Vector Graphics

It is a great skill to be able to create your own graphics.

Vector graphics are comprised of paths, which are defined by a start and end point, along with other points, curves, and angles along the way. A path can be a line, a square, a triangle, or a curvy shape.

Vector graphics provide high-quality, scalable images while conserving file size and bandwidth.

Vector graphics are unlike your raster graphics - JPEGs, GIFs, and BMP images - as these are made up of a grid of pixels.

The software you can use is either Inkscape (free) or Adobe Illustrator (paid license).

There are many uses for vector graphics; Advertising campaigns; Animations; App or website interfaces; Illustrations and t-shirt designs; Brand collateral like logos and signage; Embroidery; Event promotions; Fonts; Hard copy printing (clothing, paper, etc.); Infographics; Landing pages; Magazine covers; Mobile apps; Presentations; Products and merchandise; etc.

Learning Inkscape

Inkscape Quickstart

In this video IronEcho goes through everything you need to know about Inkscape.

Watch the video and try out some of his tips and tricks to get a really good understanding of this amazing vector graphics program.

Beginner Tutorials

Getting started

Tracing

Colour Pallets

Apply Your Knowlede

Task 1 - Create your Vector Graphic

You are to take your Final Character design idea and create on Inkscape or Illustrator

Set up an A4 size canvas and it should be use CMYK colour (so we can print)
Use a range of tools and techniques to create your character as a vector graphic
- DO NOT use the paint bucket tool to fill!!! If it is a whole shape then you should be able to 'fill' it with your colour of choice
You need to save your working file, named appropriately. Inkscape will be a .svg file and Illustrator .ai
Once completed you need to make sure it is saved and then export your image as an PNG (this allows your background to be transparent)