Introduction: Create Your Own Illustrations (Vector Graphic)

What is a vector image?

A vector image is a 2D digital image that is often used in graphic design, and usually involves bold, striking colors like logos and printed graphics. A vector image can be one of several different file types, most commonly an EPS, SVG, AI or PDF. (R. Mera,coreldraw.com)

  • Vector images are great because they can be reshaped without the loss of quality.
  • Can be recreated or edited in illustration software
  • Used for multiple projects
  • Great for Logos and branding
Disclaimer!

There are two types of copyright disclaimers:

  1. Copyright disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act: This disclaimer appears on content (commonly YouTube videos) that uses someone else’s copyrighted content. Including this statement of “fair use” helps protect against copyright infringement claims.
  2. Original work copyright disclaimer: This disclaimer can be used on blogs, websites, images, videos, music, and even social media to establish your ownership over original content. Having this statement helps protect your work against theft. (K. Dearie, termly.io)


Supplies

  • Computer Access (Mac/Windows)
  • Software Access (Can be purchased as software, online, or subscription) (techjockey.com)
  • Adobe Illustrator($20/m:$240/yr) (Adobe.com)
  • (For this tutorial we will be using Adobe Illustrator)
  • CorelDRAW ($20/m:$250/yr:$500one-time)(CorelDRAW.com)
  • Inkscape (FREE) (Inkscape.org)
  • Affinity Designer ($55/one-time) (Affinity.serif.com)
  • Gravit Designer ($100/yr) (designer.io)
  • Images/graphics

Step 1: Select Layout

To begin the tutorial select the letter layout for the dimensions. (Make sure "inches" is set for measurements)

When selecting a layout we must consider the dimensions and measurements that will be used, the purpose of the image, and the type of files you use or create.

Common vector files will include:

  • Adobe Illustrator(.AI)
  • Encapsulated Postscript(.EPS)
  • Scalable Vector graphics(.SVG)

It is important that our image is a proper vector file as this will allow us to resize the image without loss of quality.

Step 2: Place Template

For this tutorial, we will be using a PDF of the BGSU logo.

To begin go to "File" and then "Place". From the pop-up menu, we select our PDF file

Once the file is on the page center adjust the image to your liking.

To begin creating our own Image we must make our template from the current PDF

To do this go to the layers menu on the right side of the window. Double click on Layer1(Should be the only layer). As shown from figure2 this menu will appear to make sure the template is selected and click OK.

The BG Logo should have become transparent and should be unable to edit or move.

Step 3: Adding Layers

In our next step, we will be adding a layer for each color for the logo, plus one additional orange layer. (5 total)

Begin by clicking the "new layer" button in the layer menu 4 times creating your color layers. Name each layer the four colors in the order shown from the second image.

From here we must assign the color to each layer.

To start, press "m" on the keyboard. This is the rectangle tool use this to make a square on each layer.

Now press"I" on the keyboard. This is the eyedropper tool. Select a rectangle and using the eyedropper tool select the appropriate color from the logo template (Dim image).

Step 4: Tracing Image

To create the vector file we will be tracing the current template to create our own unique design that we can shape and customize to our liking without losing the quality of the image. We will do this by using the "Pen" tool.

The Video provided will provide a quick tutorial on the pen tool:

Press "P" to select the pen tool. Starting with the orange layer we will trace the outline of the BG logo. The tracing process is very simple as Illustrator does most of the work for you as you click along the edges. After this select the eye icon next to the layer "orange" to hide this layer. (repeat this step for each layer)

Your results for each layer should be similar to the above images.

Add your last layer and name it "orange2" trace the orange markings on the falcon to finish your design.

Step 5: Create Your Vector File

Make any final adjustments to your design. As shown in the first image we can now rescale and recolor each part of our design.

To save your file as a ".ai file" go to "File" "Save as" and make sure the file type is selected as "Adobe Illustrator(.ai).

Congratulations your vector image is complete!

You can do this with any image and a variety of tools at your disposal with this powerful software.