ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL NARRATIVE Weekly note

21/4/2025-//2025 (Week 1-)

GAO YIFEI/0370904

ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL NARRATIVE / Bachelor of Computer Science / Taylors University

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INSTRUCTIONS

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LECTURES

Week 1

This week Mr. Hafiz gave us an initial briefing for this module which covered all four assignments. We were also asked to start preparing our blogs.

In this session we were asked to join the Google classroom and then set up our blogs and fill in the Google contact form.

In addition, we were told that the main tools we would be using would be Adob e Illustrator / Photoshop.

We are introduced to Bezier - Method of Action, a useful website for practicing pen tools, lines, vectors and shapes.

Week 2

Public holiday

Week 3

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

1. Illustrator’s Interface

Fig.1.0 Illustrator’s Interface

·Purpose: Illustrator is used to create digital/print visuals—logos, cartoons, illustrations, etc.

·Vector-based: Artwork quality remains high regardless of size (scalable without loss of quality).

·Workspace: The main area for editing. Includes:

·Application Bar – Menus & quick access (File, Edit, View, etc.)

·Document Window – Displays files/artboards (printable areas)

·Tools Panel – Tools for creating/editing artwork

·Control Panel – Options for selected tools

·Properties Panel – Detailed settings; includes Layers & Libraries

2. Importing Documents – Link vs. Embed

·Placing Images: Use File > Place

·Link – Keeps connection with external file (updates when original is edited)

·Embed – Fully includes the file in the document (no link to source)

·Links Panel:

·Shows file status (Linked, Missing, Cloud)

·Options: Relink, Edit Original, Unembed, etc.

·Relinking: When a file is missing, Illustrator can auto-relink other missing files from the same folder.

3. File Extensions

.AI – Native format, fully scalable.

.PDF – Versatile for viewing and printing, includes fonts and graphics.

.EPS – Legacy format for page layouts.

.AIT – Illustrator templates.

.SVG – XML-based, supports interactivity and animation (web-friendly).

4. Shortcut Keys

Adobe provides a full shortcut guide here:

Illustrator Default Shortcuts

5. Exporting Files

·Vector Export: Save as .AI, .PDF, .SVG, etc.

·Raster Export: Export as .PNG, .JPG, etc.

·Multiple Artboards: Choose whether to export them as one file or separate files.

·File > Export > Export As: Options to name files, choose format, and specify artboard export settings.

Silhouette & Line Art Techniques

1. Generating Sketches Using AI (ChatGPT)

Fig.1.1 How to generating Sketches Using AI 

·Prompts can be used in ChatGPT to generate sketches.

·Refine prompts for more detailed results.

·Example workflow: Generate → Select preferred image → Use as reference for illustration.

2. Creating Line Art in Illustrator

2.1 Preparing Your Document

·Create a new A3 document.

·Import and embed a sketch image as a template layer (dim to 50% for better visibility).

·Create a new layer on top for drawing.

2.2 Drawing with the Pen Tool ([P])

·Use the Pen Tool to outline shapes.

·Two anchor types:

Smooth point (with bezier handles)

Corner point

·Use Alt (Option) to convert or modify anchor handles.

·Organize artwork by using multiple layers.

·Use Smart Guides and hold Ctrl/Cmd to adjust paths.

2.3 Cleaning Up with Shape Builder Tool ([Shift+M])

·Select all paths with the Selection Tool ([V]).

·Use the Shape Builder Tool:

·Alt/Option to delete overlapping/extra parts.

·Clean up all layers, then merge them as needed.

3. Detailing with the Width Tool ([Shift+W])

·Adds line thickness variation.

·Click and drag on strokes to adjust width.

·Helps add character and visual interest to your line art.

Assignment Brief – Task 1: Exercises (20%)

·Timeframe: Week 1 to Week 3

·Exercise 01: 3 Line Art Character Designs – 10%

·Exercise 02: 3 Colored Illustrations – 10%

·Submission Requirements

Sketches

Moodboard

Rationale (explaining design decisions)

Final Artworks:

2 .ai files

2 .png previews

Week 4

In this week's lesson, Mr. Hafiz showed us how to use the brush tool, which allows us to adjust different brush sizes and textures.

Fig.1.2 Brush tool textures

Fig.1.3 Brush tool sizes

We were then asked to practice using different tools to trace different Vormator shapes.

Fig.1.4 Class Exercise: Vormator Shapes

Later in the class Mr. Hafiz asked us to explore the different tools in Adobe illustrator for tracing Vormator Shapes.

Week 5

This week we learned how to use the Extended Look and the Live Color Bucket tools!

We can use the Extended Look to convert a stroke or effect into an editable vector shape.

Once expanded, we can use the Live Color Bucket tool for color fills.

Then I used the tools I learned in class to create a pear.

Fig.1.5 Class Exercise: Using the Knife Tool to cut shapes

We also learned two ways to add shadows:

1. Using the Sculptor Tool to cut through a shape

Using the Eraser Tool to create a shadow effect or remove sections

2. Creating shadows

Duplicate the object into a new layer

 Window > Tra-sparency to change the color of the image

Set the Blending Mode from Normal to Multiply

Erase unwanted parts to create shadows

Week 6

 Exploring Gradients and Transparency

his week we explored the use of gradients to enrich our visuals, learning various ways to apply and manipulate color transitions within shapes.

Using the Gradient Tool

By pressing G, we accessed the gradient tool to apply smooth color shifts on shapes. The exercise involved adjusting gradient direction and origin to control the visual flow.

Fig.1.6 The first attempt at gradient

Three Types of Gradients

Linear gradients create a directional flow, radial gradients spread outward from a point, and freeform gradients provide unmatched flexibility through multiple color stops.

Fig.1.7 Different types of gradient attempts

Gradient Mesh

With gradient mesh, we gained precise control over how colors blend on a surface. By inserting mesh points and adjusting each region individually, intricate and organic shading becomes possible.

Transparency & Blending Modes

Transparency modes allowed us to experiment with how overlapping objects interact. Modes like Overlay, Multiply, and Soft Light gave us a variety of blending results.

Fig.1.8 The Multiply effect

Pen Tool + Shape Interactions

By using the pen tool in combination with existing shapes, we explored drawing paths on top, beneath, or inside objects—each method giving a unique design outcome.

Fig.1.9 Pen Tool + Shape Interactions

Week 7

Principles of Composition & Visual Harmony

This week focused on composition fundamentals, particularly how to use the golden ratio and layout tools to achieve visual balance and natural structure in designs.

Visual Layout Logic

Understanding how the eye moves across a page—left to right, top to bottom—is key. We studied how light interacts with objects and how their placement contributes to visual flow.

Golden Ratio & Composition Rules

Using the golden spiral and rule of thirds, we created compositions that feel natural and aesthetically pleasing.

Reflecting & Mirroring

The "Transform Each" function allowed us to mirror objects individually—useful for symmetrical design or creating reflections.

Week 8

Feedback week

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