DGA Week 5

Digital Graphic Arts

Pen Tool Practice

Focus: Vector Illustration

Exodus 35:31–32

“He has filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft to design artistic works...”

YAH gives us creativity, wisdom, and the ability to make things with our hands. This week, you will continue practicing the Pen Tool and use your skills to create an original illustration for your magazine.

What Are We Learning?

Last week, you practiced the basics of the Pen Tool. Now it is time to put those skills to work!

The Pen Tool allows you to create your own vector shapes and illustrations by placing anchor points and creating straight or curved paths.

Remember:

  • Click to create straight lines.

  • Click and drag to create curves.

  • Use fewer anchor points when possible for smoother shapes.

  • Adjust your anchor points and handles when your shape does not look right.

  • Take your time. The Pen Tool gets easier with practice!

In-Class Magazine Activity: Full-Page Feature Illustration

Today you will design an original full-page illustrated feature for your magazine.

Your illustration should look like something that could appear as a feature page in a real magazine. You may create an illustrated scene, object, person, landscape, or another idea that fits your magazine.

Tutorial

Watch the Sunset Landscape in Adobe Illustrator Tutorial and follow along to practice creating a complete vector illustration:

Sunset Landscape in Adobe Illustrator Tutorial

Hex codes used

#5e131f
#a31d1d
#753839
#d8331d
#381624
#f98630
#000000
#f4b484
#ffed97
#562224
#fffff8

Pay attention to how simple shapes, colors, layers, and the Pen Tool work together to create a finished illustration.

Your Challenge

After practicing with the tutorial, create your own full-page vector illustration.

Your page should include:

A clear main subject or scene

  1. Shapes created using the Pen Tool
  2. Curved and/or straight paths
  3. Multiple colors
  4. A background
  5. Details that make the illustration feel complete
  6. A clean, organized layout

Your finished design should be original. You can use the tutorial for inspiration and practice, but your final magazine illustration should be your own creation.

Magazine Piece Added

Feature Illustration Page

This page will become another completed piece for your magazine, so make sure it represents your best work.

Before You Finish

Ask yourself:

Did I use the Pen Tool?
Did I create an original illustration?
Does my page have a clear focal point?
Did I use color intentionally?
Does the illustration fill the page well?
Does it look finished and ready for a magazine?

Homework:

Complete your Feature Illustration Page.

If you do not finish during class, complete your illustration at home. Submit a jpg file of your design to Google Classroom

 Remember

Creating with the Pen Tool takes patience and practice. Do not worry if your first shapes are not perfect. Keep adjusting your anchor points and curves until you get the result you want.

Exodus 35:31–32 reminds us that creativity and artistic skill can be used with wisdom and purpose. Give your best effort and create something you are proud to include in your magazine!

Tutorial