Hey guys! I am creating a brand new design series as a much needed update to my previous videos. If you follow along with me through this series you will be equipped for success as I teach you all the ins and outs of foam plane design. I will be using the powerful vector based application Adobe Illustrator. But this technique will work with the free Inkscape program or Corel Draw.
I have used this design technique to create some of the most impressive foam board airplanes in the community to date and here are some examples:
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One of the really exciting things about this new series is that I have created a templates file that will enable you to make a nerdnic quality design in no time! This file will allow you to build upon established design techniques so you don't have to do all the guess work.
We'll focus on the 'how to' aspect of Illustrator, teaching you the required tools while getting straight to the point.
My subject for this series will be the Yak 3 and I can't wait to see what plane you choose to design!
Please let me know if there is anything specific you'd like to see in this series!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PART 1
- Start with traditional style plane for your first design
- Pick 3 view image that contains cross sections if possible
- Google search “[plane name] 3 view”
- Scale to 40" wingspan to make use of my templates
- Set your artboard to the size of your foam
COMMANDS
A = Direct Select
Selects single line
V = Select
Selects all grouped lines
Ctrl + G
Group selected lines
Ctrl + Z
Undo
Ctrl + Shift + Z
Redo
Ctrl + -
Zoom out
Ctrl + +
Zoom in
Shift + command
Keeps proportions or snaps to 45 degree angles
GENERAL
Set units
Edit > Preferences > Units
Artboard
File > Document Setup > Edit Artboards
Fill
Inside color
Stroke
Line color
Windows needed
- Layers
- Stroke
- Transparency
Line tool
Used to draw straight lines
Pen tool
Used to make curves
ACTIONS
Move entire grouped object
V
Move just 1 line
A
Group lines
Ctrl + G
Move line/group
- Left click on mouse and drag
- Arrow keys
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