Project 1: Variations

DES16 
Project: Illustrator Drawing + Color Variations
Assigned: January 14th
Final Due: January 26th

For this project you will use Illustrator to create an original drawing (no tracing) that is either: A drawing of an interior space that is meaningful to you OR A drawing of a figure and costume design that is meaningful to you (include the whole body in the drawing).

Once you have made your drawing, you will apply FOUR color variations to it and turn in all four digital files for grading (in one folder). You will make one quality color PRINT (letter size) of the color file you think is the best version of the four.

Learning Objectives for this project:

• Show evidence of proficiency in drawing skill and knowledge of color schemes learned in pre-requisite classes that serve as the starting point for this class and this project.
• Show transfer of this knowledge and skill as you begin to master digital drawing in Illustrator vector program, using the mouse or a tablet and stylus instead of a pencil, charcoal, etc.
• Show originality and creativity in rendering a digital drawing of an interior space or clothed figure. No tracing; make an original drawing.

Progress due dates on class schedule:
January 19th: Preliminary Sketches

January 26th : Finished piece ready for submission.
-Four final digital files (properly named) in the class folder before class starts.

Students will have January 21st as a lab day to work on the project.

Preliminary Sketches
Due: January 19th

Students will do THREE preliminary sketches of costume OR interior. These sketches should be fairly drawn out using principles of Gestalt Principles, line/weight and/or perspective.

Students will have a small student critique and then choose ONE of the sketches to use for the project itself.

Presentation Requirements: 

Students will print ONE of their four color variations to be turned in as part of the project. The print should be labelled with their name, which color scheme was used in that copy. For instance

Hurwich - David - Neutral or
Hurwich - David - Complimentary

Drawing Procedure:

Draw by hand on paper first, then draw digitally using Illustrator. The drawing size should be approx. 7.5"x 10" to fill the letter sized page (so nothing gets cropped when you print letter size). It must include areas for at least seven different colors. These may be shades or tints and may be subtly different from each other. Gradients count as one color; be judicious with gradient/mesh use! Be sure to close shapes you want to fill w/a color (or you may get a very different result than you intend). Be sure to set "fill of none" on outlines (don't outline in black--use a dark version of an appropriate color). Be aware of stacking order in your shapes and lines.

Color Schemes:

Make four different color scheme variations of your drawing. Choose from the list of five options below. You may repeat one color scheme, using different color options for it. The natural version can be done only once.

• Analogous
• Complementary colors
• Triadic
• Neutral/Natural colors.
• Monochromatic colors

For example: After you complete your drawing, you might choose to do two analogous color schemes, such as one with blues & greens and one with reds and oranges, then one monochromatic version and one triadic version to equal four different versions.

Grading will be based on: 

• Drawing complexity/sophistication, originality and quality of Illustrator drawing techniques (including accurate proportions for figures and perspective for interiors drawings). 
• Accuracy of color scheme as well as aesthetic use and placement of color. 
• Creative (but faithful) adherence to project requirements, instructions and parameters.

Previous Student Work