Objective

To learn type on curve techniques by example. To learn Adobe Illustrator's layering techniques and precise drawing tools by recreating the art below:

Procedure

prepping the art

1. download above GIF file (RMB on image: download image to disk)
2. launch Illustrator
3. file > new (CMYK), save as "curve.ai"
4. practice navigation shortcuts (space + cmd + option; cmd-0, cmd-1, cmd-Y)
5. file > place "curve.gif" (as template)
6. view artwork (cmd-Y)
7. new layer "circle", draw large circle from center (option-shift), fill black
8. draw guides, snap to center point
9. draw small circle from center, fill none, stroke white, make stroke 3pt
10. new layer "stars" (lock previous layer)
11. make one triangle: circle tool to star, use arrow keys to delete star points and shift key to constrain; fill black, stroke none
12. position triangle at top, adjust size
13. window > info
14. rotate triangle: use rotation tool, choose center of rotation (click); rotate to match template (observe angle), undo
15. copy triangle: option click center point, type in 12 degrees, copy
16. object > transform > transform again (cmd+D)

adding type to curves

1. new layer "type" (lock previous layer)
2. draw circle to match baseline of type
3. using type on path tool, type "WISEGARVER"; select all (cmd-A); make font futura condensed medium (cmd-T), center (cmd+shift+C), fill white
4. make type larger (cmd+shift+>), make tracking looser (cmd+shift+]); adjust rotation (drag I-beam)
5. duplicate "type" layer (lock previous layer)
6. rotate type 180 degrees; flip type (drag on I-beam); adjust baseline shift
7. change type to "CONSTRUCTION"; adjust tracking, adjust rotation

finishing the logo

1. make bullets: draw circle, fill white, dupe and position
2. new layer "W" (lock previous layer)
3. type "W", make font Bellevue, adjust size to match template; use shear tool to modify type, fill white
4. view preview (cmd-Y), hide template, save

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