Pen Tool

The Bezier: http://bezier.method.ac/

Part 1: Practice

1. Download the Pen Tool Practice - DOWNLOAD and save it to Desktop: > Graphic Design > Vector Illustration (new folder). Open the file in Illustrator. 
2. Unlock the 'Pen Tool Template' Layer select the image and reduce the opacity to about 60%. Then, lock the layer. This allows you to see your own paths more clearly (think back to the 'Type Face'). 
3. Add a new layer and name it 'Pen Practice', this will be your working layer.
4. Watch the video 'Adobe Illustrator Basics: Pen Tool Tutorial'. You may pause and replay as you are completing your Pen Tool Practice. (This is another vid to check out or you can look up other tutorials on your own.)
5. Fill in each shape with a fill color when you are done completing the shape & make sure you are closing shapes.
6. When you are done export the file as a JPG, and Turn in to Google Classroom 'Part 1: Practice'.

​Part 2: Vector Fruit or Veggie
Now that you have a basic understanding of the pen tool, you will create an illustration of a fruit or vegetable to apply your Pen Tool skills.

1. Search for a source photograph and save to new Folder in Desktop > Graphic Design > Vector Illustration 
2. Launch Adobe Illustrator
3. Create New Document 8.5 x 11 inches
4. Place your image into your new document
5. Hold shift and re-size your image using the selection tool.
6. Lower the opacity to 'ghost' the image to make it easier to trace.
7. In the Layers Panel, Lock the image layer and name the layer.
8. Create a new layer and name it 'Vector Art'.
9. Save your document to Graphic Design > Vector Illustration > 02 Vector Veg (new folder) > lastname_firstname_veg.ai ​it is good to save often so you don't lose your work if the program crashes.
10. Select the Pen Tool and select the fill option to fill in your path with color. I like to draw with a line and when complete switch to fill.
11. Using the pen tool and its options, trace your image to create your vector fruit or vegetable. When tracing pay attention to shading and value to give your illustration depth and form. You should be simplifying your image.
12. When you are done export the file as a JPG, and Turn in to Google Classroom 'Part 2: Vector Fruit or Veggie'.​