Objective

To learn Illustrator drawing techniques by recreating the logo below.

Discussion

The best way to create a logo is by sketching out concepts. The best way to execute a logo is to trace over the sketch in Illustrator. During the tracing process, a lot of interpretation is required. Often, a logo becomes better as a result of interpretation.

By definition, a logo must work in b&w. Therefore all logos are first created without color and approved by the client before color is added. When applying color, Pantone colors are preferred since it has a wider gamut than CMYK. Pantone chips can also be matched with paint and dyes for signage, fabrics and other applications. In addition, InDesign can easily convert Pantone to CYMK, but CYMK can't automatically be converted to Pantone.

Also see Illustrator's HELP menu: color: working with color groups.

Procedure

preparing the file

1. download above sketch (RMB: save image as...)
2. launch Illustrator, file > new (document profile=print)
3. file > save as "auditor.ai"
4. file > place "auditor-sketch.gif" (as template)
5. draw triangle: star tool, arrow down, shift; adjust size
6. view > outlines (cmd+Y)
7. draw horizontal box representing the gutter space
8. select triangle and box, rotate 120 degrees, copy, align triangles
9. repeat
10. select all, view > make guides

drawing the logo

1. fill=black, stroke=none
2. draw logo using the pen tool by clicking on guide points, group
3. draw curve
4. duplicate curve and offset for shadow, make fill=white
5. object > arrange > send backward
6. draw square aligned to triangle for reference
7. select curves and square, rotate 120 degrees, copy, align
8. repeat
9. use pathfinder to cut white art out of triangles
10. create type (Helvetica Ultra Compressed & Garamond)
11. convert art to outlines, delete dot of "i"
12. save, save as "auditor-color.ai"

colorizing the logo

1. window > swatch libraries > color books > Pantone solid coated
2. choose one base color
3. window > color guide (filter: color books > Pantone solid coated)
4. choose a harmony rule: add more colors (up to 4)
5. duplicate art, alter colors
6. duplicate art, experiment with live color

finalizing the logo

1. copy and paste your best color solution into new file "auditor-spot.ai"
2. draw boxes: label your colors
3. window > swatches: select all unused, delete
4. save, save as "auditor-cmyk.ai"
5. window > swatches: convert to CMYK (double-click swatch)
6. change labels to CMYK formulas
7. save, save as "auditor-web.ai"
8. file> document color mode > RGB (swatches are converted to RGB)
9. change labels to HEX codes
10. file > save for web (preset=GIF 32 no dither, image size=800px wide, clip to artboard=yes)
11. save
12. import "auditor-spot.ai" into InDesign
13. window > swatches: convert colors to CMYK
14. add your name, print color laser proof

grading

1. submit color laser proof with your name on it for grading
2. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review
3. publish a GIF as a link from your projects page