I’ve been asked how I create my vector graphics. Let me say first of all that they are NOT automatically generated by software. I first import a photo into CorelDraw (my own photos in almost all cases … although I have used the occasional photo supplied by other people). I then use Corel’s drawing tools and my Wacom stylus and drawing tablet to draw over the photo, choosing where to start and end each line or curve. Each element of the face is drawn separately. The hair might be drawn first, then the eyes, which are usually built up from different-sized circles (for iris, pupil and highlights). I draw the shapes of the whites of the eyes and use these shapes to trim the circles of the pupils. I draw the outline of the face, often with a highlighted area to give a little depth, and send these shapes to the back, so they don’t obsure the eyes. Then the nostrils and mouth/lips/teeth (but not necessarily in that order). The neck and clothes are added. Sometimes I add shadows to the clothes to show creases and folds. I often add a bold outline to the figure to make them stand out from the background. A lot of the backgrounds feature concentric circles which I’ve distorted using the perspective tool. The colouring is the final stage, and I play around with different combinations until I’m happy with the results, and even then I might make late changes and upload new versions to RedBubble. It’s much more enjoyable than using some automatic filter or plug-in, and I can be satisfied that the final images are the result of my own creativity.
Here is if the wind changes as it looks in wireframe view …
Helen Chierego
Matt, thank you for revealing your vector art workflow. I can tell just by looking that it isn’t a one click filter or plugin. Your attention to detail especially the eyes makes your vectors outstanding. The subject matter and titles are so original and humorous. They put a smile on my face.
Murray Swift
This series is an excellent sample of quality vector art. If anyone using Adobe Illustrator wants a tutorial you can check this out=
bchrisdesigns
Yeah, Matt, I always could tell that it was NOT a filter. Some people think that about my I Love Sushi too, but it is a vector not a filter. Great tutorial here!
bchrisdesigns
Murray, that is an excellent Illustrator Tutorial, too! That is what I use, so I am adding that link to my favorites!
Matt Mawson
Thanks for the link to the tutorial, Murray. Rodny Mella does some terrific work.
Steven Guy
Thanks for the lesson Matt.
Liz Spittall
Wow Matt, a very long involved process, I never realised! Good of you to share the technique.
Karin Taylor
this is fantastic Matt…wonderful how you do it…!!
thx so much for sharing this with the whole community!
I have Photoshop, but not a good enough grasp on it to be able to do such things with vector
I will have to work on my skills i think…but i just love what you do…and so happy to know how you do it…and think it’s so cool that you go to all that work, and it’s not just generated by the computer!!
Martilena
Thanks for sharing this….... never tried this technique…..yet….... but now I will…...:)
Tracey-Anne Pryke
thanks for this