HELP! Trek Decal Creation using Vectoring Software

[CaptainHawk1]

For years, I've been purchasing some great aftermarket decals from many different sources and I've always wanted to create my own and since I'm in the process of starting up a model building services business, the issue has come up for me again.

When I have asked people questions in the past on how to create Trek decals on the computer the only answer I ever get is "Vectoring Software" with no other explanation. It seems like a State secret that no one wants to reveal.

Until today, I didn't even know what vectoring software was and I consider myself pretty computer savvy. As far as I understand Adobe Fireworks (which I have) is vectoring software.

So, here's the questions: How do you use vectoring software to create pennant, registry and detail decals, can Fireworks be used for this and if not, are here any low cost or free vectoring software programs available?

I could use Photoshop to create basic registry numbers and names but I'd like to expand beyond that.

Thanks in advance for the help.

-Shawn

 

[skylark]

Adobe Illustrator is a popular program used to create vector-based graphics and symbols. It's not cheap, but it is used by many industry professionals.

Vector graphics are stored as computer code that specifies X-Y coordinates of points and uses those points to define lines between the points. Additional code allows for those points to define curves, areas, and type paths. It can be an extremely powerful tool, and offers certain advantages over traditional bitmapped graphics.

One advantage is that vector images can be scaled up or down with virtually no loss of quality, and they lend themselves to CAD-based output like digital sign vinyl cutters. Vector graphics also lend themselves more readily to editing such things as line weight and the shapes of curves.

 

[Rattrap]

If you want yo try out the technique without spending a ton of cash, take a look at the open source software Inkscape. It works with Windows, OSX and Linux, and it has most of the capabilities of Illustrator. It will let you determine if you really want to take the plunge, since some people never quite seem to wrap their brains around vector graphics, which have a steep learning curve, at best.

If you decide to take the plunge, then Adobe Illustrator is the way to go, as it's pretty much the industry standard.

 

[Just_Bob]

If you want yo try out the technique without spending a ton of cash, take a look at the open source software Inkscape. It works with Windows, OSX and Linux, and it has most of the capabilities of Illustrator. It will let you determine if you really want to take the plunge, since some people never quite seem to wrap their brains around vector graphics, which have a steep learning curve, at best.

If you decide to take the plunge, then Adobe Illustrator is the way to go, as it's pretty much the industry standard.

Excellent suggestion, Rattrap!

Inkscape, CaptainHawk1, is the best introduction to vector-based graphics design that you will find, imho. It's a good first step but, as Rattrap stated, there is quite the learning curve. I started out with Inkscape before moving on to Illustrator, the transition was nearly painless.