Objective

To learn the art of creating wordmarks. To learn Adobe Illustrator's type manipulation tools by recreating the following wordmark:

Discussion

Straight lines are fairly easy to master in Illustrator. The art of drawing curves takes a little more practice. But to master the pen tool is to master the most powerful tool in Illustrator.

Procedure

1. download starter file
2. download Illustrator keyboard shortcuts
3. open downloaded file in Illustrator
4. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
5. examine layers, assign default colors (fill=none; stroke=black)
6. choose direct select tool, then choose pen tool (test cmd key)
7. draw curve using suggested location for anchor points
8. make stroke 2pts, choose round caps
9. convert line to object: object > paths > outline stroke; view outlines (cmd+Y)
10. hide "anchor points" and "handle" layers; adjust outlines to make thick and thin
11. new layer "type", lock others
12. using type tool, type "SEAFOOD"; make font Adobe Garamond (cmd+T)
13. make type large, size and distort to match template, copy (move with option)
14. type > create outlines; view outlines (cmd+Y)
15. align outlines with template, remove horizontal stroke of "A"
16. fine-tune art until it matches template, save
17. clean-up your printable area; add your name to the bottom of the page

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