Adobe Illustrator Vector Landscape Project: Tools, Color, and Techniques

Vector

A graphic made of mathematical paths, anchor points, and handles that scales infinitely without losing quality.

Raster

A graphic made of pixels that pixelates when enlarged, with typical file types including .jpg, .psd, .gif, and .bmp.

Anchor Point

A point on a path in a vector graphic that defines the shape and direction of the path.

Handle

A control point that extends from an anchor point, used to adjust the curvature of a path.

Selection Tool

A tool in Illustrator that selects whole shapes.

Direct Selection Tool

A tool that selects individual anchor points or segments of a shape.

Pen Tool

A tool used to draw and edit paths, anchor points, and curves in Illustrator.

Curvature Tool

A tool that allows for smoother and more intuitive creation of curved paths.

Shape Builder Tool

A tool that allows users to unite, subtract, or break shapes in Illustrator.

Eyedropper Tool

A tool that samples color from photos or shapes in Illustrator.

Gradient Tool

A tool used to create linear, radial, or freeform gradients in Illustrator.

Hue

The basic color family or shade of a color.

Chroma/Saturation

The intensity or brightness of a color, indicating how vivid or dull it appears.

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

A color scheme that uses variations in lightness and saturation of a single hue.

Analogous Color Scheme

A color scheme that uses colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

Complementary Color Scheme

A color scheme that uses colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.

Atmospheric Perspective

A technique where distant shapes appear lighter, lower in contrast, and more blue/gray.

Image Trace

A feature in Illustrator that converts raster images into vector shapes.

Warp Effect

An effect used in Illustrator to stylize shapes, such as creating stylized pine trees.

Color Guide Panel

A panel in Illustrator that helps generate color schemes based on selected colors.

Shape

A defined area in a vector graphic created by paths and anchor points.

Layered Depth

The visual effect created by arranging elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background.

Final Piece Composition

The arrangement of elements in the final artwork demonstrating effective use of color, perspective, and clean paths.