SKILL BUILDING

In this section of the unit, you will be creating a Laser Cut Nightlight with using a 2D Vector Illustration program called Adobe Illustrator.  Follow the directions below step by step and carefully review the videos. Good luck!

Step 1: Install Adobe Illustrator

Install Adobe Illustrator on your Mac

Login to the Adobe Creative Cloud app with your school email address. Choose 'Enterprise ID' after logging in. Press the install button.

HOW TO WATCH A TUTORIAL

[2] Practice drawing your first 'Bezier Curves' *

For this 'pen tool'  tutorial you need to download the AI Bezier Curve Practice Files and watch the Bezier Curve Tutorial:

Step 2: Practice Bezier Curves

For this 'pen tool'  tutorial you need to download the AI Bezier Curve Practice Files and watch the Bezier Curve Tutorial:


pen tool basics.mov

Step 3: Practice Line Tracing

For further practice you can use these video instructions and this pack of images that it refers to. Choose one Husky from Set 1 and one from Set 2 to trace and fill. 

When finished, hide the watermarked Example layer and screenshot your work to share. 

This exercise takes about 45 minutes to complete.

pen tool practice.mov

Step 4: Practice Shading & Colorizing

And now...take it to the max! Dab Dog Max!

For further extension, use lines and fill shapes to recreate Dab Dog Max! 

When finished, hide the watermarked Example layer and screenshot your work to share. 

SKILL BUILDING CHECKPOINT
& DESIGN PROCESS DOCUMENTATION


Design Process Documentation:
Now it's time to document your Skills Research!


Template & Rubric:

A3: EXISTING PRODUCTS

Analyze a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem

Classroom Instructions:

Now that you know how to create a basic fidget spinner, it's time to begin looking for some existing products that might appeal to you, or the person you are making the  nightlight for. 


Research and analyze 3 existing products and use the following technique:


SWOT Analysis


Design Process Documentation:

Exemplar & Rubric:

Resources

B2: DESIGN IDEAS

Develop a range of feasible design ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and detailed annotation, which can be correctly interpreted by others

Classroom Instructions:

Considering the Opportunities you identified in your SWOT Analysis, develop 4 different concept sketches to consider before finalizing your custom nightlight. Annotate them to identify key features such as

  • Details
  • Additional elements such as "sister's name" 
  • Dimensions

Design Process Documentation:

    • Details
    • Additional elements such as "sister's name" 
    • Dimensions

Exemplar & Rubric:

Resources

CUSTOMIZE & LASER CUT
A NIGHTLIGHT

Note: Shapes with a 100% Black #000000 fill will appear bright white when engraved

Cut Stroke Settings

Engraving Fill Settings

Step 5: Trace & Customize!

After choosing which Concept Sketch you would like to create for your nightlight, it's time to trace and customize!

Preparing the Laser Cutting & Engraving Lines

B4: PLANNING DRAWINGS

Develop accurate and detailed planning drawings/diagrams and outline the requirements for the creation of the chosen solution.

Classroom Instructions:

While you wait for your Customized 2D Vector Illustration Nightlight to be Laser Cut, complete the final Design Process Documentation by pasting in a screenshot of your Adobe Illustrator file.


Design Process Documentation:

Exemplar & Rubric:

Resources