concepts, which built a solid foundation for what was to come. Eventually, I felt ready to begin working on my first significant project, which was designing a vector portrait. I tried through creating a first sketch of the portrait, which made it simpler for me to visualize the colors and shapes I planned to apply. It was a satisfying experience getting that design within Illustrator given that I was able to play around with color gradients to add perspective and learn how to use the pen tool to achieve smooth curves. Finding the right amount of detail was one of my biggest difficulties. After experiencing problems when trying to duplicate complex features, I realized just how crucial it is to practice and breakdown every task into portions that are easier to handle. The approach seemed more manageable because I focused on a single aspect at a time. I had a portrait I was satisfied with at the end of the week, showing how the sketch turned into a digital painting.  

I then turned my focus to the T-shirt logo project. I started with brainstorming ideas and drawing many potential logo designs. This was such a cool process, and it provided me with an opportunity to experiment with various visual aesthetics. I intended for my logo to have both visual appeal and purpose. Using Illustrator for transforming my sketches into digital representation presented a new challenge. I discovered how to experiment with text and make forms by experimenting with different fonts and colors. Peer and instructor comments helped me to understand the value of collaborating and criticism in the design phase. In addition to improving my technical skills, this project drove me to think about my design decisions thoughtfully.  

As the four weeks ended, I found myself reflecting on the amount I had evolved. In Week 4, I completed two projects with assurance, having started out as a beginner and struggling with the tools in Week 1. This highlights how far my understanding and familiarity level with Illustrator has improved. I felt more confident using paths, layers, and additional effects in creating assignments now. The experience also made me aware of the additional possibilities in my other courses. Being able to fully understand vector graphics and design principles has inspired me to use visuals in assignments outside of the field of graphic design. It was expected that difficulties would come up throughout learning. From being efficient with the tools to effectively managing my time, I learned that staying focused is crucial. To deepen my understanding and keep enthusiasm, I perused through the class notes, took part in conversations with my peers, and connected with other students. 

In summary, these past four weeks have represented a turning point for me with Adobe Illustrator. My awareness of the design process has advanced along with my technical skills. The possibilities that await my upcoming tasks have me intrigued as I continue exploring this application. I can use my creativity in ways, whether in graphic design or other fields. 

In FMX 210, we explore a range of electronic and digital tools that help experimental creations from both aesthetic and technical perspectives. This studio-oriented course serves as an introduction to the various technologies that have shaped the digital media landscape, allowing us to delve into their history, evolution, and theoretical foundations. The primary aim is to expand our creativity within the Digital Media domain, which involves understanding how these tools can enhance our creative processes. Throughout the semester, we will engage with software and hardware that are not only relevant to our studies but also crucial for our future careers in the Film, Animation, and New Media fields. Each project we undertake is treated as a professional endeavor, preparing us for future portfolio reviews and potential exhibition opportunities in academic and professional contexts. This mindset is vital, as every assignment could contribute significantly to our academic and professional journeys. 

In this course class, we delve into the nature of digital creation, focusing on various tools and techniques essential for effective expression and design. We begin by exploring pixel-altering software like Photoshop and vector-based tools such as Illustrator, understanding their applications in print through Adobe InDesign. Throughout the course, we cover foundational concepts such as Color Theory, Logo Design, Typography, and Compositing, along with industry-standard file compression methods for digital delivery. We also venture into Time-Based media, creating GIFs, rotoscope animations, and motion graphics suitable for social media and emerging platforms. Recognizing the unique aspects of digital creation, we examine works by both traditional and contemporary producers, engaging with essays and texts that illuminate the digital creative process. Each class features a new assignment where we apply the concepts discussed previously, followed by group critiques to address misunderstandings and foster collaboration. These assignments are designed to help us master the necessary hardware and software while encouraging us to explore our artistic capabilities using digital tools. 

I am learning to effectively use various tools that are fundamental to current industry standards. The course emphasizes the nature of digital creation by using the most up-to-date tools, allowing us to understand the logic behind digital visual design. I am exploring the differences between vector-based imaging, which is mathematically constructed, and pixel-based design, which relies on a grid structure. We survey the evolution of industry-accepted tools, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite, while also considering open-source alternatives. I understand the use of specific tools in Adobe Illustrator that are essential for creating and manipulating artwork. One of the primary tools is the Selection tool, along with the Direct Selection tool, which allows me to select and manipulate objects within my files. For creating new shapes and paths, I use the Drawing tools, such as the Pen tool and various Shape tools. The Transformation tools, including the Free Transform and Rotate tools, enable me to change the position, size, and orientation of objects in my artwork. 

Color management is crucial, and I use tools like the Color Picker and the Swatches panel to apply and manage colors effectively. Typography is another important aspect, and I employ the Type tool and Character panel to add and format text within my designs. To keep my projects organized, I make use of the Layers panel, which helps manage the different objects in my artwork. Additionally, the Pathfinder panel allows me to combine and manipulate shapes and paths creatively. Lastly, the Brushes panel is used to apply brush strokes to paths, adding depth and texture to my illustrations. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive foundation for creating professional-quality artwork in Illustrator. By utilizing all aspects, for creating new shapes and paths, I use the Drawing tools, such as the Pen tool and various Shape tools. The Transformation tools, including the Free Transform and Rotate tools, enable me to adjust the position, size, and orientation of objects in my layouts. Color management is also essential; I employ tools like the Color Picker and Swatches panel to apply and manage colors throughout my design. The Layers panel helps me organize and manage the various elements in my layout, while the Pages panel allows for easy navigation and management of multiple pages. 

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