RESEARCH AND APPLY GRAPHIC DESIGN TECHNIQUES #3 CUAGRD401 RESEARCH AND APPLY GRAPHIC DESIGN TECHNIQUES #3

Vectors There are many ways to create vector graphics through illustrator, one way is to start with the type tool. 1 Click on the Type Tool and type a word, such as “Vectors” like the or even your name would do. 2. The next step is to select your text, right-click and click on Create Outlines to outline your text. You can also use Shift + Ctrl + O as a shortcut on creating outlines.

CREATING OUTLINES Why do we need outlines We can manipulate our design with the white arrow and other tools within out pallet We can scale our image without pixalation Every digital image falls into one of two categories: a vector image, and a raster image. If a designer has asked you for a vector image, it’s probably because they need something scalable. Most often, they’ll need your logo as a vector. Even if you have a large jpg of your logo, it’s necessary to have a vector that can be scaled to any size. Print jobs are done at a minimum of 300 dpi, which means a 300 pixel wide jpg is only going to be an inch wide. Higher end print jobs are done at 450 or 600 dpi, meaning your 300 pixel jpg might only be half an inch wide, and if it’s not a vector, scaling it larger will result in a pixelated image and an overall decrease in quality.

What files are vectors/can be vectors DEFINITELY NOT A VECTOR .jpg, .png, .tiff, .gif, .bmp, .exif COULD BE A VECTOR .pdf PROBABLY A VECTOR .eps, .ai, .cdr

Drawing with vectors and painting with pixels Pixels vs Vectors Raster images are made of pixels. A pixel is a single point or the smallest single element in a display device. If you zoom in to a raster image you may start to see a lot of little tiny squares. Vector images are mathematical calculations from one point to another that form lines and shapes. If you zoom into a vector graphic it will always look the same.

Raster & Vector Summary • Mathematical calculations that form shapes • Vector programs best for creating logos, drawings and illustrations, technical drawings. For images that will be applied to physical products. • Can be scaled to any size without losing quality • Resolution-independent: Can be printed at any size/resolution • A large dimension vector graphic maintains a small file size • Number of colors can be easily increased or reduced to adjust printing budget • Vector art can be used for many processes and easily rasterized to be used for all processes • Can be easily converted to raster • It is not the best format for continuous tone images with blends of color or to edit photographs • Common vector graphic file format: ai, cdr, svg, and eps & pdfs originating from vector programs • Common vector programs: drawing programs such as Illustrator, CorelDraw, Inkscape (free)

Raster & Vector Summary Raster (Bitmap) • Pixel-based • Raster programs best for editing photos and creating continuous tone images with soft color blends • Do not scale up optimally - Image must be created/scanned at the desired usage size or larger • Large dimensions & detailed images equal large file size • It is more difficult to print raster images using a limited amount of spot colors • Some processes cannot use raster formats • Depending on the complexity of the image, conversion to vector may be time consuming • Raster images are the most common image format, including: jpg, gif, png, tif, bmp, psd, eps and pdfs originating from raster programs • Common raster programs: photo editing / paint programs such as Photoshop & Paint Shop, GIMP (free)

Vectors are easier to colour Double clicking on the letter you wish to colour weather it is one solid colour or a gradient

Drawing around objects With the pen tool draw around the object This is the outline You can colour the image any way you please The cheeks can be circles The eyes can be circles The nose and mouth can be circles. The tools you will need is the circle tool, minus pen tool, plus pen tool and your white arrow

It is to colour in your vector This may not be everyone's type of cartoon but it is made up of basic shapes for easy design

Red car vector Using the pen tool to make your vector

Make your own vector Add your own interpretations

bibliography http://vector-conversions.com/vectorizing/raster_vs_vector.html