Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Vector Graphics Software for Designers

Career Center - by Carie Bishop

Whether you’re a designer, graphics artist, animator, multi-media web creator, or visual arts student, you’ll find it to your advantage to make good friends with vector graphics software. Your professors and instructors should introduce you to vector concepts and the computer programs that bring them to life.

There are two major graphics display formats used in the industries: vector and raster. Raster objects are created in pixels, the tiny dots that assemble the image. The disadvantage in raster images is that they lose clarity and take up too much disc space when enlarged. Vector objects, on the other hand, are created of geometrical shapes and lines that are “scalable” — easy to manipulate to any size without compromising quality.

Vector graphics software typically displays in an interface that allows you to create and manipulate shapes using proprietary mathematical formulas. The programs vary greatly by price, by the number and complexity of tools, and by the speed of operation.

Here are several popular vector graphics programs to consider, without endorsement:

Adobe Illustrator. Comes with pre-set templates and palates. Integrates with other software to create digital, print, and multimedia graphics.

AutoCAD. Employs dynamic blocks to create 2D and 3D images and illustrations for commercial use as well as for manufacturing and architectural projects.

CorelDraw & CorelTrace. Illustration software that is flexible enough for business or personal use.

Inkscape (Formerly Sodipodi). Freeware illustration software that creates, manipulates, and styles objects.

Macromedia Flash. Animation software for motion graphics, Web, and multimedia presentations.

Macromedia Freehand. Design tool for multiple image, multi-page projects and storyboards.

Serif DrawPlus. Fully featured program with easy-to-use effects for graphics and illustrations.

Xara X. Well regarded and considered as a fast and flexible illustration and drawing software for the Web, print, and animation.

Relevant Links

Graphic Design Schools

Top Graphic Design Schools

Recommended Graphic Design Schools

	The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division Develop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class. Because you're always on the go, we offer education to go wherever you connect to the Internet. While we meet the demands of your busy lifestyle, our online degree and diploma programs go even further by embracing the standards of excellence long held by The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and The Art Institutes system of schools backed by an over 85-year commitment to academic excellence. Learn from the leader in online creative arts education.
	The Art Institutes Have you imagined yourself in a school where creativity is nourished and stimulated? Students like you who are interested in design schools belong at The Art Institutes system of schools. We recognize your passion and provide you with the education you'll need to bring your vision to life. The Art Institutes system of schools stands out among other design schools because we are dedicated to your success. We offer associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs.
	International Academy of Design & Technology Online Since 1984, the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa has been a creative haven for students wishing to pursue career-focused degree programs in a broad range of fields, including Fashion Design and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Interior Design, Digital Photography, Digital Production, Computer Animation, Recording Arts, and many others. The Academy has experienced rapid growth and in 2005 moved its primary facility to a sleekly modern, technologically advanced campus.