About Vectors and Vector Graphics for Beginners

If you are a beginner in vector graphics and you are not a professional designer with an amazing knowledge of Illustrator, you may feel quite scared. Don’t be. Vectors, like sharks, are just misunderstood creatures.

Usually, it goes like this: you find the perfect image for your project, but the image is in vector format. You are trying to put together a brochure by the end of the day and want to use this particular picture.

But why can’t you choose the size of the image you need, like you did with other images? You don’t have time to figure out Adobe Illustrator. So what do you do?

You might feel like going back to the comfortable and familiar photographs, but before you do, listen to us. Vectors are amazing and can be worked with even in situations where JPEG is just useless. (To stay on topic, but for reference, sharks are the janitors of the sea, so they are very useful and amazing by nature).

Basic Questions About Vector Graphics on Stock

Here are some answers to the main questions, as well as comments we’ve heard from novice clients in vector graphics:

Why are stock files so expensive? How to choose a size?

The bad news is that vector files do not have a size selection option. The good news is that all vectors are sold in EPS format, which implies the possibility of choosing any size.

An image based on the power of mathematics can be printed in a huge size without losing quality. We evaluate each vector based on its complexity and composition, ranking the price from one to 60 credits.

What’s with this EPS from the stock? Give a proper image

We understand that not everyone likes working with EPS files, which is why we ask our authors to include a high-resolution JPEG preview with each vector file they upload to the stock.

If you prefer to use this format and do not need the additional capabilities of the EPS file, then you can safely use the JPEG.

Why can’t I open the stock file?

Since we offer files in two formats (EPS and JPEG), the vector download usually comes in a ZIP archive. If you have problems unzipping, the download may be problematic or erroneous.

Try downloading the file again; this may fix the error. Also, you will need specialized software to unzip it – it typically comes standard with most modern operating systems, but if your computer is a bit older, you might need programs like Winzip or Stuffit Expander.

If you still have issues or are unsure about the result, just call us, we can help.

Why not use the JPEG version?

It all sounds like there are more problems than benefits. I’m not going to make a billboard, so why can’t I just use the JPEG version?

You can. But the vector format actually has a lot more possibilities. Each element of the EPS file is on a separate layer, which simplifies the process of changing parts of the image or even removing them altogether.

For example, in this image (by the talented author Simonox), a frightened rabbit is running away from a mosquito. In the background, it’s snowing.

Let’s say you only need the rabbit.

There are many programs you can use to work with vectors, but we will use Adobe Illustrator in our example. We agree that Illustrator is complex, but what we will do here are basic options that even beginner designers can master, requiring just a little practice.

If Illustrator isn’t for you, try other popular vector programs, like Freehand and Corel Draw, at your service. This will slightly change your perception of our lesson, but we are confident that you will grasp the main direction.

First, we need to ensure that the green background is locked. Click on the empty cell next to this layer (look at the red arrow in the image above) – the lock indicates that the layer is locked and cannot be modified until you unlock it.

Then, using the selection/section tool, click and outline the cloud and mosquito.

As you can see, the mosquito consists of many elements. You can click on any of them to change or delete it, but for now, we are selecting everything – its nose, wings, and all its hairs.

Now press delete.

So now we have just the rabbit, running away from itself. Click and outline it to move, unlock, and delete the green background, save it as a JPEG or PNG, put it on your website, add “Happy Birthday” and print it – whatever you like.

With a bit of practice, you’ll find that with vectors, the world is your oyster. Or a rabbit. Or a shark.

Well, you get the idea!

Author: DrTal
Link to the original article: www.istockphoto.com/article_view.php?ID=1126