This project required me to create two vector graphic postcards of iconic places. The process involved an using an 8.5×11 sheet of paper with 6 different hand-sketched mockups of iconic places for the client to choose two designs. From there, based on the feedback, two designs were chosen for which I created a 4×6 postcard of each using Adobe Illustrator. After the final feedback, I edited the two designs as the final postcard presentations.
Thumbnail Sketches
The places I researched and chose all looked very interesting to visit in the near future, and had some very fascinating iconic landmarks.
The iconic places are:
- Pops 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma
- Mount Fuji in Honshu, Japan
- Great Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Stonehenge in Salisbury, England
The 2 chosen are bolded and italicized.
Vector Comp 1
The first place I chose to render a design in Illustrator was Mount Fuji. I was drawn to this place because of the majestic mountain in the background, the blooming cherry blossoms, and the Chureito Pagoda overlooking the mountain.
Shapes and tools that were used heavily in this design were: rectangles, reshaped circles using the ellipse tool, pencil drawn upside V for the mountain top, and the shear tool to change the perspective of parts of the building.
Vector Comp 2
The second place I chose was Copenhagen, Denmark. The brightly colored row homes and uniform windows that all overlook the water is the iconic look for this city.
This vector is primarily composed of rectangles and triangles, and the boat was drawn using the pencil tool.
Final Design 1
Based on the feedback, I removed the excess peaks on the mountain, because this mountain is known for its one peak. I also adjusted the size of the mountain, by enlarging it, to help it better blend in with the surrounding environment, and removed the stroke color. I used the blob brush again to add some semi-wavy lines on the mountain snow to give it a little definition. I also used the pencil tool to redraw the snow on the mountain.
Final Design 2
The only changes I made from the vector comp is the removal of the stroke color and added a gradient to the water, based on feedback, to help with the transition from one object to the next.
This was a challenging but fun project. This project so far has pushed me through another level of discomfort. I still believe I need to sharpen my skills with using levels, blending shapes and backgrounds. Just letting go of perfection and trying new tools out in this project has helped me bring my designs to a new level. I hope you enjoy your postcards.