In the second edition of this popular guide, respected illustrator, teacher, and speaker, Von Glitschka shares his systematic method for creating precise, well-crafted vector artwork using the latest software tools. This fun and informative book has been expanded to include a brand new chapter on illustrative techniques, as well as new illustrations throughout the book and four hours of all-new video tutorials, worksheets, and downloadable source files. Glitschka uses a blend of humor and entertaining illustrative examples to walk students through his personal process for creating vector shapes with precision. They’ll learn how and when to create art point-by-point through rough building and refinement as well as through shape-building techniques using Illustrator’s Pathfinder palette. Glitschka also shows them how to integrate and establish good creative habits for building and managing vector art files. After reading this book and following all of the step-by-step exercises and tutorials within, students will understand the principles behind creating shapes so that they can get their ideas out of their head and successfully onto the computer.
About the Author :
Von Glitschka has created award-winning illustrative design for over 27 years through his multidisciplinary firm, Glitschka Studios. Von has collaborated on some of the most respected global brands with ad agencies, design firms, and in-house art departments from around the world. Von’s mix of humor, inspiration, great design, and solid, creative methodology make him a sought-after speaker on the topics of design and creativity. He also develops skill-based design courses for Lynda.com and can usually be found hanging out on Twitter (@vonster) posting snarky tweets about anything and everything. Von lives and works in Salem, Oregon.
Review :
“The problem with vector images today is that I hate most of them! Mainly because something dies between the drawing and the precision vector graphic version. Perhaps it’s the illustration’s soul lost in the transition? Most vector images today contain too many cyber-slick gradations; they are too mathematically perfect, like many of the billions of images populating millions of microstock sites that lack anything real and human. If Von’s book can help improve a designer’s ability to create better vector images, I’m all for it. And remember: Just because you can make everything a gradation doesn’t mean you should make everything a gradation.”
— Charles S. Anderson, Founder of CSA Design
“With Vector Basic Training, Von Glitschka shames me. And I thank him for it. He reminds me that I am walking a tightrope of forsaking my first love: drawing. Von approaches the process with an honor and reverence that emerges from a tradition rooted in art as much as design. His depth of thought, trained hand, and ability to art direct himself have produced a stunning body of work, and he brings it all home in VBT to share with the reader. That’s the thing with Von—not only is he a powerful talent, he’s gracious enough to share it all. I’ll be keeping my copy of VBT next to my Mac and, yes, my sketchpad.”
— Terry Marks, Creative Principal of TMARKS Design Studio
“Von’s experience as an award-winning ‘illustrative designer’ enables him to provide a valuable methodology for creating vector artwork guaranteed to produce results for every designer.”
— Earl Gee, Creative Director, Gee + Chung Design
“As president of the School of Advertising Art (SAA), I would like to thank Von for writing this book. Young designers need to understand the power of the drawing process, and they need to know that time spent sketching before jumping to the computer is time well spent on any project. Von clearly demonstrates this philosophy throughout the book by incorporating interesting visual examples of his work. I am excited to share Vector Basic Training, Second Edition with SAA students.”
— Jessica Graves, President, School of Advertising Art, Kettering, Ohio
