This presentation outlines the difference between vectors and bitmaps and how to use the pen tool to create a vector Illustration. Learn more about this lesson including VIDEO TUTORIALS at DigitalArtTeacher.com

1. VS

2. Vector
• Program used:
• ILLUSTRATOR
• Characteristics:
• Usually an Illustration
• Images details are VERY precise
• NEVER CHANGES, no matter how much you enlarge
• Files take up less memory than bitmaps

3. Bitmap
• Program used:
• PHOTOSHOP
• Characteristics:
• Usually a photograph
• Image details are less precise than vectors
• “Pixelizes” as the image is enlarged
• Files take up a lot of memory space

4. Examples
(Pixelizing)

5. Examples

6. PAUSE: Vector vs Bitmap Quiz Game
• Take the quiz below before you move on:
• http://edu.dixonsca.com/file.php/1/lo34/swf/LO34.swf
• Record your score

7. Drawing Vectors
• Illustrator has a powerful tool
called the Pen Tool.
• This tool will allow you to draw
PRECISE lines, outlines, and
objects.
• You will be learning how to
use the pen tool to make
precise outlines of objects

8. Pen Tool Practice
• Go to
https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/pen-tool-
game.html
• Play the game, record your total
• Go to http://bezier.method.ac/
• Record the number of “nodes” that it took you for each of the
shapes it asks you to create

9. Learn Pen Tool Techniques
• Follow the video tutorial to learn the ins and outs of the
pen tool
• You will be creating a simple shape:
• And you will learn how to recreate a more
complex character drawing

10. Project: Cartoon Character
• Open a new Illustrator document.
• Name it: LastName_PenTool_CharacterAndDrawing
• Find a cartoon character from the internet that you want to
recreate.
• Use the pen tool to outline the character. Pay attention to
any parts of your character that can be made with shapes.
• Be sure to put your character on the BACK layer, and your
pen tool drawing on the FRONT layer
• Be as PRECISE as possible!

11. Project: From an Actual Drawing
• Draw a simple object or character that you will want to
recreate.
• Scan your image into the computer
• Add an Artboard to your Illustrator document
• Use the pen tool to outline your drawing. Pay attention to
any parts of your character that can be made with shapes.
• Be sure to put your actual drawing on the BACK layer,
and your pen tool drawing on the FRONT layer
• Be as PRECISE as possible!

12. Resources
The Vectors vs Bitmaps
• http://www.teach-ict.com/as_a2_ict_new/ocr/
AS_G061/316_present_communicate_data/bitmaps_vectors/miniweb/
pg4.htm
• http://www.prepressure.com/library/file-formats/bitmap-versus-vector
• http://vector-conversions.com/vectorizing/raster_vs_vector.html