IVN Task 1

25/9/2024 - 9/10/2024 (Week 1 - Week 3)

Lim Yeng San (0366316)

Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylors University

Task 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Task 1 Process

4. Reflection

1. LECTURES

Week 1: Introduction 

Resources and guides were provided for the first assignment.

Week 2: Vormator

Mr. Hafiz demonstrated ways and techniques to create the vector shapes needed for the first assignment. We started practicing making vector shapes through the Bezier game. It's an online game for practicing making vector shapes using the pen tool. It also challenges you to complete each stage using the least amount of nodes possible.

Fig 1.1: A completed stage of the Bezier game

I managed to complete the Bezier game with only 21 nodes to spare. It helped me get the hang of the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. 

Fig 1.2: My final result after completing the Bezier game

The link to the Bezier game: https://bezier.method.ac/

Pen Tool: Used to create shapes with nodes.

- Hold the left mouse button to create curves.

- Hold the Alt button (Windows) while holding the left mouse button to create anchor points.

Week 3: Pathfinders

Mr. Hafiz gave a demonstration on pathfinders in Adobe Illustrator. This is useful for creating extra details within the shapes of the character design.

Fig 1.2: A practice I did during the practical session

2. INSTRUCTIONS

3. TASK 1 PROCESS

a) Making The Vormator Shapes

We were instructed to create our own shapes in Adobe Illustrator by tracing over the given vormator shapes.

Fig 3.1: The required vormator shapes

I made my vormator shapes by setting the given image (the image shown above) as a template then used the pen tool to trace the border of the shapes with nodes and paths. By practicing on the Bezier game beforehand, I was able to create the shapes without much difficulty.

Fig 3.2: The drop shape I made (the blue one on the left) next to the drop shape template

Fig 3.3: All of the vormator shapes I've created

b) Ideation

When thinking of the character, I wanted to make a cute-looking anthropomorphic animal. I immediately thought of cats for the pointy features on their head and ears and round eyes. Plus, the fact that they are common house pets helped with the conception for the character.

Fig 3.4: An image of a cat

I sketched out my design with the vormator shapes. 

Fig 3.5: An early sketch of the vormator challenge character

I utilized aspects from a cats head using the badge and drop shapes. To make my character look friendly, I drew it with open arms to give it an inviting feel.

c) Creating The Character

I recreated the early sketch in Adobe Illustrator using the vormator shapes. I had to adjust certain details of the character as the sketch was not drawn exactly to scale with the vormator shapes.

Fig 3.6: The preliminary design

From the sketch, I added more features to the design such as the extra parts behind the ears and paw pads on the hands. I even gave the character eyebrows and a tongue sticking out of it's mouth to give it more personality and expression. 

Fig 3.7: The final vormator silhouette with the shape outlines

I decided to tweak the character design further by making the arms and tail larger. I think the changes made it look more animal-like.

Fig 3.8: The final design with added details and the shape outlines

In the end, I think the character ended up looking a mix between a corgi and a fox. Overall, I'm content with how it turned out.

Character Description

Forgi is a small friendly but mischievous creature. Despite it's cute appearance, it's actually quite a formidable hunter. Forgi has large arms with sharp claws to quickly swipe at it's target. It also uses it's uniquely shaped ears to listen for nearby prey and to get rid of excess body heat. People who have managed to tame Forgi have noted their loyalty towards their owners. It has a naughty personality but has been seen being very loving towards older people.

4. REFLECTION

Using Adobe Illustrator was quite a challenge as I have only used it once in Foundation. With practice, I managed to pull through and found that it was not very difficult and less frustrating to use than the last time I've used it. The vormator challenge was an interesting task. The concept of creating things with restraints and limited materials is a fun assignment to complete. I am happy with the character that I created with it. This task has gotten me to know Adobe Illustrator better and has quelled my presumptions of it.