Introduction:
For this project, we created custom Hawaiian shirts to demonstrate our knowledge using the pen tool and pattern making in Adobe Illustrator.
Materials:
Adobe Illustrator, pencil and paper.
Creative Process:
I made some sketches of elements I wanted to create the pattern with, such as three different kinds of leaves and flowers. I learned that traditional Hawaiian(Aloha) shirts usually includes a Hibiscus flower so I decided to include one in my pattern as well.
Pattern Sketch on Paper
Production Method:
First, I opened the scanned image of my sketches in Adobe Illustrator. Then I used the pen tool to trace the outlines of these objects to put in my pattern. Playing around with colors, I came up with the arrangement of the objects of the final pattern design.
Pattern object design
Pattern and Pattern Settings
I created a new Tabloid Sized (11” x17”) document in portrait orientation in Adobe Illustrator, and placed the shirt template that was provided to guide us in creating the shirt on to this document.
Using the pen tool, I traced around the outline of the shirt. The technique was to draw sections as if we were cutting out material panels from a pattern in order to sew them together to create the shirt. I started drawing from the back to the front layers of the shirt. I applied the pattern I made to each panels and put different shadow effects to show some dimension. For example, I made the back part of the shirt lighter to show that it is inside of the shirt, as well as making the back collar darker to differentiate it from the front collars.
While in the process, I paid attention to organizing each object layer accordingly so it will be easy to manipulate at any point.
Final step was to create buttons as well as a label for the shirt. To ensure a realistic look, I added accents such as shadows in the threads.
Final work:
Conclusion:
I found it challenging working on this projects given that it was a tedious job, requiring high attention to detail. From designing the pattern to building the shirt, I could tell that it helped me familiarize working around Adobe Illustrator. Overall, it was a great accomplishment looking at the final work and it definitely enhanced my skills.
