Illustrated Instructions
Project Brief
Create an 11"x17" poster that instructs the reader how to complete a task, both with written instructions and illustrations for each step.
4-9 steps
Written:
Each step: 1-2 sentences (2-20 words total/step)
150 words max for all steps combined
Illustrated:
Your illustrations/visuals for each task need to be created by you. Photographs/graphics from online are not an option for this project. You may use photographs as references but you may not trace other illustrations.
All Illustrations should have a similar style (repetition of colors, lines, shapes, etc.)
Illustrations should be easy to understand and complement the written instructions for each step in the task.
Professional Inspiration
Past Student Work Examples
Decide on Your Task
Think of a task that you want to create illustrated instructions for:
It could be a task that you're good at that you want to teach others
It could be a task that you want to learn how to do
Draft Instructions
Go to the "Draft Instructions..." Canvas Assignment.
Click "Start Assignment"
In the "Text Entry" area, type out your instructions for your chosen task. You can find instructions online, but you need to edit them to make sure they make sense and fit the guidelines:
4-9 steps
Each step: 1-2 sentences (2-20 words total/step)
150 words max for all steps combined
Check the word count by clicking "Tools" > "Word count" (max: 150 words)
Submit.
Draft Illustrations
Get a blank piece of paper and a writing utensil
For each step, draw draft illustrations.
Your illustrations/visuals for each task need to be created by you. Photographs/graphics from online are not an option for this project. You may use photographs as references but you may not trace other illustrations.
Take a photo of your illustrations and upload it to the Canvas assignment.
Also, AirDrop it to your iMac. Move the image from "Downloads" to "Creative Cloud Files"
Open Creative Cloud
Open Creative Cloud from your Dock.
Login if needed (Continue with Google)
In Creative Cloud, if you don't see "Illustrator" make sure to select the "Apps" tab in the top toolbar.
Click "Open" to the right of Illustrator.
Create a New File & Show Rulers
Click the "New File" blue button
Adjust the Width to: 11 in
Adjust the Height to: 17 in
Click "Create"
In the "Properties" tab, click the ruler icon next to "Ruler & Grids" to turn on the rulers.
Create Margins & Rule of Thirds Guides
Create 1" guides for margins on all four sides
Create a 3x3 Rule of Thirds grid:
Vertical: 3.67" and 7.33"
Horizontal: 5.67" and 11.33"
In the "Properties" tab, lock your guides
Set up Your Poster & Add Text
In your "Layers" tab, create a "Background" layer:
Create a rectangle and choose a color for your background
Lock your "Background" layer
Create a "Text" layer:
Copy and paste your instructions into Illustrator. You might want to copy and paste each step in the instructions separately so they are their own text boxes.
Minimum text size: 24pt.
Add a title for your instructions.
Minimum text size: double the size of your instructions text.
Adjust the typography:
Change the fonts
Change the colors
Illustrate
Use Fresco:
You can upload your draft illustrations to Fresco and draw your illustrations on Fresco.
Use raster or vector brushes.
Once finished drawing, transfer your drawings to Illustrator.
Use Illustrator:
In your "Layers" panel, create a new layer "Image" for your illustration reference photo.
Drag your image from your "Creative Cloud Files" to Illustrator
Embed image: In the "Properties" tab, click "Embed"
In your "Layers" panel, click on your "Image" layer and then click the button in the top right with the three lines and click "Template"
You can also get references photographs from online to use to trace.
In your "Layers" panel, create a new layer called "Illustrations" above your "Image" layer
Trace/draw your illustrations for each step in your instructions.
Hide Your Guides & Image Layer
In your "Layers" panel, click the eye icon on the left of "Guides" and "Image" layers to hide the layers.
Save as a PDF File
Go to "File" > "Save As..."
Click "Save on your computer"
Make sure it is going to save in "Creative Cloud Files"
Change the Format to "Adobe PDF (pdf)"
Click "Save"
Turn in PDF to Canvas
Turn in your .pdf file on Canvas.
"I'm Done"
Bored? Check out the "I'm Done" activities.