The key difference between pixel and vector based graphics is how the image is structured. Pixel based graphics are made up from lots of tiny physical squares (or ‘pixels’) where as vector graphics are mapped out using mathematical equations which calculate where the edges of the shapes sit in relation to one another.

As an example; fonts are always created using vectors so that the colours can be changed efficiently and the symbol can be easily scaled up to any size without losing quality. In contrast, digital photographs are always made up of pixels, which allows for a much more efficient blending of the colours as each physical pixel block can be coloured individually — rather than each shape being mapped out and filled with a gradient, as it would have to be if it were made up using vectors.

In a lot of cases, the format of a graphic can be identified quickly by it’s file extension — files ending in .AI or .EPS are vector based graphics, where as files ending in .JPG, .BMP or .PNG will always be pixel based graphics. There are some file extensions (such as .PDF) that overlap in this area  and the quickest way to check without access to graphics software is to zoom into the image as far as you can — if the image doesn’t lose quality then it is almost certainly a vector based graphic.

Vector vs Pixel illustrations

When speaking specifically about illustrations, both vector and pixel techniques are used and I often use a combination of both for my own work depending on how the image is going to be used and the style I am looking to achieve. There are pros and cons to both formats and it’s down to your illustrator to determine the best format for your project.

If the illustration is intended to be used as a web graphic, I always export the finished image as a pixel based graphic so that it’s compatible with the HTML code — but if the illustration is to be sent through to a sign maker to cut out of vinyl, then exporting the image in vector format is always advised as the machine can use the settings to map out the shapes before cutting.

In any case where the finished file needs to be supplied in pixel format, the choice between creating the illustration using vector or pixel techniques is purely down to the artist’s personal preference as vectors can be converted to pixels almost instantly, where as recreating a pixel based graphic in vector format can be a much more lengthy process.

When commissioning an illustration, forward planning is the key so it’s always worth mentioning how you hope to use the graphic in the future in order for your illustrator to create the work in the most efficiently scalable format for your project.

If you are looking for any advice on which format is the most suitable for your project, feel free to drop me an email.

Working closely with the jewelery designer’s ideas, I created the above character design — a girl named Pepper, with her pet bird named Mint.

The illustrations were then placed into the logo design (featured below) which we will go on to be used across all of their online and printed media.

It’s been a pleasure working alongside Pepper & Mint’s Boutique on this project, so I’m stoked that my design agency will be continuing to work with the store over the coming months to create a whole range of digital and print marketing materials. I’ll be unveiling more artwork featuring Pepper & Mint as the project unfolds, so keep an eye on the blog!

Hello and welcome to another round up of links to some of the creative goodness I’ve come across throughout the week. These regular ‘Favourites of the Week’ features include links to artworks, videos, events, projects and all sorts of creative stuff I’ve bookmarked along the way.

As always, if there’s anything you’d like to give me a heads up about for next week’s feature, feel free to tweet me @stina_jones or drop me an email with a link.

Exhibit // Cretin Invasion — facebook.com/events/342685589094258
Bristol’s Upfest Gallery are currently hosting an excellent exhibition featuring the collaborative works of 2011 Secret Wars winners, Squirl, Loch Ness and SPzero76. Their colorful, illustrative artworks will be on display until the 12th Feb and are well worth a look if you’re in the area next week.

Street Art // World’s Largest 3D Street Painting — londonlovesbusiness.com/news/city…
This week I came across a stunning 3D street painting from artist Joe Hill.  The monumental piece, which was created in London’s Canary Wharf district in November 2011, holds the title as the world’s largest and longest 3D street painting measuring at over 1000m squared.

Art // Recycled sculptures - koikoikoi.com/2010/04/sayakas-recycled-sculptures
Contemporary artist Sayaka Kajita Ganz, has created a series of gorgeous nature-inspired sculptures out of every-day discarded objects. Using everything from old spatulas to coat hangers, she positions together the objects beautifully resulting in some truly breathtaking pieces.

Crafts // Plush creatures by Alex Chiu — facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=155733…
I just love these cute and quirky plush creatures by US artist Alex Chiu.  These one of a kind, hand made pieces are available from Flock Shop’s Facebook page and seem to be going fast — if you’d like to snap one up, drop them a message!

It was far too cold to spend much time playing out in the snow this weekend, so I decided to spend my Sunday in the nice warm studio creating a cute Valentines themed illustration, to give away to one lucky winner on Facebook next Thursday.

This A5 piece was hand drawn onto high quality Somerset Velvet paper, with a little raised heart painted in acrylics. The artwork comes framed, ready to hang and would make a lovely Valentines gift for someone.

To enter, simply click here to visit the image on my Facebook page, then hit the ‘share’ button and post the image to your profile, before commenting on the image to let me know you’ve entered. If you share the image on multiple profiles, you receive additional entries into the draw.

All of the sharer’s names will be put into a hat on Thursday evening, with a winner chosen at random and announced on Facebook and Twitter. The winner will need to email me their postal address on Friday morning if they’d like their piece to be posted out on the same day, so it arrives just in time for the 14th February if you live in the UK.

Good luck and happy sharing! <3

Welcome to the first of a series of weekly blog posts featuring links to some of the creative goodness I’ve come across throughout the week. This regular round up will include links to videos, artworks, events, projects and all sorts of creative stuff I’ve bookmarked along the way.

If there’s anything you’d like to give me a heads up about for the next feature, feel free to tweet me @stina_jones or drop me an email with a link.

Video // The Drawn Identity — http://vimeo.com/34949020
The Drawn Identity is a documentary by Charlie Brown, all about the culture of drawing. This 20 min feature includes appearances from both Secret Wars and the wonderfully talented illustrators I’ve had the pleasure of working with through the Collab Nation project.

Venue // Kismet, Birmingham — https://www.facebook.com/kismetkotch
Kismet is a new café and arts hub located in the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham at club PST. The venue combines art, music and culture, all in one cosy cafe. If you’d like to pop along and see what it’s all about, the venue are holding a Winter Woolly Fundraiser tonight, with some tasty fondue and awesome live music lined up.

Blog // LLAM 2012 — http://llam2012.tumblr.com
My good friend Llam has started a Tumblr account for 2012, where she’s been be posting daily entries from her sketchbook diary. All of the entries have been drafted up onto found objects and scraps of paper, making the sketches all the more interesting. I’ve always thought of Llam as someone with a great eye for figurative illustration, so it’s no surprise that she’s been re-blogging some fantastic finds from across the web too.

Crafts // Odd Sox — https://www.facebook.com/oddsoxrox
I love these adorable little plush creatures by Odd Sox. Their grumpy faces and insane grins are coupled with some wonderfully weird characteristics that just ooze personality and charm. What’s more, each one of them has been hand crafted from ordinary socks!

Having well placed illustrations within the design can often add a unique and appealing edge, while having just the right impact on it’s target market. With so many great examples out there, I thought I’d put together a showcase focusing on some illustration based package designs that have inspired me recently.

The studio is back in full swing now after a lovely break for Christmas and New Year. First on the agenda was an illustration I created for issue 2 of the very awesome, DisColouring Book.

This unique colouring book is aimed at a wide audience from kids, to those of any age with an avid interest in art. It’s filled with original artwork from some of the hottest urban artists on the scene.

On her Facebook page, publisher Sophie Edwards says, “Colouring books have never been just about colouring in and keeping within the lines. They provide visual information and and can tell complex and beautiful stories stimulating your imagination. DisColouring Book takes this concept a step further, inviting you to draw outside the lines and add on your own ideas to the images, making yourself the story teller and going in any direction you choose.”

With the first issue fixed firmly on my Christmas shopping list — I was stoked to have been asked to appear in the second issue, which will be available for sale on the 14th February this year. You can purchase a copy for just £5.99 directly on the Facebook page and either keep it as a collectors item, or buy one to colour and collaborate with the artists featured.

I love getting involved in creative collaboration projects like this. If you have a project coming up that you think I can add to with some illustrations, please do contact me.

2011 has been a fun year for freelance projects.  It’s been a lot of hard work but rewarding none the less as there have been so many highlights to smile about as I make plans for 2012.

Some of the most memorable projects from this year include the Illustrations created for venues in Birmingham City Centre, my summer spent doodling on whiteboards with HTC Mobiles at UK festivals, the daily doodle projects and the increasingly fun Collaberation Nation projects I’ve been taking part in, plus many more character illustrations, web graphics and print designs created alongside some fantastic clients and collaborators. To see some of these projects, check out my portfolio page or browse the projects on my blog.

I really can’t thank everyone enough for all the commissions, support, collaborations and positive vibes this year — 2011 just wouldn’t have been the same without you all. If you’d like to work with me in 2012, please do contact me to arrange a chat!

Have a very merry New Year celebration everyone! x

24 Doodles ’til Christmas — Day # 24

24 Doodles ’til Christmas has been my daily drawing project for the holiday season. Think of it as a virtual advent calender, with a new hand-drawn seasonal doodle on my blog, every day for 24 days in the run up to Christmas.

This will be my last entry for the project and I’d like to say a big huge thank you to everyone who has followed the project and helped me spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Wishing you all a very merry weekend celebrating the holidays!

If you like this doodle, feel free to download the high-res artwork and incorporate it into your own hand made cards and gifts. I’d be interested to see how these doodles are used so please do tweet me with photos of your creations!

*This artwork is being offered as a free gift, purely for personal use. Please respect my terms of use by not using the illustrations commercially or reselling them in any way, without gaining my permission first.

24 Doodles ’til Christmas — Day # 23

24 Doodles ’til Christmas is my latest daily drawing project for the holiday season. Think of it as a virtual advent calender, with a new hand-drawn seasonal doodle on my blog, every day for 24 days in the run up to Christmas.

To catch all of them, be sure to add me on Facebook and Twitter where I’ll be sharing the doodles as soon as they’re published.

If you like this doodle, feel free to download the high-res artwork and incorporate it into your own hand made cards and gifts. I’d be interested to see how these doodles are used so please do tweet me with photos of your creations!

*This artwork is being offered as a free gift, purely for personal use. Please respect my terms of use by not using the illustrations commercially or reselling them in any way, without gaining my permission first.