Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Graphic Design & Illustration
Session Title:
Telling a Story:
Introduction to Bézier Curves
Lesson Duration: Approximately 7-10 days
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will create a simple, focused illustration.
Specific Objectives:
1.
Compare and contrast a vector image and a bitmap image.
2.
Define terms associated with the lesson.
3.
Trace a bitmap image using the pen tool within industry standard illustration software.
4.
Apply fills and strokes within industry standard illustration software.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.88(c)
(1) The student applies academic knowledge and skills in art and design projects. The student
is expected to:
(A) apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content,
technical concepts, and vocabulary; using correct grammar, punctuation, and
terminology to write and edit documents; and composing and editing copy for a
variety of written documents such as brochures, programs, posters, flyers, and
magazine covers; and
(B) apply mathematic knowledge and skills by identifying whole numbers, decimals, and
fractions applied to measurement and scale; demonstrating knowledge of arithmetic
operations; using conversion methods such as fractions to decimals and inches to
points; and applying measurement to solve a problem.
(2) The student understands professional communications strategies. The student is expected
to:
(A) adapt language for audience, purpose, situation, and intent such as structure and
style.
(11) The student develops an increasing understanding of graphic design and illustration. The
student is expected to:
(F) employ a creative design process to create original two – or three-dimensional
projects by:
(i) creating designs for defined applications;
(ii) applying elements of design;
(iii) applying design principles and typography;
(iv) using good composition; and
(vi) demonstrating drawing in one-point, two-point, and multi-point perspective.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Instructor/Trainer
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bézier_curve
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_curve
Industry standard illustration software Help and Tutorial files
Instructional Aids:
Telling a Story Slide Presentation
Telling a Story Vocabulary Handout
Telling a Story Vocabulary Quiz
Telling a Story Vocabulary Quiz Key
Telling a Story Rubric
Telephone JPG to trace using industry standard illustration software
Materials Needed:
French curve drafting tool
Coloring book for images to be scanned
Equipment Needed:
Computer and projection system with appropriate software to display slide presentation
Computer with appropriate industry-standard photo editing and illustration software installed
Learner
Exposure to industry-standard illustration software would be helpful but it is not necessary
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: In the business of advertising and commercially based art, a photograph is
often not the best, or even a possible, solution to illustrating a point in a
magazine, newspaper, or any other printed matter. Sometimes an illustrator
is employed to make the point in a different or a more emphatic way.
[Start the slide presentation.]
SAY: A picture may be worth a thousand words but lines and curves can tell a story
too. Notice the violin images. The photo on the right has been converted to
vector graphics or ‘line-art’.
ASK: Has the story been altered with each change of the image? What do the
added or subtracted lines and curves mean? Does the size change matter?
[Students may say that the violin in the photo is old, hidden, unused, there is no bow.
The red violin has a bow, so the students may say it’s in use. It’s more fun; it has life.
The small green violin is a reverse image changing some of the focus to the green
shape that is added. Students may say this is more artistic. The shape looks like an
amphitheater. They may even conclude that this is a small orchestra concert
advertisement or logo. Encourage the students to look for the meaning.]
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
2
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I. Lines and Curves tell a story
A. 3 examples
B. What do they represent?
C. What story are they telling?
D. [optional] Does adding motion change or
NOTE: Now for some examples
of curved lines. Encourage the
students to participate by
interpreting the story behind the
lines.
enhance the story of the curves?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bézier_curve#Constructing_B.C3.A9zier_curves
[optional]
The website shows images in
motion and can be displayed for
students to evaluate further.
NOTE: Have students complete
the vocabulary handout as you
discuss concepts in the
the late 1960s for manufacturing
presentation.
automobiles for Renault.
B. This concept of drawing curves is similar To introduce the concept of
to using a French curve. A French curve
Bezier Curves, show an example
can be positioned to draw a portion of any of a French curve used in
curved line Bézier Curves.
drafting. Discuss the functionality
of the tool. Point out that modern
III. Today’s Drafting Toolbox is found in vector
software now provides the same
illustration software
functionality of the French curve.
A. Bézier curves are now drawn in most
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_curve
vector illustration software using the pen
tool (based on mathematical formulas).
B. Vectors are used in line drawings, logos,
and even web motion graphics because
file size remains small for quick download
over the Internet.
C. Vectors are also used in 3D technology
and are called spline curves or Nurbs.
II. The story of Pierre Bézier
A. Pierre Bézier developed this concept in
IV. Vectors vs. Bitmaps
V. Creating lines and curves with the pen tool
VI. Corners with Curves
VII. Strokes and Fills
Application
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
3
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Distribute the telephone images (telephone.jpg) for the students to load into industry
standard illustration software and demonstrate how to trace the bitmap image using
the pen tool to create a vector illustration.
The teacher maintains direct supervision of the lab, providing guidance when
needed.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Have students select a coloring book illustration and scan it. Using the process
learned during the Guided Practice activity, students will create a vector file from the
bitmap of the coloring book illustration.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Checking for student understanding: (Q & A Session)
 What are the advantages of using vector graphics?
 Other than print graphics, what are two other applications for vector files?
 What are the three types of points, or nodes, used with Bézier curves?
 How do you alter the slope of a curve with Bézier curves?
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher will monitor student progress during independent practice and provide
independent assistance when needed.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Evaluate the activity with Vector Graphic Rubric. Administer the Vocabulary Quiz to
test student understanding of lesson terminology.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Some wrapping paper designs make nice vector creation activities. Have students
follow the same process used in the lesson to convert a wrapping paper graphic into
a vector graphic for printing application.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
4
Telling a Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Vocabulary
DIRECTIONS: Define the following terms in your own words or illustrations:
1. Vector Graphics
2. Vectors vs. Bitmaps
3. Additional Vector Applications
4. Bézier Curves
5. Spline Curves or Nurbs
6. Pen Tool
7. Points and Handles
8. Corners with Curves
9. Cusps
10. Strokes and Fills
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
5
Name:__________________________
Telling a Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Quiz
1. A vector image is based on mathematics.
a. True
b. False
2. What is a vector image and how does it differ from a bitmap?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Vectors suffer in terms of image quality when they are enlarged.
a. True
b. False
4. 4. A French curve can be positioned to draw a portion of any curved line.
a. True
b. False
5. When is it appropriate for vector images be used in graphic design?
______________________________________________________________________________
6. When is it appropriate for bitmap images be used in graphic design?
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Which of the following is a term for vectors used in 3D technology?
a. Bézier curves
b. French curves
c. Spline curves
d. none of the above
8. Vector graphics print smoothly at any size, so they are well suited to large format printing.
a. True
b. False
9. The Vector Tool is the tool most software applications utilize to create vector images.
a. True
b. False
10. The concept of using curved lines in vector drawings was developed by Pierre Bézier in the late
1960’s for the manufacture of automobiles.
a. True
b. False
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
6
Name:__________________________
Telling a Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Quiz KEY
1. A vector image is based on mathematics.
a. True
b. False
2. What is a vector image and how does it differ from a bitmap?
A vector image is an image created with a mathematical formula; a bitmap is created with a large
number of pixels. Vector images are usually used to create abstract images; a bitmap typically depicts a
life-like image.
3. Vectors suffer in terms of image quality when they are enlarged.
a. True
b. False
4. A French curve can be positioned to draw a portion of any curved line.
a. True
b. False
5. When is it appropriate for vector images be used in graphic design?
When various sizes of an image are required; when the graphic is a abstract such as a line drawing,
cartoon, or logo; when large format is needed.
6. When is it appropriate for bitmap images be used in graphic design?
In situations where photography is used; when the graphic is life-like; when you know images will be
sized down for printing.
7. Which of the following is a term for vectors used in 3D technology?
a. Bézier curves
b. French curves
c. Spline curves
d. none of the above
8. Vector graphics print smoothly at any size, so they are well suited to large format printing.
a. True
b. False
9. The Vector Tool is the tool most software applications utilize to create vector images.
a. True
b. False
10. The concept of using curved lines in vector drawings was developed by Pierre Bézier in the late
1960’s for the manufacture of automobiles.
a. True
b. False
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
7
TELLING A STORY:
INTRODUCTION TO BÉZIER CURVES RUBRIC
Criteria
Completeness
(10 pts)
Points
(40 pts)
Handles
(30 pts)
Layers
(10 pts)
Strokes/Fills
(10 pts)
Exceptional
Above Average
Below Average
Unacceptable
9-10 points
All elements
included
illustration
components,
layers,
strokes/fills,
handles).
35-40 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
All elements are
included, but one
part is
incomplete.
All elements are
included, but 2-3
parts are
incomplete.
None of the
parts of the
project is
complete.
20-34 points
1-19 points
The minimum
number of points
is used to create
the illustration.
1-5 points more
than the
minimum number
of required points
are used to
create the
illustration.
6-10 points more
than the
minimum number
of required points
are used to
create the
illustration.
26-30 points
18-25 points
1-17 points
0 points
11+ points more
than the
minimum
number of
required points
are used to
create the
illustration.
0 points
All handles are
positioned
properly so all
curved lines are
smooth.
Handles are
positioned so that
MOST BUT NOT
ALL of the curved
lines are smooth.
Handles are
positioned so that
MOST BUT NOT
ALL of the curved
lines are NOT
smooth.
None of the
curved lines are
smooth or
handles are not
used at all.
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Vector and
bitmap images
are correctly
placed on layers
and bitmap
visibility is turned
off.
Individual layers
are used for each
image, but
visibility is not set
appropriately.
Individual layers
are set up, but
images are not
placed in
individual layers.
Visibility is not
set.
No evidence of
use of layers.
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Strokes and fills
are properly
applied.
Strokes and fills
applied but wrong
color is used.
Strokes and fills
applied but fill not
turned back on.
Strokes and fills
not used.
Points
Total_______________
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: Telling A Story: Introduction to Bézier Curves
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
8