Illustration and Visual Narrative - Task 1

Picture Source: Case Studies: Book Illustrations for Visual Storytelling | Marina Yalanska

25/09/24 - 09/10/24 / Week 1 - Week 3

Aquela Zefanya Soares / 0374377

Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• LECTURES
• INSTRUCTION
• TASK
• REFLECTION
• Experience
• Observation
• Findings

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LECTURES

Week 1

We were given resources, lectures, and module information on Google Classroom. This week is the time to familiarize ourself with Adobe Illustrator.

Week 2

We were given the task of tracing the shape of the Vormator and creating a character from it without stretching, cutting and distorting the shape. Before starting, video tutorials, games to learn how to use the pen tool and direct instructions from class are provided to make it easier for us to trace the shape.

Week 3

This week we were taught on how to use the shape builder and pathfinder tools. With this we can add shadows to add dimension to the character.

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INSTRUCTION

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18P1Xw-tuI0YKJS3sCWnOF_UX56tdKiwC/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

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TASK 

Task 1: Vormator 

Our first task is to trace the Vormator shapes that have been provided and create original character without stretching, cutting and distorting the shapes.

1. Initial idea and sketches

When I wanted to sketch some ideas, I found my old drawing of jester that only had his face in it. Suddenly I was inspired and wanted to make a character based on that sketch of mine. I tried to make the initial character design a good and cute jester, but still referencing my previous character.

Fig 1.1 Old Jester Drawing (Left) and Initial Sketch (Right)

2. References

I find the current sketch boring and I want something more interesting. That's why I plan to make my jester a little scary, I want to create a character set in a world that has powers. Referring to my previous words, I'm actually interested in Medusa's hair so I plan to create similar attributes on my clown. Another character that inspired me is "No Face", a character from Ghibli's Spirited Away, which really interests me and I want to make my character's dynamic a bit like him.

Fig 1.2 Jester (Morph Costumes Store, Ebay) | Medusa (greekmythology.com)  | No Face (CsarMarqs, DeviantArt)

(Left to Right)

3. Shape Tracing

There are instructions prepared to ensure the tracing results are similar to the original. The guide and the Bézier game really helped me get used to the pen and curvature tool.

Fig 1.3 Base

Fig 1.4 Tracing (Outline, No Fill)

Fig 1.5 Tracing (Outline, Black Fill)

4. Making Character

I added some details that I have mentioned before. The concept is about a jester who gives off the impression of Medusa and 'No Face', but still has the cheerful jester vibes. Instead of Medusa's hair, I replaced it with a tentacle-like hat to maintain the jester impression while sticking with Medusa's characteristic. Belly mouth is also added like the character 'No Face', and I gave him a stick like the jester I referenced to. To make things interesting, I added eye ornaments. Indirectly, it also implied that he is omniscient.

Fig 1.6 Character Outline

Fig 1.7 Character Silhouette

Fig 1.8 Extra (With shadow and highlight using Pathfinder and Shape Builder)

5. Final Design

For the silhouette, I chose 3 colors, that is black, white and dark red.

Fig 1.9 Outline and Silhouette (Final)

For extra, I added 2 more colors for highlight and shadow

Fig 1.10 Extra (Outline and Silhouette with shadings)

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REFLECTION

Experience

This assignment feels both overwhelming and exciting for me because it is my first time using Adobe Illustrator. I had not even heard of this application before. However, I have been able to pick things up quickly since I have used other Adobe programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro before. A lot of the shortcut keys are similar even if some things work differently, which made it easier for me to adapt. I especially enjoyed the assignment because I love creating new characters and crafting their lore. That part was the most fun for me.

Observation

I did a lot of research while building my character using Vormator. I observed how others, including my classmates, used the shapes, and I felt inspired because I never imagined that the eight provided shapes could create such amazing combinations when used creatively. That is why I tried to design my character to be not overly complicated but still have detailed aspects.

Findings

Through this assignment, I learned how to get more comfortable with Adobe Illustrator, especially the Pen Tool. At first, I found the Pen Tool difficult to master, but playing the Bézier Game helped me understand how to use it more effectively. I feel like I can now use the Pen Tool much better than before. I also enjoyed how this assignment challenged me to think outside the box and be more creative with the Vormator shapes.

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