[pat]

My first proper attempt at "trend-whore" vector illustrations, reckoned it had to be done:

[Narate]

Looks more like Live Trace

[pat]

Not sure what that is, i used the pen tool in Illustrator CS. There's not much skill in it i know, just was quite pleased with the outcome.

[liquidfusion]

Hmmm, i wouldn't say that vector illustrations are 'trendwhore'.

Trendwhore is a style, you know it when you see it.

[pgo]

I think he means that there are so many portfolios full of "illustrations" that consist of traced photographs.

Looks like good practice/learning for Illustrator, Pat.

[Dusteh]

Yeah they do feel a bit livetracey, not that I am saying they are. In order to get away from that use gradients and smoother joins between the flesh tones.

[pat]

OK, but whats live trace?

Also, i was going for something less realistic, bit different. But if i decide to take up vectoring, i'll use gradients

[pgo]

Live trace does exactly what you're doing - only without all the work. I believe it was added in CS2.

[Dusteh]

yeah, its in a drop down menu. Take a photo, click livetrace - image done.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Narate

Looks more like Live Trace

My thoughts exactly when I first seen them.

Mainly in Freehand, just click the trace tool - drag over the image and you have yourself a vector image. Only problem is, the fact that its so crap and looks awful and far too detailed. (dont use freehand myself, a friend showed me and i agree that its crap and always best to do it all by hand, even though it takes longer you get a better look when finished, if done correctly)

You have made it hard for yourself here pat, the vectors could be simplified, you have far too many shades and different colours which could of easily been done better and much quicker.

[pat]

mmm but i didn't want a clean cut look i wanted something that looked heavily...made i spose. I don't like most smooth looking vector illustrations. But cheers anyhow all.