Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/707472
84 • August 2016 • S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S ARCHITECTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL Step 1 – Building the parts and shapes Lets start out with building the threaded part of the fastener. (see Figures 1 and 2) I started by creating the thread that will be used to build the shaft of the fastener. I am not worrying about size or scale at this point; only that I have the threads wrapping around the shaft in the correct direction! Next, I have filled each shape with either a solid or fountain fill, per the Fountain Fill Guide (see Figure 3). I have listed the fill percentages for each of the attachments' shapes and ele- ments as they appear here, but you can easily adjust these to your liking. Based on your likes and tastes, you may pre- fer to design your set in CMYK, or in spot colors, or a little darker half-tone pattern. Play with it a bit to find the fill pattern that provides you the best look- ing fastener. Step 2 – Building the self-tapping drill tip Next, every fastener has a slightly dif- ferent bottom or business end. For this option we will create the self-tapping drill tip that is necessary for attaching trim cap to a channel letter. Simply put, I looked at the fastener and interpreted the shape. This graphic illustration of the drill bit tip provides the visual under- standing that this is a self-tapping screw. (see Figure 4). Step 3 – e hex head and washer Now let's create the crown or neck of the screw, along with the washer and the hex head. Note how each shape is inde- Figure 1 pendent, and can be grouped together as segments. The washer and hex head can be resized to accommodate any size of necessary fastener. With a tip, threaded shaft and head you can build any type, size or style of fastener, and even match the thread count if necessary (see Figure 5). Step 4 – Customize in a snap; How to make a wedge anchor I start by taking a good long look at the fastener I am going to illustrate and I examine it. What about it makes it unique, and recognizable from all the other fasteners out there. I'm not talking about the particular finite details printed on it, or the finish, what I am looking for are the overall dominant features of the fastener. What makes it an anchor, and not a fastener? In this case, the large cylinder and the shorter wedge at the end seem to set this apart from the others. The same is true for the toggle anchor that springs open to prevent it from being pulled back through the anchor hole. In the illustration provided (see Figure 6). I have created a wedge that has the general, overall appearance of the actual fasteners wedge feature. Not every detail, just the overall shape and concept for this one and for the toggle anchor. I simplified the detail significantly yet it's clearly identifiable for what it is, and how it works. Next, I save this graphic as a master CDR file, with the appropriate name, scale, and per whatever file naming pro- tocol I happen to be using. Most impor- tant is keeping the originals organized per type and scale so that you can easily find them, import them and use them. Building Your Library Now, congratulate yourself on creat- ing your first fastener. Not to mention, you now own this little graphic of a self-tapping fastener that you built from scratch, and can use it without fear of vio- lating someone's licensing or use issues. As you come across the need to have an illustration of a special anchor, you will now be able to quickly and easily create the anchor and save it for future use. Figure 2 Figure 3