FMX210_Blog1_02/13_SMiller

Weekly Blog Post 1 - 2/10 - 2/14

This week, we learned how to use Adobe Illustrator, specialized in the pen tool, and started on our first project, a calligram. A calligram is an image made from words, where the text forms a shape that represents its meaning. For Thursday's class, I will have song lyrics picked out from one of my favorite songs, “Yes I'm Changing” by Tame Impala. I will also have headshots done by Thursday. This week was my first time exploring Illustrator in-depth, and it was challenging using a new app. Unlike Photoshop and Firefly, Illustrator uses vector graphics instead of pixels, so designs can be resized without losing quality. This makes it great for logos, illustrations, and text-based art. This week, I focused on the Pen Tool, which is used to create precise paths and shapes in Illustrator. It allows you to draw straight lines, curves, and different shapes by placing points and dragging to create curves. At first, I had trouble getting smooth curves and tracing the lines correctly, but learning about the smart grid helped me trace more accurately. The exercises helped me practice with the pen, too, and helped me to improve. Illustrator is more complex than the other Adobe programs I’ve used. Unlike Photoshop, which focuses on editing images, Illustrator requires more precision. Compared to Firefly, which generates images quickly with AI, Illustrator needs more hands-on work and attention to detail. Practicing with the pen tool helped me become more confident, but I still need more practice to become fully prepared for all the projects. There were some challenges this week. The biggest one was tracing with the Pen Tool and creating curves, which took time and patience. It was frustrating at times when I couldn’t get a shape to look exactly how I wanted, but I learned that Illustrator requires practice and precision. Despite the struggles, I gained valuable skills. I learned that Illustrator uses great attention to detail and that the Pen Tool is a helpful tool once you get used to it. I also realized that Illustrator offers more control over design compared to AI tools like Firefly, making it ideal for custom work. We also took our first quiz, and I was happy with the grade I received. I now know what to look for and study after seeing this quiz, and I  have a better idea of how to use Adobe Acrobat since it was my first time. Overall, this week was a great introduction to Illustrator. I made progress with the Pen Tool and started my first project, which I’m excited to finish. Even though Illustrator is more difficult than other design applications I've worked with, I can see how learning it will be valuable for future projects. I’m looking forward to improving my skills and learning more tools in the next few weeks!