Illustrator Vector Drawing

For this next lesson we will be using Adobe Illustrator.

Step 1: Look for an image of a well known work of art (painting, drawing, photograph etc.) that you would like to draw in Adobe Illustrator. If you would like, you also have the option to create a portrait drawing by using an image of yourself, a friend or a famous person.

Step 2: Open up the Adobe Illustrator Program and import the PDF file below into the program to practice using some of the basic tools (be sure to save the PDF file into your documents on your computer first).

Illustrator Basic Shape Practice Page (PDF file)

Go to File -> Open and open up the PDF file in Illustrator

Trace over the shapes to become familiar with using the recommended tools.
Refer to the handout below for more information on how to use the pen tool:

Illustrator Using the Pen Tool

Step 3: Import your chosen image into Illustrator in a new document and follow the steps discussed in class to create yout Illustrator vector drawing.

Go to File -> New and open up a new document that is letter size (8 1/2" x 11")

Next, Go to File -> Place and select your chosen image to place it in your new Illustrator Document.

Start off by creating an outline of your image. Remember to break the image up into shapes and be sure that every shape is a closed path. Once everything is outlined you can start adding the color.

Refer to the handout below for more information about layering and creating closed paths with the pen tool:

Illustrator Closed Paths

View Examples of Previous Student Work HERE