How do I create a specific vector image?

[EODK9]

I am a complete newbie. I just got Illustrator with the intention of creating a vector image. I am desperate to use an image I already have, or its likeness, and bought a conversion app to turn it to svg. I presented it to our graphics team and they said when one utilizes a conversion, it can have print issues and that the only acceptable way was if i created the image using shapes. I am completely lost, but hopeful. Could someone please help?

[Doug A Roberts · Accepted solution]

Just to be clear, the SVG you posted is the outcome you want?

I don't see why that couldn't be printed. Maybe you could put a silhouette behind it to pre-empt any issues with hairlines from abutting shapes, i.e.:

[EODK9]

Yes, this image, or its cariacture likeness is what I would like to acheive. I didn't think there were any reasons it could not be used as well, though I am completely unfamiliar with vector images, or any of their usage. 

I do not know how to do the silhouette option you suggested, or how to explain to this graphics lead, how it would ensure the file is appropriate. 

[Doug A Roberts]

Yes, this image, or its cariacture likeness is what I would like to acheive. I didn't think there were any reasons it could not be used as well, though I am completely unfamiliar with vector images, or any of their usage. 

I do not know how to do the silhouette option you suggested, or how to explain to this graphics lead, how it would ensure the file is appropriate. 

By @EODK9

Then you need to get a fuller explanation of why the file is inappropriate.

[Monika Gause]

I'm pretty sure they know what they are doing. They pretty well know that this will take you forever to do it. So before you even start drawing this in Illustrator, demand upfront payment or a guarantee that it will be used (whatever applied to your situation). 

Do you need this in a stylized reduced version or do you need this photorealistic? 

[EODK9]

It is for a site within an agency that I am an employee of. It seems to me that they just want me to use a generic image, but I am ademant that the logo include a version of the image I attached. I am just so confused as to why this svg file would be unusable from a print standpoint. The image will be used on websites as well as in flyers and brochures. 

I have no idea what I am doing, unfortunately and am in a trial period of illustrator. WHen I drop this SVG file into illustrator, it seems to be usable, made with shapes, and the edges are clean and not pixelated when zooming in!

[Monika Gause]

If this is used as a logo on a web site, then the browser needs to render it every time it's going to be displayed. It's much too complex for that purpose and probably also for the size it will be displayed in. And then also it will be transferred via the network every time someone opens the web site.

As for printing, it would depend on the printing. I would not expect issues with most run off the mill prints. But as soon as you wish something special (which could happen with logos), it might fail.

So you are looking for a stylized version of the dog, not the photorealism.

[EODK9]

yes, a stylized version of the dog. Stylized reduced I guess, now that you have explained it.

[EODK9]

Do you need this in a stylized reduced version or do you need this photorealistic? 

To answer this, I am completely open, so long as it keeps this photo's likeness. I have the original photograph, as well as a caricature jpg

[Monika Gause]

Any process will include drawing shapes.

The difference is how many shapes you need. The reduced version will need less shapes and more thinking.

The realistic version will need more shapes, more gradients, more meshes, more Illustrator knowledge.

There aren't a lot of tutorials bout that, because the process is long, and very repetitive.

You are looking for tutorials on:

photorealism

drawing

pen tool

pencil tool

gradients

freeform gradients

blends

transparency

brushes

color

For the stylized reduced version you could check out VonGlitschka's YouTube channel. Maybe he has something that gets you into the direction. Do not expect this to be finished within a day.

[EODK9]

The stylized reduced version would absolutely be acceptable. I will search
the tutorials and the information you provided. I appreciate your
feedback.

What could I generally expect to pay for this as a service to be completed
by a professional on my behalf?

If the converted SVG image I attached is not suitable, I believe I'm
outside of my ability.

[Monika Gause]

The rate for this would depend on several factors.

The contractor themselves would play a role (is this a world renowned designer or an upcoming student?)

Your region

The nature of the client

How fast you need this

The amount of factors that need to be considered in the design

Probably you can find someone who actually does it well on fiverr - maybe not

So I would expect this to be a couple hundred $ or € minimum (in case you are located in those regions).

You know that Illustrator has an autotrace function?

Set it to a low amount of colors and try again. Maybe you can use the result as the base for your own version?

[Tina_Irvine · Accepted solution]

@EODK9 Your svg looks fine for printing. I would convert it to CMYK and save a pdf as "press quality" before printing. I also like Doug's suggestion of adding a darker silhouette behind it in case there are any white spaces between the shapes where colour might be missing. One area that caught my eye was the white "crack" at the very bottom of the image (you can see a little empty triangle), but the silhouette behind it will hide any of this. If your image is printed small enough, chances are, any little white space won't even be noticeable anyway.

If you're just using the svg for brochures and flyers, there will be no problem with digital or offset printing (But first convert to CMYK, pdf).

As far as logos, I don't recommend using detailed illustrations as a logo. This is where you can also run into issues with various media (printability - such as embroidery, silk screen, letterpress, etc; and scalability/visibility).

If you want the colours more simplified, instead of using a conversion app that you purchased, you can take the original photo / jpg, and bring it into Illustrator. Click on your jpg image after placing in Illustrator. Then choose "Image Trace." Go to Window > Image Trace to view options, and play around with the selections . You can choose how detailed you'd like it. Once you're happy with the preview, you can expand the image to vector. However, your image should print fine as is, especially once converted to cmyk and saved as press quality.

Your svg is only 541 kb, which is an okay file size for web... but if you prefer to use a raster image (not a bunch of vector shapes), you can make it into a png - a single image with a transparent background - for web use. Only make the file dimensions as large as you need it to be, as scaling up will lose quality in raster images.

[EODK9]

Thank you for all that information! 

[EODK9]

Thank you all for your replies.  Everything was incredibly helpful.  I did end up reaching out for help and a gentleman created a fantastic vector for me to use.  I think it's going to be approved and utilized any day now.