Archive for the ‘Web Design’ Category
Vector graphics comprise one of the major groups of graphic types and are the basis of work for many web designers. Vector work is a kind of graphical format, with implications throughout the artistic and professional processes in web design and many other disciplines, from conception and editing to printing. Though some artists shy away from the use of vector graphics due to a greater degree of familiarity with the major alternative of bitmap or raster graphics, an increasing number of professionals are turning to this new format in order to take advantage of its many benefits both on-screen and on paper.
The basis of the vector graphic is mathematics. Unlike bitmap images, which are based on the arrangements and attributes of a collection of pixels, vector graphics rely on mathematical formulae to describe various shapes, points, and lines. Of course, one doesn’t have to be a mathematician to make use of vector graphics any more than one has to be a search engine optimization expert to produce quality illustrations (though of course a bit of SEO knowledge helps in any web-related endeavor). Artists can make use of any number of editing software programs specifically designated for vector graphics, such as Adobe Illustrator. Dedicated programs have a relatively simple and intuitive graphical user interface, allowing designers to directly manipulate the look and feel of vector graphics without becoming mired in the math.
Aside from the ease of use in editing vector graphics, the option to use this type of format has an array of benefits. The use of math in the determination of the visual quality of the image means that vector graphics are lossless; while other formats suffer mild to severe distortion when their size is changed, vector graphics maintain a clear resolution even at intense magnifications. This makes the format ideal for image creation in instances where size may be an issue down the line. Imagine creating a logo image for a high-profile firm in Austin Texas; upon delivery, you find that they love the logo, but that they want it much bigger. If you’ve created the graphic with vectors, you can simply resize or zoom in on the image and close the deal. But if you’ve used a different method to create the Austin TX logo, you’ll probably have to start all over again.
Vector graphics also come in handy when printing is involved; the smooth lines and shapes of this format allow for fluid, attractive prints whereas other graphic types can suffer from inconsistencies. In general, it’s wise to think of vector graphics as a “clean” way to produce artwork and design elements; for pieces like line art and other applications that depend on sharpness and clarity, vector graphics delivers a precision that’s difficult to achieve otherwise. If you haven’t dabbled with vector graphics, you can probably boost your artistic results, as well as your portfolio, with a bit of vector-focused practice.
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Austin, TX 78731
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