This project, at first glance, appears to be a simple digital recreation of an image in vector format, but there were a few requirements for this project that required additional planning to make sure that the result would be a) fit for purpose, b) reusable, and c) easy to edit.
The Brief:
• Digitally recreate "Percy Profile" in vector format
• Editable areas include; Space on the sign to input own text and; the right arm to be able to move into different positions
The Planning:
I always feel it is best to methodically plan an approach in creating a vector graphic on how to effectively use layers & sub-layers, global colours, smart guides, and effects.
Jumping straight into recreating the image would have left issues and a fair amount of cleanup at the end of the project. Knowing that certain elements of the vector would need to be editable, it was important that these elements are easily identifiable on their layers & sub-layers and that all other layers remain locked from user modification.
The Build:
Throughout the build, as each layer & sub-layer came together, it was critical to check and double-check that everything aligned up (using smart guides), with one of the intended usages for this file being to have a 1500mm printed cardboard cutout.
Setting global colours was a great time saver to completion as I got deeper into the build where the colous needed to be tweaked slightly on occasion, this would mean just simply loading that colour up and adjusting the CMYK value and wherever that colour swatch is applied in the file be it solid or gradation the colour would be updated accordingly.
The Output:
As mentioned above, one of the intended outputs is to have a 1500mm printed cardboard cutout, but other usages for this vector file may include digital use. The original image has a drop shadow effect applied which would not be relevant for the printed output but possibly for digital use.
Thinking about how best to have this, I decided on a separate layer that can be toggled on or off by the artworker. The right arm drop shadow would also need to sit correctly on a sub-layer so that when the right arm is manipulated the drop shadow adjusts correctly.
