1. In as much detail as possible record the steps it took to create this project in Adobe illustrator. Use complete sentences.​ Try to recall as many of the different tools, shapes, and keyboard commands as possible.

- To begin I created a new file in Adobe Illustrator. I searched for a reference photo of myself to start off on my face. I used that photo to trace the features of my face by first locking down the photo and then using the curvature pen tool to make customized shapes that I later moved to work together. Using widgets I was able to curve specific corners of my shapes as it aided me when making quick changes. There were many time where I had to use the locking feature so I could edit specific parts which also included locking a layer so I could group parts of the arms together. I also used the grouping and ungrouping feature to make copies and move around the features of my avatars face. I removed the stokes of my shapes and just used the fill to color each part of my avatar. The eyedropper tool helped me a lot to get the colors right. To then make copies of art boards I first used the selection tool to neutralize the file, I clicked on edit art boards, and held down the option key to drag and drop a copy of my previous art board. Once I had all the parts of my avatar created to make it into the finished GIF I went to File>Export>Export As. I saved this project as a PNG and named it "Avatar_BriannaM" to easily find it when moving it to the Animated GIF Maker. 

 

2. What was the most challenging part of creating your Avatar?

- I would say that the most challenging part of creating my Avatar was getting the proportions correct. I was able to get all the parts together but making the transition smooth between the parts is what was difficult. That and ensuring all the little elements of the Avatar were in the correct spot. That includes what order the parts were layered in. 

 

3. What ways did you move the arms and legs to create movement? Did your Avatar move like you wanted it to?

- I created movement by taking time on the differences I placed in each artboard. I focused mainly on the arms, hands, and violin when creating movement. I copied and pasted both of my avatars arms and used the knife tool and elliptical shape to create joints that could be moved. To combine all of the parts together I used the shape builder tool, which created a cohesive look. 

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4. Are there any improvements you would make next time? Why or why not?

- For next time I would like to add more detail to the body. Although my avatar presents a pretty well rounded execution I feel that added detail to the body would elevate the look. Other than this I wouldn't change the look or action of my avatar because it displays a nice representation of me and includes what I am passionate about as well. 

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