TekART Technical Illustration

Creating in Xara

2012-02-05T18:27:00.004-06:00

Sometime I need to play around to get the ideas flowing. Along with "playing" it's good for me to not get in a rut using only one software package. Here I used Xara to play with ideas and get away from Illustrator. Xara really let's me relax and create without having to think about HOW I'm going to create something; I just do it.

The memories

2012-01-31T06:39:00.000-06:00

Just looking back at some of my old images. This one stands out as one of my favorite 3D renderings. I really miss Maya and the time to create in 3D.

Using CorelDRAW Symbols to reduce creation time

2012-01-16T11:09:00.001-06:00

Turning objects into Corel Symbols allows you to quickly create assemblies. You can then update the Symbol in one place and the update appears in all places it is used.

An e-mail to Corel.

2012-01-11T13:40:00.001-06:00

I submit vector images (eps files) to 15 or so online stock agencies. Out of necessity I have had to force myself to make the switch over the Illustrator. (I used CorelDRAW for years). It was just too much of a struggle to make reliable eps files out of Corel. Since then I have also switch over to a mac. LOVE IT!! So, even though I still have Corel X5 running on Windows 7 through VMware

Cylinder

2011-12-19T13:56:00.001-06:00

A quick illustration demonstrating the illusion of depth and volume by using thick and thin lines, and three values of shading.

iPhone Baseball Cover

2011-10-22T09:04:00.001-05:00

For all of you baseball and iPhone fans. Available now at my Zazzle store.

iPhone cover at my Zazzle store

2011-10-21T12:51:00.001-05:00

Get your iPhone wrapped in pigskin. Available at my Zazzle store.

2011-08-13T20:16:00.001-05:00

Datacenter equipment set in isometric. Available soon at all of my typical microstock sites shown at the right of this post.

Glassware

2011-07-29T06:35:00.003-05:00

More chemistry glassware. The challenge of creating glass is always fun to take on. Adobe Illustrator makes this easy with it's many transparency options and effects styles.

Sketchbook

2011-05-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

Always one for new style or approaches to microstock content, I have found that having a sketchbook with me at all times allows me to "catch" inspiration when it hits. I can play with ideas and test theories without spending too much time behind the computer. Let's be honest, it IS good to step back every once in a while. I also find that honing ones skill in other media only help to develop

Line Illustration

2011-05-25T08:08:00.000-05:00

An example of thick/thin line art.

Parts Removal

2011-05-17T08:15:00.000-05:00

There are many illustrators that rely on CAD models to create their illustrations. I am very fortunate that I have a true education in technical illustration. This education allows me to create illustration where there is no CAD data. This is a skill that many no longer have, and that's a shame.

Google Docs illustration

2011-05-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

Here is a quick illustration created in Google Docs. How interesting it would be if these free tools in Google Docs or Open Office where actually useful.

Installing the Container Locks

2011-05-06T06:59:00.000-05:00

Adding a little color can help the guide eye, separating the components. I think it's best to the keep the colors flat, the number of colors to a minimum, and no gradients. Gradients, and other effects, can actually distract the eye rather than guide it. Of course, it all depends on the overall effect your after.

Container Lift

2011-05-03T17:51:00.000-05:00

A two-step process to connect the lifting hook to the container's corner.

Device Connections Diagram

2011-04-28T06:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a line illustration used to communicate the connections for an IT device. It's was created to be use in a "quick-start" guide. I'm not a big fan of a separate quick-start guide. They seem redundant to me.

Curved Metal Pattern

2011-04-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

Curved metal repeating pattern for microstock sites.

Microscope and Bunsen Burner

2011-03-05T19:20:00.000-06:00

This is the second in a series of images for my latest commission.

Microscope, thermometer and Bunsen Burner

2011-03-03T07:28:00.000-06:00

Here is another set of instruments/tools, a continuation from the last post.

Beakers and flasks

2011-03-02T08:55:00.000-06:00

Here is a portion of an illustration I am doing for a new customer. There will be more to come.

Google Chrome notebook box design

2010-12-09T14:34:00.000-06:00

THIS is interesting! :-)http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/reviews/2010/12/google-chrome-notebook-c48-unboxing-first-impressions.ars

Folding Instructions

2010-12-08T06:53:00.000-06:00

I've always found it helpful to create folding instruction for more complicated print jobs. This is attached with the source file, saved in the local repository system for future reference and also sent to the printing service. This not only helps to avoid any confusion on the printer's end but also on our receiving end, once the job is completed, where the document will be inspected and

How to create a glass sphere in CorelDRAW

2010-11-15T14:52:00.000-06:00

Link to my ehow article

Flow Control Valve - Quarter Section

2010-09-20T18:10:00.000-05:00

Here's one from the archives, circa 1990.These are the good old days when you drew everything out on velum with a pencil first, then laid mylar over the drawing and "inked it".

CorelDRAW - Tool for Measuring Type and Lines

2010-09-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

Who remembers the days when Corel would send this tool with their software and when we actually needed it? I am starting to feel old. :-)