Tutorial for vectorizing drawn logo design?

[Domaz]

I just started with creating logo's and i'm really good with the pencil but less good with a pc so i have no knowledge on how to start on illustrator for finishing what you started on the paper. I drawn out my logo design on the paper i have it scanned but now i need to vectorize it, and thats something i have no idea on how to begin with. Are there any links with tuturials explaining how to do this, cause i really want to learn...

[morea]

What program are you using? Adobe Illustrator? Corel Draw? Something else?

If it's illustrator, you might have some luck if you google "illustrator pen tool tutorial" (or even "illy pen tool tutorial").

Good luck! It does take practice to get used to the pen tool, but once you're comfortable with it, it will be much easier for you.

[urstwile]

I've always thought this (http://veerle.duoh.com/blog/comments/illustrator_pen_tool_exercises/) was a nice little tutorial for the pen tool in Illustrator. Click on the PDF link in her blog article for more in-depth explanations.

Good luck. :)

[Domaz]

Apreciate both for the links...thx again

[leocda]

Depending on your intention, you can also draw in paper, scan it and finally vectorize the bitmaped image using a vectorizer software.

Take a look at my page and you will have some idea about the results this aproach can give you.

[CkretAjint]

You can do that, but your lines will look like crap when blown up. Use the pen tool and do it right the first time around. :)

[leocda]

You can do that, but your lines will look like crap when blown up. Use the pen tool and do it right the first time around. :)

Well, I'm not sure about what you mean with "blow up" in this context.

Trying to guess what you mean, an explanation: the output of a vectorizer is so scalable as the Illustrator one. In both cases the "image" is internally represented by vectors/curves, what let you resize it as you want with smooth results.

[budafist]

You can do that, but your lines will look like crap when blown up. Use the pen tool and do it right the first time around. :)

True!

Unless you are going for the wonky hand drawn look, do it with the pen tool. You can draw, scan and trace over with the pen tool of course.

[CkretAjint]

Blow up = larger. You will notice the imperfection of auto trace when scaled up in size.

[Craig B]

Well, I'm not sure about what you mean with "blow up" in this context.

Trying to guess what you mean, an explanation: the output of a vectorizer is so scalable as the Illustrator one. In both cases the "image" is internally represented by vectors/curves, what let you resize it as you want with smooth results.

Well, since I'm not Ckret, I can't speak for him. But I'm assuming what he meant is when you use livetarce or some other software to vectorize raster artwork, the results are not always the cleanest. Curves are rarely as smooth as you intended and some of the line joints are rough. The bottom line is for the best control and for the much needed experience the OP should really use the pen tool and get comfortable with it.

In some cases, even starting with something like livetrace, it's more timely to fix the results than to just have drawn it with the pen tool from the start.

[leocda]

Well, good vectorizers can use math enough to keep all the master curves smooth in ANY resolution. Some minor "mistakes" are easy to correct. It's much less work than draw all of it.

All people usually are very addicted to the ways they are used to. Usually the way we do is always more confortable for us. What is the less work? correct as pos-processing or draw everything? I'm s

[budafist]

Well, good vectorizers can use math enough to keep all the master curves smooth in ANY resolution. Some minor "mistakes" are easy to correct. It's much less work than draw all of it.

Well, I've only ever used Livetrace and it is not faster to livetrace an image and then fix every curve/point. It's faster to pen tool it.

The more you use the pen tool, the faster you get. I'm sure it eventually gets to a point you can't get any faster but I haven't reached that point yet. If you avoid using the proper tool for the job, you won't get any better at it.

[Craig B]

Apparently I'm not a good vectorizer and I'm an addict.

It's not a matter of comfort, it's really quite simple. I can either let the computer make a fairly educated guess or I can have absolute control over the outcome.

[leocda]

Well, good vectorizers can use math enough to keep all the master curves smooth in ANY resolution. Some minor "mistakes" are easy to correct. It's much less work than draw all of it.

All people usually are very addicted to the ways they are used to do tasks. Usually the way we do is always more confortable and "the best" for us. What is less work? Correct as pos-processing or draw everything? It depends on the level of detail you need.

Maybe all of you don't have used a good vectorizer or have drawed very very detailed figures. Despite this, I'm sure the guy asking is not addicted to any solution, so he should be presented to all nice possibilities. ;o)

[leocda]

Wow ... I don't know why the forum software made this to my post ...

My excuses for all of you, but I'm sure I made only ONE post.

[Craig B]

What is a good vectorizer in your opinion?

Most vectorizers do okay for highly angular shapes, but anything with lots of detail or curves is hopeless without a lot of additional work.

[leocda]

Ok, ok, guys !!!

The math will never defeat the man's criativity.

I'm going to keep making my vectorizer, but now I know it will be useful just for "non professional designers". :oP

[PrintDriver]

Leocda is looking like a spammer for a blog that is interested in drawing tool algorithms. Be careful how far you push this.

[PanToshi]

I will cease participation then... thanks PD

[longboy]

Why not make it smooth and right the first time, using the appropriate pen tool?
:confused:

</thread>

::edit:: PT edited his post :)

[CkretAjint]

Sometimes all you need is a quick fix for an image. But I wouldn't consider a auto-traced logo/graphic to be very professional...

[budafist]

Ok, vectoriser is acceptable for a quick fix for a client that can't give you a proper logo but needs it blown up asap for a print job. I've done that. But I wouldn't do it for a repeat job. Cheap and nasties only!

[PrintDriver]

I was speaking to the blogger.

[CkretAjint]

I did a quick little study on my logo. I raster-ized it at 15" x 15" (nice and large). Then I live traced it with the best settings I could come up with for it. These were the results:

Side-by-side; purple is the original, while black is the live traced.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2608224575_22c24bd8c2_o.png
Look at the MANY extra points (58 points compared to 94 points).

Details up close; magenta is original, black is live traced.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2608224579_58d010ef24.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2608224585_a14f4c0475.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2608224589_aac4a0e8d2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2608224595_72103a0045.jpg

See how having this cut out in vinyl could make it look VERY ugly and half-a**ed plastered on the side of your vehicle? on a flyer? back of a tshirt?

Quick fix? Sure. Permanent solution? I wouldn't cross the line.

[Danger_Mouse]

I haven't been satisfied by any live trace program yet that out does the pen tool. (but I'm not making love to it either).


I'm curious what software the OP is using to vectorize. And an example of your math formula too would be great.


* ^^ good example Ckret...notice the pen tools node count? nice and low.

[CkretAjint]

notice the pen tools node count? nice and low.

Indeed. Results in a nice small file size too, especially on more complex graphics!

[Craig B]

Amen to that Ckret.

[WannaBrie]

The OP's sig has his blog posted which has his "vectorizer" on it. PD was right.