Chapter 3

Survival Techniques

Goals

• Discover that being an Illustrator artist is more than just knowing the tools

• Develop a basic understanding of the two types of digital images: bitmap (raster) and vector

• Learn about image formats and get an overview of common image format types

• Find out how an Illustrator user, well versed in the program’s fundamental design elements, can use Illustrator as an effective art medium

• Explore Illustrator’s tools and features with design elements in mind

It’s More Than Cool Tools (1 of 2)

There are lots of tools to play with in Illustrator.

However, although you must get to know the tools, it’s even more important to comprehend the principles behind how they are used.

It’s More Than Cool Tools (2 of 2)

This process includes:

– Knowing an image’s distinguishing characteristics—bitmaps (rasters) vs. vectors

– An image’s format type, such as TIFF, EPS, JPEG, AI, etc.

– And (particularly important with Illustrator), how images are created in relation to fundamental design elements:Line, shape, value, texture, and color

Bitmap Images (1 of 3)

• Bitmap images are made up of pixelssquare elements.

• These images contain a fixed number of pixels (information) measured in pixels per inch (ppi).– This measurement is an image’s resolution– Resolution determines the quality of an image and its file size

• They are dependent on resolution.

• Images with continuous tone color, like photographs, are usually made of bitmaps.

Bitmap Images (2 of 3)

A bitmap image is made of individual pixels.

Bitmap Images (3 of 3)

A bitmap image is dependent on resolution.

Vector Images (1 of 2)

• Vector images are constructed using straight and curved paths drawn point by point. – Points define an object’s outline or shape.

• They can be scaled big or small, and the quality always looks good.

• They are not dependent on resolution.• Graphics made with vectors are usually bold and

illustrative, like text and logo treatments.• Illustrator is all about vectors!

Vector Images (2 of 2)

A vector image is made up of editable points, lines, and shapes.

Image Types

Some programs (such as Adobe Photoshop) are designed specifically to work with bitmap images.

Some programs (such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Flash) are designed specifically to work with vector graphics.

However, most graphics programs can handle importing and translating both vector and bitmap images.

Image Formats

An image’s format helps identify whether it’s made of bitmaps or vectors.

A format is described by an extension at the end of the file name, such as Image.tiff, Myfile.jpg, or Artwork1.ai.

In Illustrator, you can import (place in the program) and export (save out) in many different formats.

Design Elements with Illustrator (1 of 2)

Learn the tools and techniques of Illustrator through the fundamental building blocks of visual art:

– Line– Shape– Value– Texture– Color

Design Elements with Illustrator (2 of 2)

Anatomy of an illustration with the elements of art and design in mind:

Lesson: Elizabeth’s Eye

Explore a premade Illustrator file with design elements in mind.

Summary• Tools are cool, but knowing the principles behind how

they are used is what makes an Illustrator artist.

• Computer graphic images are made up of bitmaps or vectors, and they come in many different image formats.

• The process of illustration creation can be learned through an understanding of the fundamental elements of visual design.– Line, shape, value, texture, and color