Visual Communication: Studio Brief 3 - Illustrator Files and Laser Cutting

Illustrator

• Using Illustrator for this project is most definitely something that is working really well.

• The software has the ability to be accurate with the pen tool and create both simple and intricate pieces.

• Combining the curve tool and the regular pen tool give some interesting effects that compliment and contrast in equal measures.

• Sticking to 'strokes' or outlines allude to the visual language of blueprints, schematics and technical drawings so I will avoid filling with colour.

• After going to the Illustrator workshops and using it extensively to create 3 stickers, I am now so much more confident in using the software at home and purchased it through the Adobe Creative Cloud to use in my own time.

• Drawing with Illustrator is still very new to me but I am fascinated by the ability of vector art and feel this will be a skill I'll continue to develop and implement into my practice. The most time I spend on it now, the better!

Laser Cutting

• The nifty thing about learning to use illustrator is that the file can be taken to the laser cutter to raster or engrave into wood.

• I did quite a lot of laser cutting and engraving last year and love the results - and the smell!

• It would be extra helpful if the laser cutter machines weren't constantly in use...

• I need to be mindful of time-keeping in future projects and book sessions in workshops well ahead of myself so that the option is there to use it. It's impossible to get a space otherwise and I only happened upon an empty window because the technician was understanding that what I wanted to create would take a few minutes, if that.

• While I do like laser cutting, I don't think it has translated very well in this test piece; the stroke lines would need to be thicker for it to be more apparent and contrasting but then, from experience, the rastered / burned lines affects surrounding areas and can look quite unprofessional...

• Laser cutting and using wood was something I was initially considering for my final pieces; but with the machines constantly being booked and the result not being to my liking I will need to keep pushing forward with more testing.