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.

1. Create your Vector Graphic

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

  • The size is to be no bigger than A4 and needs to use CMYK colour (so we can print)

  • Use a range of tools and techniques to create your character as a vector graphic

  • 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)

At this point you can then use your vector design on a variety of outcomes.... Have fun!

2. Create Stickers

Now you have your saved final image you can make a sticker sheet!

  • Still in your Inkscape (or Illustrator) character file and SAVE AS (to make a copy) and add stickers to the file name

  • Make sure your document is A4 and CMYK colour

  • You can select all your character and group to make the next steps easier

  • Make copies of your character and place around the page. You want to use as much of the space as possible so we are not wasting the sticker paper. You can adjust the sizes make smaller of bigger ones and if you have time you could adjust each image to look slightly different - like the examples below.

  • Once completed you need to make sure it is saved and then export your file as a PDF by clicking File > Save a Copy and select the PDF option (this compresses it to make it easier to print) and save this to your Personal Drive or USB

  • Put your exported PDF into:

Teacher to insert link of where students should submit to

  • Teachers will print your stickers (yellow side up in tray 5). Detailed Instructions for printing Stickers in Inkscape

FURTHER RESOURCES

Understanding how to use the pen tool - great as a lesson starter

Develop your Pen tool skills using these games:

Drawing a penguin to learn Inkscape

u/broncostarr on Reddit