Objective

To learn type on curve techniques by example. To learn Adobe Illustrator's layering techniques and precise drawing tools by recreating the art below:

Procedure

prepping the art

1. download above PNG file (RMB on image: download image to disk)
2. launch Illustrator
3. file > new (profile=print), save as "curve.ai"
4. practice navigation shortcuts (space + cmd + option; cmd-0, cmd-1, cmd-Y)
5. file > place "wisegarver.png" (as template)
6. view outlines (cmd-Y)
7. new layer "circle", draw large circle from center (option-shift), fill black
8. draw small circle from center, fill none, stroke white, stroke weight=3pt
9. rename "layer 1" as "circles"
10. new layer "stars" (lock previous layer)
11. make one triangle: polygon tool, use arrow keys to delete sides, shift key to constrain; fill black, stroke none
12. position triangle at top, adjust size
13. window > info
14. rotate triangle: use rotate tool, drag center of rotation to center of art; rotate to match template (note angle), undo
15. copy triangle: opt+click center, type in 12 degrees, click COPY
16. object > transform > transform again (cmd+D)

adding type to curves

1. new layer "type" (lock previous layer)
2. draw circle to match baseline of type
3. using type on path tool, type "WISEGARVER"; select all (cmd-A)
4. spec type: futura condensed medium (cmd-T), center (cmd+shift+C), fill white
5. make type larger (cmd+shift+>), make tracking looser (cmd+shift+]); adjust rotation (drag I-beam)
6. duplicate "type" layer (hide previous layer)
7. rotate type 180 degrees; flip type (drag on I-beam); adjust baseline shift
8. change type to "CONSTRUCTION"; adjust tracking, adjust rotation

finishing the logo

1. make bullets: draw circle, fill white, dupe and position
2. new layer "W" (lock previous layer)
3. point type: "W", spec Bellevue, adjust size to match template
4. shear tool: slant type; fill white
5. view preview (cmd-Y), hide template, save

grading

1. clean-up printable area: add your name and exercise number (9pt Helvetica, 1/2" from bottom and right)
2. print a proof for grading
3. file your graded proof in your Process Book for individual review