Basic Design - Illustrator Files to InDesign

You can import Adobe Illustrator graphics into an Adobe InDesign layout in their native (.ai) format by simply using "Place" to put graphics created in Adobe Photoshop directly into an InDesign layout.

When you paste a graphic from Illustrator into an InDesign document, the artwork appears in InDesign as a grouped collection of editable objects.

For example, if you paste an Illustrator drawing of a soccer ball with individually created patches into InDesign, the patches are pasted as a group, which can be ungrouped and edited using tools in InDesign.

You cannot change the visibility of layers within the illustration.

(above) Illustration of soccer ball in Illustrator (left) and same illustration pasted into InDesign (right)

If you want to adjust layer visibility in InDesign:

Import the graphic using the Place command, and when you want to edit it, choose Edit > Edit Original to open the graphic in Illustrator.

For example, for a multilingual publication, you can create a single illustration that includes one text layer for each language. You can transform the illustration as a single object in InDesign but you cannot edit the paths, objects, or text within the illustration.

If you want to adjust layer visibility in InDesign:

Import the graphic using the Place command, and when you want to edit it, choose Edit > Edit Original to open the graphic in Illustrator. For example, for a multilanguage publication, you can create a single illustration that includes one text layer for each language. You can transform the illustration as a single object in InDesign but you cannot edit the paths, objects, or text within the illustration.

(above) layered file with Spanish and English layers

If you want to edit objects and paths in InDesign:

Copy the art from Illustrator and paste it into your InDesign document. For example, in a magazine, you might use the same design element in each issue, but change its color every month. By pasting a graphic into InDesign, you can change objects’ color, path, and transparency using the InDesign tools designed for that purpose.

Importing Illustrator graphics with multiple artboards:

Sometimes Illustrator graphics can include multiple artboards. When you import an Illustrator graphic with multiple artboards, you can use Import Options to specify which artboard, or “page,” is imported.

You can save an Illustrator graphic as a layered PDF and control the visibility of layers in InDesign. Adjusting layer visibility in InDesign lets you vary an illustration depending on context. Rather than create multiple versions of the same illustration, you can place the same illustration where needed and adjust the visibility of the layers as appropriate.

You can transform a PDF as a single object (for example, you can rotate it, or resize it), but you cannot edit the paths, objects, or text within the illustration.

If you’re placing an Illustrator file that includes multiple artboards, you can specify which artboard is used, as when placing multi-page PDF files.

) In Illustrator, choose File > Save As.




) In the Save As dialog box, type a filename and choose a location for the file.




) For Format, choose Adobe PDF (.pdf), and click Save.




) In the Adobe PDF Options dialog box, choose Acrobat 6 (1.5) or later for Compatibility.




) Select Create Acrobat Layers From Top-Level Layers, and click Save PDF.

Note:  Don’t place layers in nested layer sets if you want to adjust layers in InDesign

Basic Design - Logos

What is a logo?

The purpose of a logo is to identify a company or product with the use of a flag, mark, signature, or symbol. Logos derive meaning from the thing they symbolize, not the other way around; in other words, logos are there to identify, not explain, so what a logo means is more important than what it looks like.

To make it easier, we prefer to be called by our names, Jane, Joe, Jasmine, rather than by a description of ourselves, like 'the guy who is always 15 minutes late for class' or 'the girl who smacks her gum during lectures.' Similar to this, a logo should not literally describe the details of a business, rather simply identify the business in a way that is easy to recognize and remember.

1.) Basic Logo Design
An effective logo has 5 basic principles; it must be
- simple
- memorable
- timeless
- versatile
- appropriate

Let's examine these principles:
- a logo must be simple for easy recognition; effective logos feature something unexpected or unique without being overdone
- a logo must be easy to remember, thus, simplicity is a must, while clutter is a no-no
- a logo should last the test of time and not look outdated in a few years
- a logo must be versatile and work across many different media, whether the Internet, business cards, letterhead, packing labels, large signage, etc.
- a logo must be appropriate for its intended purpose; for example, if you are creating a logo for a child's toy, you would want to use a color scheme and fonts that relate to a child. Those same fonts and colors would not work with the design of a logo for a lawyer's office

2.) Learn from others designs; for example, the Nike swoosh was created by Caroline Davidson back in 1971. The design is simple, memorable, very effective, and easily scalable to any size without losing any intent or quality. It also has great symbolism as the swoosh represents the wing of Nike, the Greek goddess of Victory.

It's also important to understand that a logo does not need to illustrate what a company produces or offers; i.e., a computer company logo doesn't nee to show a computer, a motorcycle company logo doesn't need to show a motorcycle, and a phone company doesn't need to show a phone.

Business Cards - Basic Design

When designing business cards, it's a good idea to remember the basic rules from Design Fundamentals or similar previous design classes.

1.) The basic principles of design will apply to business cards in the same way as any other printed material:
- keep all of your important copy (words) and design elements at least 5mm (between 3/16 and 1/4 inch) away from the edge of the card
- work at 300 p.p.i. for best image reproduction
- to make sure that your type size is not too small, check your view by zooming to Print Size; if you can't easily read the type on your screen, you won't be able to easily read the type on your card
- use a grid to help with alignment

2.) Think of the key information you wish to include (these items do not have to be real for school assignments:
- your name
- phone number
- email address
- physical address
- your business title (owner, author, artist, CEO, etc.)

3.) Try to avoid a design that requires a straight edge very close to the edge of the card as any misalignment will be very obvious. Instead:
- keep geometric elements away from the edge
- use organic design elements
- use the bleed option so that your design overlaps, or extends slightly beyond, the edge of the card

4.) Don't overload your card design by trying to cram too much onto your business card. KISS - Keep It Simple, Silly. Think of it this way; if someone has your business card, they pretty know what you're about, so a business card simply serves as a reminder. A brand message with a logo on one side with contact details on the other is enough.

5.) Be careful about including social media info. If you use Twitter or Facebook for political rants or post a list and rate the bars you visit on your Facebook page, you probably don't want potential clients visiting those sites. ONLY include social accounts if they are strictly business related.

6.) Reinforce your branding by including your logo on one side. You are one and the same with your brand and your peers or clients need to be aware of the fact. So, don't mix up too many colors; keep your color palette restricted to your logo colors.

7.) Don't use fancy script fonts unless you're a calligrapher. If your font (and card design) is too fancy to easily read, you've just removed the reason for your card. Keep font sizes at 8 points (8pt) or larger so that your text is easy to read.

Also, don't use Arial.... get creative with your font choice, but not so creative that you've chosen a hard to read font.

8.) Last, but certainly, not least... get creative by being original. Make this business card about you and what you represent, even if it's a pretend company you're only creating for class.

Assignment 08- Typography Part III

This is Part III of the Typography assignment will consist of creating a project using both Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. 

This project will consist of creating two-sided business cards using InDesign with additional design elements created in Illustrator. These business cards can be of fictional companies.

Below are some examples:

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS:
1.) create two (2) two-sided business cards using Adobe InDesign
      - use the standard 3.5 inch by 2 inch size, but add a bleed, as shown in the examples below
      - create one business card using a Serif font and create the other business card using a San Serif font
      - be sure to adjust the kerning and tracking of your type as needed
      - you may create either typical horizontal business cards or vertical business cards 

(above) to begin, go to "Start a new file fast" 

 (above) pull down to "US Business Card"

 

(above) choose 2 facing pages - you can select Page 1 or 2

usually Page 1 is the front of the card and Page 2 is the back

you will create text and layouts on both sides

but only one side needs an Illustrator design

(above) the default margins are set to 0.5 inch

change them to 0.25 inch

NOTE: changing one will change all since they are locked

(above) notice that the "safe" layout area becomes larger

while the margins become smaller

NOTE: for best results, keep all important text inside the "safe" layout area

(above) now set the bleed area from 0.0 inches to 0.25 inches

your Illustrator design will extend beyond the actual edge of the card to the the bleed area

(above) since these are locked, changing one dimension will change all side

(above) keep your text within the artboard, but when you place your Illustrator design

you should allow it to extend to the edge of the bleed area

2.) Using Adobe Illustrator, create the illustration designs that will be placed on your InDesign business cards.

You will need a separate, individual Illustrator design for each side of your business card. Since you will place a design on both sides of each business card, you will need a total of four (4) Illustrator designs.

NOTE: Your Illustrator file will need to be larger than your InDesign file, since we added a 0.25 inch bleed to each side. Thus, your InDesign file will be 3.5 inches wide by 2 inches high, while your Illustrator file will be 4 inches wide by 2.5 inches high to accommodate for the 0.25 inch bleed on each side.

 

 (above) open Illustrator and choose "More Presets" as this will allow quick customization

  

 (above) choose "Letter" and the default increments will be points

(above) change the points to inches and set the measurements

4 inches wide by 2.5 inches high

 (above) your artboard should look like the above sample

create each of your designs on a separate artboard

save each file and "Place" the file onto your InDesign business card layout as the bottom layer

place all text on top of the design

 

KERNING:

Kerning is the process of adding or subtracting space between specific pairs of characters. You will probably need to apply kerning to your next typography project.

This link describes in detail the process of kerning using Adobe InDesign:

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/how-to/adjust-letter-spacing.html

Assignment 08 - Typography Part II

Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing and typesetting software application produced by Adobe Systems. It can be used to create works such as posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books and ebooks.

InDesign can also publish content suitable for tablet devices in conjunction with Adobe Digital Publishing Suite. Graphic designers and production artists are the principal users, creating and laying out periodical publications, posters, and print media.

It also supports export to EPUB and SWF formats to create e-books and digital publications, including digital magazines, and content suitable for consumption on tablet computers. In addition, InDesign supports XML, style sheets, and other coding markup, making it suitable for exporting tagged text content for use in other digital and online formats.

BE SURE TO READ ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM AS THE ASSIGNMENT IS LOCATED BELOW THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES.

The first time you open InDesign, you will see a screen similar to this:

Click on the 'X' in the white circle to close the tutorial screen and you will see the following screen:

We are going to create a letter-sized document, but if you click on the letter icon pulldown menu, you will see that there are several other page sizes for your choice:

Click on 'Letter' and you will get the following screen:

Notice the Document Properties box as outlined in the image below:

 Notice that many of the tools are similar to those in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, but there are some differences, such as the Rectangle Frame Tool which creates a frame layer that is transparent:

 Another tool which should look familiar is the Text Tool:

When you select the Text Tool, you can easily adjust and apply changes to the color of the text:

ASSIGNMENT:

Start by creating a Rectangle Frame that is exactly 7.5 inches wide by 4.0 inches in height with and X coordinate at .5 and a Y coordinate at .5 - you will find the Rectangle Frame Tool located on the left hand side of your screen (as shown below) and the Frame Properties on the right hand side of your screen. The dimensions of the frame as well as the X and Y coordinates are located in the Transform section of the Frame Properties section. If your frame size and/or X and Y coordinates are not correct, you can type in the required information into the Transform section and the rectangle will adjust to these dimensions.

Click on the Text Tool (located on the left hand side of the screen) and then click inside the rectangle frame and you will see your text cursor appear in the upper left hand corner of the rectangle frame. Also, notice that a new Properties section appears that is specific to the Text Tool. Click inside the dropdown menu that is under Character and your Font selections will appear (Minion is probably the default font if you are on a Mac). Pull down until you see either Times or Times New Roman and choose that font.

Notice that when you scroll through the dropdown menu, there will be a sample of each style of each font so that you can see a preview of the font.

Type a sentence such as "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy black dog" and notice that the rectangle frame has now turned blue since it has been selected. Also, notice that Character section of the Properties section contains data on your Times or Times New Roman font. Times and Times New Roman are known as SERIF fonts. There are two general categories of typefaces: serif and sans serif. Sans serif typefaces are composed of simple lines, whereas serif typefaces use small decorative marks to embellish characters and make them easier to read. 

Arial, Helvetica and Tahoma are sans serif type.

Times, Times New Roman, Georgia, Palatino and Garamond are all serif type.

TAKE A SCREENSHOT AND POST IT TO YOUR BLOG. Title the post Typography Assignment 01. You will be coming back to this post and editing (adding) more screenshots.

Using your mouse or trackpad, select the sentence your just typed, as we are going to edit the font character. The sentence should highlight in black with the type reversed in white while it is selected.

In the Character section, you will see an icon that has a small 'T' next to a larger 'T' - this is the area to change the size of your font. 

Change the type in your sentence to 18pt (which stands for 18 points), take a screenshot, and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost.

There are approximately 72 (72.272) points in one inch or 2.54 cm. To be extremely precise, 1 point is equal to .013836 inch, so 72 points are actually .996264 inch. For practical purposes, this is rounded up to one inch.

If you look at the Paragraph section of the Properties section you will see the adjustment for Text Alignment. The default is Align Left (the first icon). The other icons in order are:

- Align center (all sentences aligned center)

- Align right

- Justify with last sentence aligned left 

- Justify with last sentence aligned center

- Justify with last sentence aligned right

- All sentences justified

- Align towards a spine

- Align away from a spine

Change the type in your sentence to ALIGN RIGHT, take a screenshot, and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost.

Change the type in your sentence to ALIGN CENTER, take a screenshot, and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost.

To the right of the Font Size adjustment icon is the Leading (pronounced led-ding; short e sound, not long e sound) adjustment icon. It looks like a vertical line with an arrow at the top and bottom next to to two letter A's stacked atop one another. 

The spacing between the baselines of the typeface is referred as Leading. The default, or Auto, setting for leading in most font software is 120% of the type size. For example, the auto/default leading for a 14 point font will be 16.8 points. 

Type a second sentence directly underneath your first sentence within the same rectangle frame. You will probably have to use the 'return' key to move below the first sentence. Once you have the two sentences, one below the other as shown below, Select All of the text.

 

With your two sentences of text still selected, go to the Leading adjustment and change it to 6 pt (6 points). The two lines of text should now overlap as the leading has been set too close, as seen below.

TAKE A SCREENSHOT and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost.

With your two sentences of text still selected, go to the Leading adjustment and change it to 72 pt (72 points). The two lines of text should now be spaced far apart as the leading has been set to a larger number than normal, as seen below.

TAKE A SCREENSHOT and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost. 

Directly underneath the Leading adjustment is the Tracking adjustment. The default setting for tracking is usually '0' zero.Tracking is often confused for kerning. Tracking, like kerning, also refers to the distance between letters, but tracking involves adjusting the spacing throughout the entire word. 

Tracking can be used once you have determined the right spacing between each letter to change the spacing equally between every letter at once; hence, it should be used with caution.

 Go to the tracking adjustment and set it to -100 (negative or minus 100) and watch the letters scrunch together as seen in the example below.

TAKE A SCREENSHOT and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost. 

With your two sentences still selected  go to the Tracking adjustment and set the tracking to 200 (plus 200) and watch as the letters spread apart in the entire sentence, as seen in the example below.

TAKE A SCREENSHOT and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost. 

Reset your tracking to zero, go to the Character section and the font selection dropdown menu, and choose Arial as your font. All of your text should change to the new font. As we discussed, Arial is one of the Sans Serif fonts. Notice how the sentence changes in style and readability, as seen in the examples below. Notice, too, that the Character section now shows Arial in the font selection dropdown menu area.

TAKE A SCREENSHOT and add it (edit) to your existing assignment blogpost. 

Assignment 04 - Linear Perspective Design

Create two (2) linear perspective illustrations using Adobe Illustrator

- make each poster size (24 inches wide by 18 inches high)
- use Adobe Illustrator's Perspective Grid Tool - note that the Perspective Grid Tool icon will be active in the upper left hand corner of your artboard  (see below)

- click on the links below to see tutorials on using the Perspective Grid Tool:  

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/perspective-grid.html 

AND

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/perspective-drawing.html

ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLES:

 

LINEAR PERSPECTIVE - A TUTORIAL:

Linear perspective is one of the ways to create the illusion of space on a two-dimensional surface. Linear perspective is a method using lines to create the illusion of space on a 2D surface.  All forms of linear perspective involve the horizon line, vanishing point(s), and lines of perspective that recede or advance to the vanishing point(s).

Each form of linear perspective is named for the number of vanishing points used in the drawing. There are three types of linear perspective.  One point perspective uses one vanishing point placed on the horizon line.  Two point perspective uses two points placed on the horizon line. Three point perspective uses three vanishing points. (see below)

Two point perspective starts by defining the horizon line.  This line theoretically represents the line that divides the sky from the ground.  However, with many perspective drawings, this line is implied and instead represents the eye-line or "line of sight" of the viewer.  (see below)

Once the horizon line has been established, the vanishing points are placed.  The vanishing point is defined as a point placed on the horizon line where objects begin to disappear because of distance.  A good way to think of the vanishing point is by imagining yourself standing on a beach. Looking both directions, you can see endlessly down the beach. At some point, people on the beach walking away from you will become progressively smaller until they completely disappear at the horizon line. 

With two point perspective, two vanishing points are placed on the horizon line.  These two points should be spaced out from each other to prevent distortion.  Both vanishing points need not both be within the picture plane, just as long as they are found on the horizon line, which continues on, leading off of the picture plane in both directions.

The next step is to draw the corner of the object.  Most commonly, two point perspective is used for drawing buildings or interiors, so this line could be the corner of a building. This line is drawn in between the two vanishing points and can cross over the horizon line. (see below)

Receding lines are next drawn from each end of the corner to each one of the vanishing points.  These lines are called orthogonal lines. Any set of parallel lines that recede away from the viewer will follow along these lines to one of the vanishing points.  (see below)

Parallel, vertical lines are drawn to indicate where the building or form ends. The closer that these lines are placed in space to the vanishing points on either side, the longer the form appears.

When a form is placed so that it overlaps the horizon, no additional lines are needed to define the overall form of the object.

However, it is important to note that additional lines do exist. These lines are visible when the subject is placed above the horizon line or below it.  (see below)

 

Orthogonals extend out from each end of the form and line up with the opposite vanishing point. The location of intersection that occurs defines the the back corner of the cube, which is drawn using a vertical line.  (see below)

For forms placed below the horizon line the steps remain the same. However, the top of the form will be visible. This means that the top portion of the form will be defined by the orthogonal lines that extend from each end to the opposite vanishing point.  (see below)

  Here again, some of the lines are not visible in the finished drawing (red lines). It is important to note that the locations of where these lines intersect define the back corner of the cube.  (see below)

 

For forms placed above the horizon line, the same steps are followed. In this case, the bottom portion of the form is now visible to the viewer. The bottom portion is defined by extending lines from each end of the cube to the opposite vanishing point.  (see below)

  

As is the case with the other examples, additional lines (red lines) exist but are not visible in the finished drawing. When complete, all lines that are no longer needed can be erased revealing the illusion of 3D forms in space.  (see below)

Additional details can be added to a scene to create limitless possibilities. Vertical lines are drawn to indicate edges and corners, while orthogonal lines are drawn for parallel edges that recede into space.  (see below)