How do I redraw a logo to make it a vector?

[9S_2B_4Eva]

Complete newbie here. I recieved a png file of a logo which I want to animate in After Effects. I used the pen tool to trace the elements of the logo. The layer preview boxes show the only the path strokes. I hit "Release to Layers (Sequence)". I import this into AE with the composition option. I have all of the layers in AE but they are only of the path strokes/outlines.

How do I vectorize the logo? Is it more than just taking the pen tool and tracing the parts of the image? Am I better off just fighting with the designer to hand over the .ai file?

Thank you in advance.

[Monika Gause]

Please show.

It would make sense to ask the designer for the logo file.

Usually when you contract a designer with designing a logo, you should receive a vector file.

[jdanek]

"How do I vectorize the logo? Is it more than just taking the pen tool and tracing the parts of the image? Am I better off just fighting with the designer to hand over the .ai file?..."

It is vector artwork.  You said you traced the png using the pen tool.

Not sure why you would have to fight for the original file unless their is ownership rights involved.  Most people do not understand that when you hire a designer to create your logo, they own the copyright to that logo ( unless it was done under a work-for-hire agreement ).  If you want the original file, you may have to pay an additional licensing fee to produce a derivative "After Effects" animation.  Or, buy exclusive, non-binding license.  If whoever you are working for hasn't already done so.

[melissapiccone]

Use Image Trace in Illustrator - bring the png into Illustrator and the image trace option will be in the control panel or if you are CC2018, in the properties panel - you'll find a button. Always ask for the vector version.

jdanek - I don't really understand the concept of the comment above, if a designer designs a logo, they need to hand over the vector version so the client can actually use it in print. The logo is pretty worthless without the vector version.

[Theresa J · Accepted solution]

9S_2B_4Eva  wrote

I used the pen tool to trace the elements of the logo.

If you traced the logo with the pen tool, then you already created the vector art needed. If all you see is the outline of the shapes, then you just need to fill the shapes with a color. Here’s a help doc that explains how to give shapes fill and stroke colors How to paint with fills and strokes in Illustrator