Inspiration: Vector Art
Vector art is created using graphics software programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop and Inkscape. The pen tool is used to create points, lines and curves which make up the final image. Vector graphics files store the lines, shapes and colours that make up an image as mathematical formulae so that images can be increased in size without becoming pixelated. It takes some practice to master the art of using the pen tool but a little patience and persistence can result in some wonderful illustrations:
As these examples demonstrate, vector graphics can be used to create all types of art, from basic logo designs to intricately illustrated scenes. There are hundreds of tutorials available on the web including:
- How to use Photoshop’s Pen Tool
- Draw A Realistic Vector Guitar in Inkscape
- Illustrator pen tool exercises
Related RedBubble Groups:
If you’re keen to give this a try and don’t have Photoshop or Illustrator, Inkscape is a great, free software program. Please feel free to post your favourite vector based images below or share your experiences if you’re a dab hand with the pen tool.
See here for instructions on how to post your images.
Esther van de ...
Thank you so much, They are fantastic examples. My daughter will like this too, I reckon. Will show her tomorrow. That is great !!
Matt Simner
Great to see such a great variety of vector samples here Nat (thx too :) – I’d probably suggest the International Superheroes of Illustration as another place to find great vectors…
strangelove
3 of your fine examples are not vector.
Diana-Lee Saville
Some of mine…I’m new to this T-Shirt vector thing after drawing freehand cartoon animals for years! I create mine in Illustrator. I also love making my own buttons and banners (for my groups I host). One of my fav hobbies!!!
Pip Gerard
absolutely sensational links!! (found some newies I’d never seen before to fave)
Nick Ford
Weird Fishes has always been a favourite of mine. Unbelievable vectorage! -Thanks for throwin one of mine in the mix!-
Matt Mawson
Very nice to see vector art highlighted (and thanks for including my “Clancy”). I’ve uploaded a video showing my vector drawing process.
butchart
always willing to try something new… thanks for the links and the inspiration to give it a go…...this is a great RB column…......b
catherine barn...
I agree with Matt – great to see Vector highlighted. I also use Illustrator to create these:
ab-type
i must get around to having a go at some of this stuff, i have a feelin’ i might just like it. hehe
thanks nat (aka, lil true inspiration). ♥
Colleen Milburn
Oh, how wonderful! I’ve always wondered how vector art is made – am off to check out the tutes! Thanks so much, Nat :))
Susie Peek-Swint
Thanks for this ~ vector art is still a mystery to me so I tend to avoid it.. I appreciate the links and will explore further now! cheers, susie
janniev
Lol, I’ve just about given up on the Pen Tool, it’s driven me up the wall, ‘round the twist and into the darkest corner I could find. I’ll check out your links, Nat, maybe one of them will save my waning sanity yet. Many thanks for the article, it’s a great read!
robpixaday
Just woke up, logged in, and found this…still half-aslepp…am favoriting without reading yet becasue I KNOW it’s going to be terrific!! I’ve tried vector whoosits haphazardly with mixed results…given up a couple of times…your post here is going to help sooooooooo much!!! I love these informational ones you do!!! For me it’s like going to art school…something I never did and always wished I had.
MANY thanks!!!
I’ll be back to read as soon as I can properly focus my eyes (and efter I’ve had some coffee!!)........(((((((happythankyouhugs))))))
Andrea Ida Rausch
Great!
Vectors are still a hidden riddle to me, haha, but I have often thought that I would like to know how to create them.
Are there any tutorials for creating them in Photo Impact?
DeviousLili
Awesome-sauce! Vectors rock. :D
Sanne Thijs
This is one of my first vector illustrations.
once you now how to work in vector there are so many doors that open up for you!
robpixaday
WONDERFUL!!!!!
Great links…this will help soooooooo much!!!
Here’s the second-ever vector drawing I did; made it a few months ago, but I had no clue what I was doing:
Thank you again for this post!
Silvia Ganora
I created this in Inkscape, real neat program. One of my very first attempts to vectors :)
Sylvia Gonzales
Thanks so much for all these sites & ideas, and the awesome examples!!!!!!!!!!!
Craig 'has a n...
Vector art gets me wet
Anne Hale
That is some incredible vector artwork. Here is some of my work:
!http://images-3.redbubble.net/img/clothing/bodycolor:asphalt/cropped/size:small/style:womens/view:main/3323154-3-cmyk-in-the-rain.jpg!
!http://images-1.redbubble.net/img/clothing/bodycolor:teal/size:small/style:mens/view:main/2914460-5-this-is-my-earth-too.jpg!
Anne Hale
Oops… not sure what happened here. :(
-Infinity-
Useful links there. Thx!
Rustyoldtown
I use DRAWPLUS X3 for my vector images, just starting out vectoring and you can really learn alot by reading tutorials and looking at the images above.
thickblackoutline
heaven! finally we see vector up in lights, we need to see more :)
Tania Rose
mmm…vector heaven….
robpixaday
Hi!
I’m so glad you gave us some tutorials…I need them!
Just did a journal entry on Inkscape, and why I need to learn more!!!!
Thank you soooooo much for these information posts!!!!
clarkey
Well, Nat, I finally time to play around with one of the tutorials you gave a link for . . .and, i think ypu’ve saved my sanity. I may just yet get thepen tool worked out, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time now. It’s going to take some time (mostly because i seriously lack patience) but, now that I have some really good tutes to work from, I’m crossing my fingers and hopeing I can find a load of patience somewhere. Many thanks again!