Photography & Vector Graphics – FAQs for Creators, Designers & Clients

Photography & Vector Graphics – FAQs for Creators, Designers & Clients

VECTOR GRAPHICS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

❓ What are vector graphics?

Answer:
Vector graphics are digital images created using mathematical paths instead of pixels. This means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality — ideal for logos, illustrations, icons, and print-ready designs.

❓ What file formats are used for vector graphics?

Answer:
The most common vector file types include:

  • .AI (Adobe Illustrator)

  • .SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics – web-friendly)

  • .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

  • .PDF (if saved in vector format)

  •  Note: PNG and JPG are not vector files — they’re raster/pixel-based.

❓ When should I use a vector vs. raster image?

Answer:
Use vector graphics when:

  • You need clean, scalable designs like logos or icons.

  • You're working with line art or flat illustrations.

  • You want to easily change colors or shapes in the design.

Use photography or raster when:

  • You're editing detailed images like photos or textures.

  • You need pixel-based effects (like blurring or shading).

❓ Can I turn a photo into a vector?

Answer:
Yes! This process is called vectorization. You can:

  • Use Adobe Illustrator’s Image Trace tool.

  • Manually trace the photo with the Pen Tool for more control.

  • Hire a designer (like us!) to create clean, scalable vector artwork from your image.

❓ What software is best for creating vector graphics?

Answer:
Top options include:

  • Adobe Illustrator (industry standard)

  • CorelDRAW

  • Affinity Designer

  • Inkscape (free and open-source)

📷 PHOTOGRAPHY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

❓ What’s the difference between RAW and JPEG?

Answer:

  • RAW: Uncompressed image data with the most editing flexibility.

  • JPEG: Compressed, smaller file ready for sharing or printing but with some quality loss.

RAW is ideal for professional editing, while JPEG is great for quick use.

❓ What resolution do I need for print?

Answer:
For high-quality prints, use:

  • 300 DPI (dots per inch) or more.

  • Photo dimensions of at least 2500–3000 pixels on the long edge for standard prints.

❓ Can I use stock photos for my business?

Answer:
Yes — but check the license. Stock photos typically come with:

  • Royalty-free licenses (good for websites, ads, etc.)

  • Extended/commercial licenses (required for products, merchandise, etc.)

Always read the terms! Some licenses don’t allow logo or resale use.

❓ What’s the best file format for online use?

Answer:

  • JPEG: Great for photos with small file size.

  • PNG: Best for images with transparency.

  • WebP: Newer format with better compression and quality balance.

❓ Can I edit a photo to look like a vector?

Answer:
Yes! You can apply posterize, cutout, or illustrative effects in Photoshop or use apps like Vectornator or Illustrator to simulate vector-like visuals.

🔄 How Do Photography and Vector Art Work Together?

Many modern designs combine both! For example:

  • A product photo can be paired with vector icons or overlays.

  • A logo may be vector-based but placed over a photo background in a poster.

👨💻 Bonus Tip from a Pro

"In our studio, we often create vector logos for custom shirts, then pair them with bright, fun photography for online listings. This gives customers the best of both worlds — clean design and real-life context."

✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you're commissioning artwork, designing merch, or building your brand — knowing the difference between photography and vector graphics is crucial.

Need help with:

  • Custom vector logo designs?

  • Photo-to-vector conversions?

  • Editing product photography for shirts or merch?

👉 We do it all. Let’s bring your vision to life — beautifully and professionally.

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