Four major projects are assigned during the semester. Each Project’s skills are based upon a Competency that will be measured using the following criteria: 

• use of required features
• accuracy in production
• mastery of software
• exploration/experimentation
• presentation/project submission. 

Grade sheets detail exactly how your projects will be graded and are posted in Blackboard for your review before you begin the project. Deadlines are announced in Blackboard.

Competency 1 – Family of Icons / Project 1

Create simple illustrations with basic tools.

Competency 2 – Austin Symphony Orchestra Flier / Project 2

Create a 2-color promotional flier using type tools and image trace.

Competency 3 – WPA Poster Recreation / Project 3

Plan, structure and recreate a complex illustration.

Competency 4 – Big Letter Greeting Card / Project 4

Create an illustration using 3D effects and raster images.

Required Text:  Adobe Illustrator CC Classroom in a Book: 2025 Release, 

ISBN-13: 978-0-13-537684-3
ISBN-10: 0-13-537684-X

Course Description: A study and use of vector graphics for production. Skill development in the use of the tools and transformation options of Adobe Illustrator to create complex vector illustrations for print and web-based media. Mastery in manipulation of both text and graphics with emphasis on the use of the pen tool as well as the correct use and management of different color modes.

Course Rationale: Vector Graphics for Production is an entry-level Adobe Illustrator based course where students will learn the software skills to create vector graphics for print and web projects. Students learn to communicate through their visual solutions to the projects. Students will learn to solve visual problems using vector art, giving them an important additional skill when they become entry-level designers. Additionally they learn to exchange ideas, approximating a real-world working atmosphere. 

Course Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites.

Required: Broadband Internet access and Adobe Illustrator CC2025 

This is an online class, and we meet only once for an orientation during the first week of the semester.
Emails will be sent to students from inside Blackboard, which uses the ACC student Gmail. It is critical that you check your ACC Gmail – you can forward it to another email – because this is the only email I will use throughout the semester. 

Competency MODULE 1 WEEKS 1 – 4

Instructor Demos:

Illustrator Workspace • File Management • Keyboard Shortcuts • Drawing with the Pen tool

GPU Performance • Creating Compound Paths • Creating Shapes and Using Fills & Strokes • Selecting/Moving

Using Templates • Saving Files to "back to" CS6 (Legacy Format) • Linking vs Embedding Placed Images

Basics of Guides and Layers • Use of Pathfinder Panel, Shape Builder Tool, and Shaper Tool • Use of Properties Panel

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 1: Getting to Know the Work Area

CiB Lesson 2: Techniques for Selecting Artwork

CiB Lesson 3: Using Shapes to Create Artwork 

CiB Lesson 4: Editing and Combining Shapes & Paths

CiB Lesson 6: Using the Basic Drawing Tools

CiB Lesson 7: Drawing with the Pen Tool

Quiz 1: CiB Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7

Exercise: Scissors

Exercise: Pathfinder and Shape modes

Project 1: Family of Icons / part 1 First Icon & Sketches

Project 1: Family of Icons completed

Competency MODULE 2 WEEK 5 – 8

Instructor Demos:

Image Trace and Puppet Warp • Point Type Basics, Area Type & Type on a Path

Live Paint • Creating Paragraph and Character Styles for Type • Creating Colors • Using Text Wrap around Graphics

Using Libraries (Pantone Colors) • Layer Management • Using the Width Tool and Width Profiles • Converting Type to Outlines to Modify Letterforms

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 5: Transforming Artwork

CiB Lesson 8: Using Color to Enhance Signage

CiB Lesson 9: Adding Type to a Project

CiB Lesson 10: Organizing Your Artwork with Layers

Quiz 2: CiB Lessons 5, 8, 9, & 10

Exercise: Eveready Logo

Exercise: Image Trace

Exercise: Working with Type

Project 2: ASO flier / part 1: Maestro and sketches of layout

Project 2: ASO flier completed

Competency MODULE 3 WEEK 9 – 12

Gradients, gradient mesh and blends • Sampling Colors • Using the Brush tools • Creating a Group of Global Colors

File planning and organization

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 11: Gradients, Blends and Patterns

CiB Lesson 12: Using Brushes to Create an Ad

CiB Lesson 14: Creating Artwork for a T-Shirt

Exercise: Gradient Practice

Exercise: Create a Map using Symbols, Brushes and more

Project 3: WPA poster / part 1: Planning file

Project 3: WPA poster completed

Competency MODULE 4 WEEK 13 – 16

Recolor Tools • Using Symbols • Appearance Panel • Various Effects, including 3D

Creating PDFs • Brush review • Using Clipping Masks

Assignments:

CiB Lesson 13: Exploring Creative Uses of Effects and Graphic Styles

CiB Lesson 15: Placing and Working with Images

CiB Lesson 16: Sharing Projects

Quiz 3: CiB Chapters 11 – 16

Exercise: Recolor Artwork

Exercise: Bulldog 3D Illustration

Exercise: Creating a PDF with a working URL

Project 4: Greeting Card 

Vector Graphics Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Identify the capabilities and functions of drawing, transformation and shape tools in Adobe Illustrator 
2. Demonstrate skills in the use of vector specific capabilities for typesetting
3. Show efficient planning and file organization techniques
4. Apply conceptual planning techniques in the development of graphic design pieces
5. Analyze production problems encountered and recommend solutions 
6. Apply skills in the combination of bitmapped and vector elements to create design work
7. Distinguish between, and correctly apply, the various color models for print and web-based projects
8. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced tools in Adobe Illustrator such as custom patterns, clipping paths, symbols, graphic styles and various effects including 3D
9. Decide when vector graphics will be the appropriate solution for a specific graphic design project

Upon successful completion of VisCom’s Graphic Media Production program, students will be able to: 

1. Tools and Techniques: Students will effectively choose software, methods, and techniques to create deliverables for print and/or digital media.

2. Production Principles: Students will apply a variety of skills, methods, and technologies to produce efficient and accurate final output files for print and/or digital media.

3. Professionalism: Students will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to stakeholders, clients, and peers.


4. Critical Thinking: Students will analyze project goals to recommend effective production solutions to visual communication clients. 

Upon successful completion of the VisCom’s Graphic Design program, students will be able to: 

1. Tools and Techniques: Students will effectively choose software, methods, and techniques to create deliverables for print and/or digital media.

2. Design Process: Students will select the most effective design processes and methods to meet project needs.

3. Professionalism: Students will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to stakeholders, clients, and peers.

4. Critical Thinking: Students will analyze project goals to recommend effective design concepts and solutions to visual communication clients.

5. Design Principles: Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying the elements and principles of graphic design.