Final Project

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• The objective of this project is to create an illustration, using either FreeHand or Illustrator, or both.
  • The illustration should adequately represent a story or concept of your choice.
  • When used in your portfolio, this piece should compel the viewer to take an interest in your art.
• The requirements for a successful project are:
  • A written design brief outlining the goal of your project:
    • In writing this document, you will "art direct" your project, the way a client would in assigning you a job.
      1. State the concept, or quote the text, that you intend to illustrate. Explain how the words will translate into pictures.
      2. Define your intended audience (age level, prior knowledge of the subject, cultural biases, etc.)
      3. Describe how the ilustration will be published (magazine, book, web site...) and the constraints of the publication format (layout grid, number of colors, etc.)
      4. Plan the necessary research. List any outside sources (books, web sites) you intend to look up.
    • It is very important to complete this step first, so that later you can refer back to your brief to monitor your progress.
  • The illustration includes both "freeform" shapes and "mechanical" shapes:
    • Freeform shapes have outlines with irregular paths, and complex shading. The exact details of their component parts are less important than their relative proportions.
      
      • You will likely draw the component parts with the freehand tool for speed.
      • You will break down complex areas into simpler parts to allow shading with gradients, and resort to blends or gradient meshes when simplification is not possible.
    • Mechanical shapes require exact dimensioning and positioning of elements. They are often built up from many component parts, usually arrayed in regular patterns.
      
      • You will likely draw the component parts with the pen tool for accuracy.
      • You will exploit symmetry in the object to reduce the amount of work involved.
      • You will use numeric input in dialog boxes when creating/modifying the objects to fit them precisely in their allotted space.
  • The objects in the illustration are presented with "illusionistic" rendering:
    • Display three-dimensional items in perspective.
    • Use shading and cast shadows to enhance sense of depth and clarify spatial relationships.
    • Use shading, patterning, and transparency to indicate the material makeup of the objects.
  • The completed project is ready for publication:
    • If the illustration will be distributed in print, the file(s) are usable to create camera-ready art for reproduction through proper choices of resolution, color management, etc.
    • If the illustration will appear online, the file(s) conform to the requirements of the site (download time, data format, etc.)
    • All files necessary for final output are provided.
  • The piece makes a strong statement about your skills and creativity:
    • The illustration achieves its stated goal with clear visual communication.
    • The files you turn in demonstrate your efficient use of illustration software.
    • The image showcases the best of your artistic abilities and your understanding of computers as an art medium/tool.

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This document originally at <http://www.sanedraw.com/LEARN/DIGILLST/FINAL1/INDEX.HTM> Copyright 2005 by Sandro Corsi. Created 1993-10-12. Last modified 2005-04-03.