Turning JPEG & PNG into Workable Files | Illustrator

The question always comes up, “Can you recreate this?”. As Illustrators and Designers know too well, digitally recreating an image is no easy task. The process of doing this is called “vectoring an image”. This is not only for images but for anything that is illustrated and made into multiple variances.

Imagine a client walks in and hands over files they want printed on a large banner. When the file opens, it is a gut-wrenching 72dpi resolution JPEG. This will not work for such a large print space. Printing a JPEG file with that resolution will result in a blurry or “fuzzy” quality. The only way to make it work is to vectorize the image.

Why Use Vector Illustration?

To vector is to create workable paths that can be modified and manipulated in a multitude of ways. Vector illustration is fully flexible, allowing the artist to create, or recreate, anything without losing quality or integrity of the piece. Vectoring also allows a piece to be infinitely scaled, like in the previous example, which gives the client or illustrator more flexibility with the use of the artwork. Vectoring is a highly useful skill with small and large format print production pieces of work. No one wants a blurry and jagged-looking piece of artwork when it’s supposed to be fluid and full of intricate color.

How Does One Vector an Image?

There are a few things to consider when vectoring an image. These should be taken into account before any work is done to a piece or recreation of a piece. The answer to these questions will determine how the image is vectored.

A fluid and soft piece should not have harsh or sharp endpoints or stark colors. The color model is integral to the piece. The color gives a piece it’s tone and determines how well it will print. Whether the piece needs to be printed or remain in a digital space should be discussed early on. This determines if the illustrator will use the CMYK or RGB color model.

In order to vector, one has to be familiar and comfortable using the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator (if this is your program of choice). The Pen Tool is the most widely used tool when it comes to custom vector work. Once the Pen Tool is selected, the image can then be vectored by placing endpoints on the artboard along the image to create the shape.

Consider the Design Principles when vectoring a piece, especially if it’s an originaal piece. This will aid with persepctive and the overall composition of the artwork. Once all the points are laid and made into complete shapes, the image is considered vectored. All paths are workable and can be altered by a few clicks. After vectoring the image is complete, color comes next along with the rest of the Elements of Design.

Vectoring is an extremely useful skill for any digital artist. Anyone who wants their work made into art prints of various sizes and aspect ratios needs to have this skill. Clients will also require this skill for exclusive, custom work. The ability to vector an image or graphic will no longer be daunting from clients asking for a recreation or resizing of work.