Vector programs?

**Vay** · June 28th, 2011, 06:23 AM

So the two popular vector programs are adobe illustrator and CorelDRAW. I read that the purpose of vector programs is for designing print materials. Is that it? Is there nothing these programs can help for actually doing illustrations and concept art?

**Quofalcon** · June 29th, 2011, 03:18 AM

That's a good question. I never have used either Illustrator or DRAW before, and I have wondered the same. They sound like they'd be intended for illustration and art in some general cases huh?

**Jason Ross** · June 29th, 2011, 10:47 AM

I used them both extensively and can say that they do not mend into any concept art workflow that I can think of. However you can export vector files into sketchup pro which is kinda cool for making logos 3d. Vector art is more technical than artistic but you can also export paths from illustrator and open them up in photoshop.

**Black Spot** · June 30th, 2011, 05:07 PM

Have you tried DrawPlus? They have tons of brushes like chalk, ink etc and all vector.

**joeparis** · June 30th, 2011, 05:47 PM

I love vector artwork. The problem is that realistic images require more time and planning which is not really suited to the fast turnaround that concept work demands. You can produce stunning artwork very quickly with Illustrator, or whatever, but it usually involves stylisation and/or simplification; not something that is best suited to this type of work - but not impossible I would think.

**Ilaekae** · July 7th, 2011, 10:31 PM

Illustrator is one of the most powerful drawing engines ever created, and it's complete compatibility with PS is a dream. It's most laudable feature is that it allows art to be created that can be sized to literally any dimension that will allow reproduction. Reason? Vector is pure math, and this is what makes it the prime tool for the graphic arts and advertising industries.

I suggest that if you can, try to do some work in vector to see how it works, then think carefully about the fact that many things can be done in vector faster and better than in a raster app, then transported to raster for finishing. Anyone who does mech, architectural, armor/weapons and environmental design may be a bit shocked by how easy/fast the process can become.

It's a tool. Learn how to use it well, and you gain... Basically, what I'm saying is don't limit yourself to a "painterly" program just because everybody tells you vector is only for ad types.