What is vector art and what do I do with it?
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What is vector art? You want to make a t-shirt, the printer asks you for vector (.pdf or .eps or .ai) art, you give them a 1 inch .jpg or .png of your logo you pull off your website, and they say, X...wrong answer.
So what's the deal? Vector artwork is created in software like Adobe Illustrator and is made up of points instead of pixels (a photo has pixels). It uses math in some mysterious way that I could never begin to explain, because I'm not a math person. But when it is enlarged, or scaled, it is infinitely responsive, and won't lose it's sharpness. Try doing that with a jpg raster file and you will get a pixelated blurry mess most of the time.
This "Carousel of vectors" shows a design and how one piece of vector art:
Can be recolored easily and scaled
Is made up of, sometimes many, dots called points, and curves and lines to form the design.
And that vector file can be printed in different colors, and in this case white, to create this t-shirt design I did for the Madison Marching Band. You can see more designs here.
Why Is Vector Art Important for Your Business?
Professional Quality:
Vector files ensure your logo or design looks crisp and professional, no matter where it’s used—on business cards, billboards, or t-shirts. A pixelated logo can give the impression of an amateur brand, while vector art maintains your professional image.Versatility:
Vector art isn’t just for printing. It’s also essential for digital platforms where high-resolution graphics are needed, like social media, websites, and video overlays.Editable and Adaptable:
Need to update your branding? Change the color of your logo? Add or remove elements? With vector files, your designer can easily make edits without starting from scratch.
Vector Art vs. Raster Art: What’s the Difference?
Vector Art
File Formats: .ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg
Made of: Points, lines, and curves.
Best For: Logos, illustrations, typography, and large-scale designs.
Scalability: Infinite.
Raster Art
File Formats: .jpg, .png, .gif, .psd
Made of: Pixels.
Best For: Photos and detailed imagery.
Scalability: Limited—can become blurry when enlarged.
When Should You Use Vector Art?
Logos: Always create and save your logo as a vector file. It’s the foundation of your brand’s visual identity and needs to look perfect at every size.
Merchandise: Whether it’s apparel, mugs, or tote bags, printers often require vector files to ensure sharp and clear designs.
Signage: Large-scale printing for banners, posters, or vehicle wraps demands scalable graphics to avoid pixelation.
Illustrations: Custom icons, infographics, or technical drawings benefit from the flexibility of vector art.
Tips for Handling Vector Files
Work With a Professional Designer:
Creating vector art requires specialized tools and expertise. A designer ensures your files are properly formatted and ready for any application.Save Multiple Formats:
Always keep an original .ai or .eps file of your design. Additionally, ask your designer to provide other formats (like .png or .jpg) for everyday use.Label Files Clearly:
It’s easy to confuse raster and vector files. Use clear naming conventions to keep your files organized (e.g., “Logo_Vector.ai” or “Logo_Web.jpg”).
Need Help With Vector Art?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or need your existing design converted to a vector file, I can help. Let’s make sure your brand is ready for anything—sharp, scalable, and professional every time.
Need help creating vector art for your apparel, or applying your logo to various products? I can help- Request a consult today!
