Objective

To learn Illustrator's live trace function. To practice Illustrator's pen tool editing functions by recreating this wordmark:

Procedure

creating the art in Illustrator

1. download above GIF file (RMB: download image to disk)
2. launch Illustrator
3. file > new: letter, portrait
4. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
5. file > place: "aloe.gif"
6. select placed image, zoom in to see detail
7. object > live trace > tracing options: preset=lettering, refine (preview=yes)
8. expand traced object
9. view > outline (cmd+Y); inspect art
10. view > preview (cmd+Y): make sure counters are transparent
11. refine the art as needed
12. create your own hand-generated type and scan it in for tracing

helpful hints for refining art

1. choose the direct select tool before selecting the pen tool
2. when using the pen tool, access the direct select tool with the cmd key
3. add anchor point: glide mouse over path, click "+"
4. delete anchor point: glide mouse over anchor point, click "-"
5. move anchor point: cmd+click and drag
6. smooth anchor point: opt+click and drag
7. corner anchor point: opt+click
8. adjust curves: move handles with cmd key
9. smooth curves have handles about 1/3 the of length a line segment

grading

1. add your name to the bottom of the file
2. file > save for web: preset=GIF 32 no dither, image size=800px wide
3. publish GIF as a link from your projects page
4. submit a b&w laser proof with your name on it for grading
5. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review