Computer Graphic Design

Spring 2014 – 26 – Welcome to Color Theory: Live Trace / Live Paint

Welcome to our Color Theory unit!
For the next couple of weeks, we are going to explore the many ways that Illustrator allows you to enhance your artwork with color. We are also going to explore color theory and the different meanings colors have for different groups. With this knowledge, you will be able to more effectively communicate your desired message to everyone who looks at your artwork.

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

Objective:

 To demonstrate the use of the Live Trace and Live Paint functions for importing and recoloring hand-drawn art in Illustrator.

Student-Friendly Learning Target: 
I can use Live Trace and Live Paint to color hand-drawn artwork that was converted to digital artwork using a scanner.

 

Video Link:

none

Topics Discussed:
  • File > Place
  • Live Trace
  • Live Paint
  • Gap Options
  • Swatches Panel
  • Starting a new document in Illustrator CS4 using the Welcome screen.
  • Adjusting settings in the New Document dialog box.
  • Establishing multiple artboards.

 

Instructions:

Create a new Illustrator Web document with four default-sized artboards. Save this document as “YOURNAME – Color Week 1”. We will use this document throughout the week to practice with the color tools in Illustrator.

Follow along with the in-class tutorial to learn a new method for converting imported raster graphics to vector graphics called Live Trace, as well as a technique for recoloring vector graphics called Live Paint.

  1. After you have watched the tutorial, import the Robot Sketch 01.psd file below on to your first artboard using File > Place.
  2. Follow the steps in the tutorial to apply Live Trace to the artwork (converting it to vector graphics).
  3. Next, follow the steps in the tutorial to activate Live Paint, and use Live Paint to color in the robot.
  4. DO NOT use the Paint Brush, the Blob Brush or any other drawing tool to color in the robot. Use Live Paint only.
  5. Be sure to pay attention to the Gap Options mentioned in the tutorial, so your Live Paint doesn’t bleed out all over your artboard.
  6. When the robot is successfully colored in, save your document. We will continue to work with this document tomorrow.

 

Sample Image File Link:
Robot Sketch 01.psd

Assigned: January 28th, 2014
Due Date: January 29th, 2014