Objective

To learn advanced Illustrator drawing techniques. To practice using Illustrator's pen tool by recreating the following logo by designer Jay Vigon:

Discussion

Vector art is ideal for logos because it can be scaled to any size without loss of resolution (or "integrity"). This logo art has no straight lines in it. Part of its beauty lies in the smoothness of the curves (note that there are no "bumps"). Mastering the tools for drawing and controlling curves is a critical skill that can be applied to any vector drawing program.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. download starter file
2. open "colossus.ai" in Illustrator
3. practice Illustrator's navigation shortcuts (download Illustrator keyboard shortcuts)
4. inspect layers

creating the art in illustrator

1. set stroke to black and fill to none
2. choose the direct selection tool, then choose the pen tool
   (tip: the cmd key gives you the last accessed select tool)
3. start tracing over the object (watch the mouse carefully)
4. make adjustments (if necessary); swap fill & stroke
5. select > objects > stray points; delete
6. lock "art" layer
7. new layer "type"
8. draw circle, add type using the path type tool (Gill Sans Bold)
9. drag I-beams to new location (direct select tool)
10. track type (opt+< or >)
11. dupe "type" layer, hide previous layer
12. drag I-beams to new location, change type
13. reveal appropriate layers, save

grading

1. submit b&w laser proofs with your name on it for grading
2. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review