Introduction to
Flat Illustration

In this assignment, you will learn to create flat illustrations. This modern aesthetic emphasizes easy-to-read visuals.

You will create a popsicle, a fruit, and a weather icon set. These may be produced on Rolanda after.

Key Characteristics:

That make up Flat Illustration

Simplicity

Flat illustrations use a minimalistic approach, eliminating unnecessary details and focusing on essential elements. This simplicity helps convey information clearly and concisely.

Clean Lines

Straightforward and clear lines are used to define shapes and objects. This contributes to the uncomplicated and easily recognizable nature of flat illustrations.

Iconic and Symbolic Elements

Flat illustrations often use iconic and easily recognizable symbols or symbols that are representative of the subject matter. These symbols contribute to the overall clarity and immediate understanding of the illustration.

Bold Colours

Flat illustrations often incorporate bright, bold colors. These colors are applied in solid blocks without gradients or shading, contributing to the overall simplicity of the design.

No Realism or Depth

Unlike realistic illustrations or 3D renderings, flat illustrations intentionally avoid creating the illusion of depth. Shadows and highlights are usually omitted, resulting in a flat, two-dimensional appearance.

Versatility

Flat illustration is highly versatile and can be applied to various design contexts, including logos, icons, infographics, and user interfaces. Its simplicity makes it adaptable to different sizes and platforms.

Part 1: The Popsicle

1. Explore Your Toolset

Flat Illustration is a style, or aesthetic. There is no one way to make it. You could use...
- The Shape tools in Illustrator,
- The Pen tool in Illustrator
- The Brush tool in Illustrator or even Photoshop
- Sharpie on paper
- Or any combo!

Below are four videos on how to use different tools to make a popsicle. Take a look!

(using shapes)

(Drawn in Photoshop & on paper)

2. Make a Popsicle

Choose one of the approaches shown above --- and if you got really good at using a particular tool already, consider stretching your wings and choose one you are weaker at.
Create your Illustrator File
- File Name = "10Flat A Popsicle"
- 10cm x 10cm
- 300 ppi
- 2x artboards
Follow the video(s) above to make your popsicle.
- Try to make it your own, play with adding:
  - dribbles
  - different expressions
  - colours
  - shapes
  - sticks
Once you are finished:
- Scale it up to make it fit Artboard #1
  - Make sure you EXPAND (Object > Expand) if you have any strokes on your paths!
- Copy it to Artboard #2
  - Resize for the dimensions you want it printed
  - Apply the 2mm cutline

Part 2: Feeling Fruity

1. Get Inspired

Explore sites like ArtStation, Behance, and Dribble for flat fruit (& Google "Boomerang Fu").
Try other terms; Kawaii (Japanese for "cute") isn't always flat illustration, but there is overlap.

2. Make a Fruit

Create another Illustrator File
- File Name = "10Flat B Fruit"
- 10cm x 10cm
- 300 ppi
- 2x artboards
Design your fruit sticker. Be as funky or serious as you like with it.
- Your GOAL is to make a graphic that
  - is recognizably a type of fruit (maybe get a peer to check...)
  - has the key characteristics of flat illustration
  - is compatible with Rolanda
When you finish, follow the same Artboard steps as your popsicle

Part 3: Forecasting Success

1. Explore

The last part of this assignment is to create a set of 5 flat weather icons. Each icon should represent a different weather condition, such as sun, cloud, rain, snow, etc. This project will allow you to explore variations in style for different elements and enhance your skills in creating a cohesive set of graphics. It's a practical exercise that can be used in various design applications.

How do Weather Networks quickly convey the forecast?
What symbols do they use?
What sets one collection apart from another?
Check different weather sites, art sites, or icon repositories like Noun Project to learn the visual language for different forms of weather.

2. Sketch

Start with sketching (paper or Photoshop, whichever you're feeling comfortable with)
What elements will you include to make each icon feel part of the same set?
Include these in your portfolio for this assignment.

Create another Illustrator File
- File Name = "10Flat C Weather"
- 500 pixels x 500 pixels
- 300 ppi
- 6 artboards

Consistency:
- Ensure that the style and visual elements of each weather icon remain consistent across the set. This will help create a unified and professional look.
Simplicity:
- Use clean lines and minimal details to convey each weather condition effectively.
Colour Palette:
- Define a limited colour palette for the entire set. Consistent use of colors will enhance the cohesiveness of the icons. Consider using colours that are commonly associated with specific weather conditions.
Scale and Proportion:
- Maintain a consistent scale and proportion for all icons. This ensures that the set looks harmonious when displayed together.
  - Use your artboard and the grey area around it while building your icons.
  - Once they are complete, you can scale them to be equal in size.
Clarity:
- Icons should be instantly recognizable, even in smaller sizes.
Icon Size:
- Each finished icon should fit its artboard.
- Artboard #1 should have the whole set, scaled down to fit.
Background Transparency:
- Transparent backgrounds are more versatile.
- To save these with transparent backgrounds, go to File > Export > Export As: a .png file.
- You should upload these individual .png files to your portfolio page.

3. Guidelines

Hand In &

Portfolio

Checklist

Hand in your 3 Illustrator Files

Introduction to Flat Illustration