Using the Trace Feature in Illustrator

My favorite skill that I have learned so far in Style and Design this semester would have to be how to work with Illustrator. Adobe Illustrator is used to create a variety of digital and printed images, including cartoons, charts, diagrams, graphs, logos, and illustrations. For the projects we have done this semester, I have mainly used Illustrator and have gotten very familiar with it.

More specifically, my favorite skill while getting familiar with Illustrator is the trace feature. The trace feature is used to convert bitmap images into vector artwork that you can modify and use in Illustrator. I learned about the trace feature while watching the Adobe Creative Suite video tutorials, and I thought it was a great tool to use when I designed my logo. When it came to thinking about what I wanted my logo to be, I knew I wanted it to be my initials, CB, and something else. When the tutorial showing the race feature came up, a light bulb went off. That’s when I knew I wanted to include a butterfly in my design and throughout my projects. I took a picture of two butterflies that I loved and thought represented me as a person and uploaded them to Illustrator, once uploaded I went over to the left side of the panel, selected the trace feature, and selected a version of the butterflies I liked the best. After that, I changed the colors to match my personality and to make it go with the rest of the design.

Attached are my three logo options, featuring the usage of the trace feature on Illustrator. With the trace feature, I was able to create the logo I wanted in an easier way than having to create a butterfly myself using the shapes and objects. The trace feature allowed me to create a unique and original logo for my personal brand that is fun and represents me well. Plus learning how to use the trace feature allowed me to help other students who wanted a unique logo or a drawing in their logo as well. I taught many students the plus side of learning how to use the trace feature and how to use it in their designs.

Before I learned how to use any of the Adobe Creative Suites, I had used Canva to create any graphics, logos, or designs that I needed for other classes or projects outside of class. While Canva is great and is super easy to use, many companies post-grad prefer you to have experience in the Adobe Creative Suites, rather than just Canva. Learning how to use the Adobe Creative Suites has given me more tools that companies look for and has provided me with more opportunities.

Through Illustrator as well I created my business card, personal brand kit, envelopes, and my resume. Though I faced certain challenges, I was able to take the time to get more familiar with how to use Illustrator and feel more confident in creating my projects in the future, whether it is for school or something post-grad.