Research
With this project, I had to familiarize myself with new softwares. I had never worked with Illustrator on the desktop so I had to watch a tutorial on the extrude and bevel tools.
Links for tutorial:
I began combining words to create potential possibilities for my project.
I narrowed down my options to “Wintold,” (winter and cold) “Cozmas,” (cozy and Christmas) and “Snabin.” (snowy and cabin) I decided on “Snabin” because of how easily it rolls off the tongue and the many design possibilities.
Exercises
Exercise 1
We practiced using different softwares to create our initials in isometric. I used illustrator on my iPad to create mine.
I tried three different color options. In order to change the color, I had to redraw every piece of the letter using the pen tool and fill it in.
Iterations
Sprints
We did “sprints” to create ideas for our project. I put possible words into isometric and created possible post card designs for the word “Snabin.”
Other Iterations
I created one iteration for “Cozmas” then shifted my focus to “Snabin.” I tried both literal and poetic approaches. I included my post card iterations as well as a couple other ones I made in Sketchbook.
Production
I started in Adobe Illustrator for the desktop to easily put my word into isometric. I placed an isometric grid underneath the words for more accuracy.
I took a picture of the word and imported it to Sketchbook on my IPad. I began retracing and filling in the letters to create a clean look.
I kept the hues relatively dark to create an inviting and cozy feeling.
I began to add small details to all of the letters in Sketchbook. I used the technical pen for all of the solid colors and lines. For the pine needles, I used the feathery shape. In the window of the “A,” I used the glow airbrush tool. On the “S,” I used the rough charcoal tool to create a knit effect.
View all Letter Details at Snabin Details
After I added the details, I began to construct the snow globe.
The snow presented a challenge because I had to find the correct way to position it in isometric.
I added the base at an angle to make it seem like the globe was being shook.
For all of the shadows, I used the airbrush tool. I wanted the lighting to be dramatic, so I added a large shadow behind the globe and behind each letter.
For the snow, I used the speckled texture tool to create the individual flakes.
I used the Courier New font for my definition because it gave the poster a vintage and cozy look. It reads, “The coziest cabin retreat in the snowiest of winters.”
I then went back to add a plaque to the base of the globe. I wanted to add the plaque so “The Snabin” seemed like a real place people vacationed to.
Overall, this project was a great way for me to work with new softwares and further my knowledge of isometric. In the future, I would love to experiment with a more complex font or different angle of the letters. I am looking forward to improving my digital skills in the upcoming semester.
View final portfolio project at Mash Up