A look at Adobe Illustrator CS4

1. Bitmatp Vs. Vector Review
   

   Vector-based images generally contain well-defined elements such as curves and shapes of various colors. These elements can either be pure graphics, western alphabets or Asian characters. Each element is defined mathematically by the computer. For example, if a vector-based image contains a red dot, then information such as the location of the circle's center point, the length of its radius, and the color, red, would be the essential information for this image file.

   File names for vector-based images usually consist of extensions such as *.EPS, *.AI

   Vector-based files are more suitable for illustrations that require precise measurements. They are also easily scalable due to their mathematical nature. However, the vector-based file format has its drawbacks as well. It is not good for displaying photo-realistic images such as a photograph because images of this type generally do not contain well-defined shapes and curves.

   Bitmap-based images, on the other hand, do not rely on mathematical formulas to define their various elements. Each bitmap-based image is mapped into a grid. The size of the grid is based on the image's resolution. For example, a bitmap-based image of 1 inch x 1 inch with a 600 dpi resolution would be defined by a grid of 600 x 600 pixels. Hence, a bitmap-based image is like a mosaic of pixels with each pixel holding a specific color value.

   Bitmap-based files are more suitable for photo-realistic images that require complex color variations. They are, however, not easily scalable because each bitmap-based image is mapped to a non-flexible grid. If a bitmap-based image were to be enlarged, it would lose its sharpness. All edges within the image would appear to be jagged.

   File names for bitmap-based images usually consist of extensions such as *.PSD, *.JPG, *GIF, *.TIF, or *.BMP.

   In general, bitmap-based files require more computer memory for file storage than vector-based files. The former contains all information for every single pixel of the image while the latter contains only the defining mathematical formulas for each element within the image.

2. Watch Illustrator Videos in Class:
   
   I. introduction
   2. AI vs. PSD
   3. Paths and Shapes
   4. Selecting Objects and Paths
   5. Fill and Stroke
   
   
3. Select your own photo from the web based on a social media/web 2.0 technology and practice tracing it with the line , brush,pen and any other tools in illustrator
   
   save your result as a .jpg and post on your blog by monday march 1
   
   Adobe Illustrator Tutorials
   
   Drawing with the Shape, Line, and Eraser tools (Video Workshop)
   Drawing with the Pen tool (Video Workshop)
   Drawing with the Pencil tool (Video Workshop)
   Using the Paintbrush tool (Video Workshop)
   Reshaping a path (Adobe TV)