ILLUSTRATION AND VISUAL NARRATIVE - Task 1: Vormator Challenge

25/9/2024 - 15/10/2024 (Week 1 - Week 3)

Aveline Kristie / 0372310 

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Illustration and Visual Narrative

Task 1: Vormator Challenge

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures
2. Instructions
3. Tasks
4. Reflection

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1. LECTURES

Week 1 - (no classes)

Week 2 - Introduction to Adobe Illustrator

During the second week, e were introduced to various tools and their functions, along with shortcut keys for creating shapes provided in Adobe Illustrator. We were also assigned to experiment with the pen tool by tracing several shapes and playing the Bezier game. We learned about additional features of the pen tool and practiced using them to trace and outline different shapes by trying out various pen options available in Adobe Illustrator. 

Fig 1.1 Bezier Game Pen Tool Practice

Week 3 - Pathfinder and Shape Builder

For the third week, we learned on how to use pathfinder and shape builder in Adobe Illustrator. We practiced by making an Adidas logo using the tools, we used pathfinder for the circular shapes, yet we separated the lines using shape builder. By practicing using the tools, we can apply it to create shading on our vormator character later on. 

Fig 1.2 Pathfinder and Shape Builder Practice

Afterwards, Mr. Hafiz also explained about the principles of character design to us, guiding us in creating our best character concepts. He emphasized the importance of a strong silhouette, developing a unique and iconic shape, and infusing personality into the design. Additionally, he explained how to use colours effectively and create a balanced harmony among design elements.

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2. INSTRUCTIONS

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3. TASKS

Week 2 - Vormator Challenge

This task is designed to challenge each student's ability and creativity with limited familiarity with Adobe Illustrator's tools. We will be given a set of shapes to work on to create a character design within a strict set of rules.

Rules : 

• Allowed to rotate, flip, resize, and duplicate elements
• Stretching and compressing the shapes are not allowed
• Use of strokes is allowed
• There are no restrictions on colour usage
• Masking shapes and combine multiple shapes are allowed
• Can create your own colour schemes
• Gradients are permitted
• Resize the shapes, ensuring that proportions are maintained

1. Visual References

Fig 3.1 The Shapes Provided

I love the art style of this character, it looks cute and eye-catching for me, since the character itself presents an expressive shape, so I took this fairy-looking character to be my Vormator's character inspiration.  

Fig 3.2 Character Reference

2. Process

We were instructed to trace the shapes provided by Mr. Hafiz, so I have made the outline from the shapes. 

Fig 3.3 The Shapes' Outline

We were instructed to create the silhouette and outline of our own character limited to only use these shapes that provided by Mr. Hafiz, without distorting the proportions. I have made a character by combining and layering the shapes together to create this bold and feminine monster. I created this character in Adobe Illustrator using the grid for a help to maintain it's symmetrical proportions.

Fig 3.4 First Attempt Character's Outline and Silhouette

Fig 3.5 First Attempt Coloured Character

Afterwards, I wasn't really satisfied with my character results. I felt that my character wasn't stick out enough, so I added 2 additional options for the character, which were wings that inspired by a butterfly and tails inspired by a nine-tailed fox. Furthermore, I felt that the first option suits my character the best, as I describe my character as a forest guardian-fairy who protect and take care of all the flora in the forest. 

Fig 3.6 The Two Options for Updates

I named my character "Eve" which means mother of all the living. Therefore, I wanted to make my character as a strong and bold guardian-fairy who protects all of the living in her forest but actually has a soft side. That's why I decided to use bold colours and horns to her head to show her fearless side, with a little touch of flower crown to represent her loving and caring side. Thus, It appears that I'm satisfied with the final results of my character.

After practicing several times, I have decided my final character design. The process of making this character was challenging yet enjoyable. I made the pattern of the dress by using clipping mask for the  shapes together. For the other parts, I only combined and layered the shapes together. For the colours, I decided to use various shades of magenta and green to represent plants and flowers, and strengthen her role as a forest guardian-fairy.

Fig 3.7 First Attempt Coloured Character

Following the process of making the wings, I continued to add some shading by using pathfinder shape builder. Eventually, I attached some new details to my character, which was the pattern on the wings that I have been used on the dress, so the body and wings can be more balanced. It seems that the bottom part of the wings look a little flat, and for this reason I gave shadings to the wings for dimensions. Moreover, I have made it's hair by cutting out the shapes using another shapes but turns out it is prohibited. As a consequence, I made a new similar hairstyle by overlapping some shapes together. Unfortunately I had some troubles recreating the hair part, but the result is close enough with the original, although it is not completely the same.

Fig 3.8 Second Attempt and Updates

3. Final Outcome

Week 3 - Colour & Shadow

Subsequently, I did the extra marks after I practiced my skills on using the pathfinder shape builder. I believe that adding shadows is just as important as designing the character. It can make the character feels more alive and eye-catching, especially if I give more attention on the details, it increase the attractiveness of the character too. 

Fig 3.9 Final Outcome

Fig 3.10 Final Character's Outline and Silhouette

Fig 3.11 Extra Marks

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4. REFLECTION

These exercises effectively encouraged students to explore and experiment with various tools in Adobe Illustrator, allowing us to dive deeper into the software and better understand our skills and knowledge.

Designing the vormator character, in particular, helped us apply what we had learned creatively. It highlighted areas where we excelled and where we could improve, boosting both our technical abilities and confidence with the program.