PHOTO REALISTIC VECTOR WATCH
This project was about replicating photo realism with Illustrator. Although tedious and often times frustrating, this project taught me much about how illustrator functions. It specifically taught me how to replicate what I see with fantastic results.
DRAFTING & SKETCHING
I began my project like I did most other projects involving photo realism, with sketching and drafting. I find it important in these cases to form all my shape relationships and "block in color" as it were in the initial stages. This allows me to quickly adjust and prevents me from having to spend too much time readjusting once I am finished
INTERNAL DETAILING
This was definitely the most fun I had on this project. I loved doing all the little details and training my eye to see specifics along the way. I discovered that doing realistic drawings in illustrator requires you to be somewhat representational. It's hard to make something look natural using gradients. However, learning when you can use them and when you cannot was an important part of doing this project.
EXTERNAL DETAILING & CONCLUSION
The external detailing allowed me to practice heavily with the draw inside function of illustrator. Many of the shadows are very shaped and not suited for gradient use. I'm not so certain that photo realism is strictly necessary for vector art, but it certainly is a good way to showcase your skills.
