This week we'll study gradients and how we can use them to create more complex forms.
You'll learn the main types of gradients; linear and radial, and the use of the mesh tool.

As assignments we'll do a small form exercise and one of the most technical on the course - the Object.

First, get to know the gradients and try to do the assignment V5.


Gradient lectures



Making selections



Start the next assignment without the video, following your own idea, and after a while, check what I did.
The demo is quite complex - you don't need to have as complex form yourself


V5. Forms in space */-


Tools

Basic tools: Pen, Anchor point, Selection, Direct selection
(Additional features of the pen tool)

Form tools

Gradient tool

Assignment

Create a sphere and a cube in a space

Reference

-A reference from the materials

-You can/should find a nice image online.

-Preferably metallic/glass/hard surface, (but you can try more organic

Instructions

  • Create an Artboard in Illustrator (Print A4)
  • Decide on the direction of the main light
  • Create forms and add gradients
  • Create the forms in a smart order
  • Stack gradients on top of each other
  • Bottom form: opacity 100%
  • Forms on top: opacity <100% at least on one gradient stops
  • Only form the edge that doesn't go underneath other forms
  • Use the Pathfinder for getting the combined edge of forms (copy the bottom form and intersect the copy with the form on top)
  • Undo every time you do a small mistake (this would be every 10 seconds)

Assessment criteria

  1. The forms look three-dimensional

  2. The forms look somewhat material (not 90's computer graphics

Time to be used

1 hour

Video

Demo Forms in space




You can now get to know the use of the Mesh tool, which creates new kinds of gradients.
The mesh gradients are used for example on the work of the illustrator Klaus Haapaniemi.
You don't have to use the tool on the next assignment, but get to know nevertheless.

Mesh tool





V6. Object */15


Tools

Basic tools: Pen, Anchor point, Selection, Direct selection
(Additional features of the pen tool)

Form tools

Gradient tool

Mesh tool

Assignment

Colour the ink drawing with fill colours

Reference

Instructions

  • Create an Artboard in Illustrator (Print A4)
  • Paste or Place the image twice, on two separate layers
  • Lock the layers (empty square next to the visibility symbol in layers panel) you pasted the files into and create a new layer on top
  • You can toggle the visibility of the reference layers
  • Create the forms in a smart order
  • Only form the edge that doesn't go underneath other forms
  • Use the Pathfinder for getting the combined edge of forms (copy the bottom form and intersect the copy with the form on top)
  • Undo every time you do a small mistake (this would be every 10 seconds)

Assessment criteria


    1. The forms look three-dimensional

    2. The forms look somewhat material (not 90's computer graphics)

    Time to be used

    7-8 hours

    Video

    Demo Object 1 with mostly linear gradients and Objects 2 showing the creation of a cylinder and the use of the mesh tool







    Assignments from previous courses


    Images: Saari, Juutilainen, Itkonen, Lassheikki ja Kokkonen


    Last modified: Tuesday, 7 May 2019, 12:08 AM