Objective

To learn type distortion techniques by example. To learn Adobe Illustrator's brush on path techniques by recreating the art below:

Procedure

On a clear day you can see forever

1. downbload above GIF file (RMB on image: download image to disk)
2. using Font Explorer turn on font Benguiat Gothic-Heavy (display set)
3. launch Illustrator
4. file > new (cmyk; letter), save as "distortion.ai"
5. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
6. file > place "distortion.gif" (as template)
7. rename "layer 1" as "perspective"
8. type "On a clear day you can see forever"; select all (cmd-A); make font Helvetica Bold (cmd+T)
9. dupe type (move with option); convert duped type to outlines
10. distort type: use free transform tool, drag corner handle, then add cmd+option+shift
11. window > brushes: drag art into floating palette (make new art brush "clear"); size=proportional; colorization=tints
12. draw path approximating center of curved type (fill=none, stroke=blue)
13. apply "clear" brush, adjust curve, adjust size

Peace Cafe

1. new layer "circle", draw circle approximating center of curved type (fill=none, stroke=green)
2. cut circle: draw rectangle for cutting, select both objects, effect > pathfinder > minus front
3. delete horizontal strokes (direct select tool)
4. object > compound path > release
5. type "PEACE", dupe and type "CAFE", make font ITC Benguait Gothic Heavy
6. dupe type (move with option); convert duped type to outlines
7. window > brushes: drag art into floating palette (make new art brush "peace"); size=proportional; colorization=tints
8. apply "peace" brush to top half of circle, change direction (if necessary)
9. repeat with "CAFE" for bottom half of circle
10. make peace symbol
11. change stroke color to green

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