Objective

To learn advanced Illustrator drawing techniques. To experience Illustrator's pathfinder cutting techniques by recreating the following logo by designer Tim Girvin (also see Illustrator Wow Book page 201):

Discussion

Distressed art is currently popular with clients who require an "edgier" feeling to promote their products. Slicing up type is one way to achieve this result. However no "distress" filters were used in the creation of this art. From careful selection of the typeface to deciding how much of the letterforms to remove, every nuance has been considered in order to balance readability with style.

Procedure

prepping for the exercise

1. download above GIF file (RMB on picture above)
2. launch Illustrator, file > new (cmyk), save as "matrix.ai"
3. file > place "matrix.gif" (place as template)
4. practice Illustrator's navigation shortcuts (download Illustrator keyboard shortcuts)

creating the art in illustrator

1. type tool: THE MATRIX (Times New Roman)
2. dupe type (opt-move)
3. type > convert to outlines; ungroup
4. re-size and position; dupe again
5. window > pathfinder
6. draw rectangles to cut objects or draw rules to divide objects
   (tip: cutting object must be on top)
7. add thin horizontal rectangles

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