Vector graphics vs. pencil 'n' paper
 

So I finally downloaded a free trial of a vector graphics drawing thing (Mayura) to give it a try. Giant Hamburger suggested it to me a long time ago and I finally got around to it last night. This morning I copied the old "mouse-dude" from long ago to see how they compare.

I like the cleanness of the vector, and it was a LOT better than MSpaint. But there's still something about the scanned-pencil-colored-in-photo-software version that has a certain appeal.

Whatcha t'ink?

I think the head could use more detail.. if you could give it more detail, I think that would push it past the pencil drawing. The body is great, but could also use more light shading.

of course it depends on your ultimate goal, but i still hold that nothing beats the ol pencil and paper for personality. if you want clean, vector's the way to go of course.

that said, i like both of the mice, vermin.

The vector one looks kinda sad. But I agree with Hal, More detail on the head

Pencil all the way.

If you have drawing skills, use them. Making vector graphics is easier than actually drawing something.

I agree that the head needs more detail. Part of the appeal of vector graphics was that I thought it would be quicker and easier and the results would look professional-ish. Turns out that the pencil sketch took about 10 minutes and then another 5 to color with photo re-touching software. The vector thing took almost two hours, and modifiying it to add detail to the head would probably take another 30-45 minutes. Unfortunately, my scanner doesn't work so I haven't been able to submit things for the weekly activity unless I re-draw. The digital camera takes lousy pics of pencil drawings.

You did a great job on the pants on the vector vermin.

nice job vermin.........they look good.

you plan on doin' any more to them?

I agree with you. The vector image is very clean but to me there is something about the human touch in drawing that transends the crispness of computer generated images. Even tablet drawn images do not seem to have the creative feel that pencil and paper have. Now maybe if Da Vinci did something with a computer or a tablet.

I still much prefer the look of pencil on paper over vector graphics. Why don't you give painting with brushes on the computer a try?

it takes alot more to draw those out, the paper and pencil drawings will allways get more respect from me

I did this a while back using brushes. I forgot what it's called, but the idea was to use the same stroke and vary the color to make the image. It also needs something in the left foreground for balance.

I really like the hand drawn one more. I would say that the hand drawn rat could easily be ona birthday card or soemthing.... the vector one doesn't have the same personal touch.

As a pencil user I say pencil all the way!

I disagree. I think it has the right amount of light/shadow as it is.

Given the choice of Pencil or vector graphics, I would have to choose pencil. But given the choice between pencil and using a tablet, I really like using a table. You get the ease of drawing of a pencil, with the benefit of layers and quick undo, yet have the freedon of a pencil. I don't claim to be an artist, but I toy with the technology used for such endeavors... Here is a quick, ok very rough, drawing of you mouse head using a tablet.

And you can always hit the pic with a filter to soften it up...