Objective

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

Discussion

Vector art can easily be stroked to create lines. However the mechanical quality of a stroked object looks computer-generated (it's "too perfect"). By varying the thick and thins of a line, one can soften the look of any line-based art. In this case, evoking a hand-made quality to the art helps convey the "free-flowing" feeling of this style of bodywork.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. download starter file
2. launch Illustrator, file > new (cmyk), save as "tessler.ai"
3. file > place "tessler.psd" (place as template)
4. practice Illustrator's navigation shortcuts (download Illustrator keyboard shortcuts)

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 art (watch the mouse carefully)
4. make adjustments (if necessary)
5. select > objects > stray points; delete
6. select all; make stroke 3pt; object > path > outline stroke
7. view > outline (cmd-Y)
8. object > path > simplify
9. adjust thick and thins
10. select all; fill white
11. new layer "circle"; draw circle; fill black; move below "layer 1"
12. new layer "type"; add type (Galliard)
13. adjust kerning (opt+left/right arrows)
14. save, save as "tessler.eps"
15. select all live type, type > create outlines
16. delete unneeded 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