Class Notes 2/22

Vectors:

-photoshop is a bit map image (a gridded image with pixels)

-Vector-based images define a fill between two points with a slope--this leads to smaller image sizes which you can enlarge infinitely

most logos are done in illustrator! It's a very clean, graphic program

Illustrator:

-The interface in Illustrator is very similar to photoshop, yay!

(Unfortunately: no history (but you can undo infinitely with command+z and delete))

-the area inside the box is your print area: you can always resize this, as you have an infinite canvas around it

-We create a path, with a stroke that is editable, and can be filled

-Illustrator, like photoshop, is all about layers, which you should name and/or color code!!

-Pen tool (P): define a beginning point with one click, then define your end point with another click--you can then stretch and alter the curve of your line

-with pen tool you can create closed forms, which can be filled or transformed/moved with select tool (just like photoshop)

-Add Anchor Point and Delete anchor point can add or delete points within your vector

-Convert Anchor Point allows you to change a corner point to a smooth point and vice versa; if you click on one handle, you can create a combination point

-Corner Point: one single click creates hard angles with corner points

-Smooth Point: click and drag to create curved lines

-Combination Point: one side is smooth, one is a corner point

-Selection Tool (V): allows you to select a path or use a click+drag to select the path

-Direct Selection(A): you can click and directly edit one point on a line/object

-Command+Y: shows your path, underneath any edits to color/stroke

-Spacebar: gives you a hand to drag around the image

-Object->Group: allows you to group and alter together separate paths

Here for your reference: a handy list of Illustrator keyboard shortcuts

HW: At least one blog post by the end of this week! Also, do the Paul Hertz reading on Bb. Take 5+ portrait photographs (self-portraits or portraits of other people) and upload to blog.

Remember next Monday at 8:15 in Cole is the last of the film series with Lewis Klahr!