Learn the process of using the pen tool to recreate and adjust parts of a vector graphic, such as a clipboard and a pair of shoes, for improved visual representation. This article gives step-by-step instructions on how to manipulate, copy, and paste objects and how to use the shape builder tool to create or modify shapes within an image.
Key Insights
- The pen tool can be used to recreate objects within an image, enhancing the graphic's clarity and detail. It can be used to trace and replicate shapes, such as a clipboard in the example given.
- The shape builder tool is a vital asset for creating and adjusting shapes within an image. It was used in the process to eliminate gaps and add new sections to the graphics.
- Adjusting anchor points and handles allow for precision in reshaping parts of the graphic. This comes in handy in fine-tuning parts of the image, like aligning the jacket with the clipboard or adjusting the shape of the shoe.
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In this video, we'll recreate the clipboard. So let's start by zooming in on the clipboard, and we'll be using the pen tool to recreate this.
To do this, we'll go to the pen tool and simply recreate this clipboard. Dragging over, we'll create a rectangle. We'll close off the rectangle, then hit V. With the clipboard selected, press CTRL+C to copy it, then delete it.
Remember, it's still on our computer's clipboard. Now, select the clipboard behind and hit delete. From here, we can press CTRL+Shift+V to paste our new clipboard in place.
Next, let's move the hand in front of the clipboard. To do this, press CTRL+Shift+Close Brackets, and we now have our clipboard in place. However, we have a little bit of a gap on the bottom.
Let's remove this gap by zooming in and selecting the jacket, clipboard, and hand. From here, we'll use the Shape Builder tool to click and drag in the open space, adding our jacket, then click the hand to add the open space and create the hand. It's fine for now that it's yellow. We'll press V on the keyboard, select the hand, press I, and match the skin tone.
Next, we'll need to fix this bottom section here. So let's zoom in and scroll to the left. As we can see, there's a slight gap between the shirt, jacket, and clipboard.
We'll hit A on the keyboard to select this bottom anchor and simply move it in line. We'll then select the anchor with the jacket and move that so it touches as well. If we zoom out, we'll now use the Shape Builder tool to fix this.
We'll press V, select the jacket, and holding Shift, select the shirt and clipboard. We'll use the Shape Builder tool to recreate these shapes by clicking first on the jacket, then on the shirt, and finally on the clipboard, adding in this small slice.
We'll press V, select our shirt, go to Fill, and click white. Then, we'll select our clipboard and press I on the keyboard to match the color of the pen. I'll then press V and zoom out, and we've now adjusted our clipboard. As we can see, the pants and bottom of the suit look good.
However, let's fix her feet. Looking at this here, we have a nice bottom of the shoe, but it's bent slightly on the inside.
We'll zoom in, and using A on the keyboard, select this object and anchor point. Then, we just need to move the handle inward to adjust the shoe. We'll then press V on the keyboard, select the foot, and holding Shift, select the shoe. We'll use the Shape Builder tool to click and drag into this open space, making it part of the foot.
We'll press CTRL+Shift+A to deselect. I think this bottom foot looks good. Next, let's fix the right foot. First, we'll work on the heel.
We'll zoom in and scroll right while holding CTRL. With A, we'll use our Direct Selection tool, dragging the selection box to capture this bottom anchor point. From here, simply drag it down and to the right. It seems like we need one more anchor point here for the other side of the heel. To do this, I'll use the Pen tool (shortcut P) on the keyboard and simply click on the path.
I'll then use A to drag this path down and reduce the handle so we have a more solid bottom. I'll then select both anchor points and move them down and to the right, selecting this anchor point and moving it up, adjusting the handle back. Sometimes, it just takes a little trial and error to find the best fit and recreate the correct shape.
I think this looks good for the shoe. Let's now adjust this end anchor point. I'll press CTRL+Z as I accidentally selected the foot and select this anchor point. I'm simply going to bring it in a little bit and reduce the other handle on the foot. I'll then select the shoe and the anchor point and reduce it.
From here, we'll select the foot and shoe, holding Shift, and use the Shape Builder tool to create the foot with the empty space. I'll press CTRL+Shift+A to deselect all. Using A, I'll drag a selection box to select both anchor points and move them in slightly. Zooming in, I'll select this anchor point and move it up.
I'll then select the other anchor point and drag down on the handles so it intersects with the other anchor point. I'll zoom out, and as we can see, I'll need to adjust the top anchor point to make it bend a little more. I think that looks good.
Finally, we'll fix the top of her ankle. Selecting this anchor point, I'll drag it down and to the right, noticing that the handles skew. To create a right angle, I'll go to the top and click 'Convert Selected Anchor Point to Corner' to straighten the curve. I'll then drag the anchor point to the top of the path, and we've now fixed her foot.
As we can see, we've made good changes to our recruiter. I think this looks good. Let's press CTRL+S to save our work, and in the next video, we'll be adding color to our recruiter. See you there.