Scenario: A client has supplied a copy of a logo which will not reproduce well. You are a production designer who's task is to retrace the logo and submit it to the production manager.
Tasks
- Download the image file (logo.tif.sit) for this exercise.
- Create a new Illustrator file.
- Place the logo image as a template (see below).
- Make an accurate tracing of the template image.
- Evaluate the tracing quality on a b/w laser proof.
- Circle things on the proof which need to be fixed.
- Fix the tracing.
- Submit a new proof to the production manager for approval.
- On approval, remove the template layer and submit an eps file to the requested folder on the server.
Making a tracing template in Illustrator
Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new file ( File > New).
Place the image to be traced (File > Place).
- To place a file as a template, you must check the template checkbox in the Place dialogue box.
Check the layers window (Windows >Show Layers) to see that:
- A locked template layer has been created containing the placed image.
- A drawing layer has been created and activated.
The Pen Tool
The first tool (far left) creates corner points where you click and curve points where you click and drag.
The second tool (with the "+" sign) adds a point where you click on a path.
The fourth tool (with the "-" sign) removes any point you click on.
The last tool (the inverted "V" ) converts points from curve to corner or vise versa.