2 Replies Latest reply: Sep 28, 2014 4:39 PM by jdanek RSS

    How to creating a large sign with person's photo in illustrator? Please Help!

    bflemi5 Community Member
    bflemi5 Sep 25, 2014 8:12 PM

      Firstly, I'm very new to illustrator. I always use photoshop for everything but the company my person is using is only asking for it in vector. I'm creating a 4x8 ft sign. It contains text, a logo, and a picture of the person that it's for (like a billboard). Speaking with the printing company that the person is using they wanted it in vector/ .eps format. His photo into a vector but I'm afraid when printed he'll look like a cartoon.  I've been searching all day and can only find videos of people tracing the photo into a vector. I tried copy and pasting his picture from photoshop however it won't paste it or won't save it. I'm totally lost, I really need help and I really would appreciate the insight. Is there a way that I can use his photo or do I have to make it a vector? Will it come out realistic as a vector?

       

      Thanks in advance,

      -Newbie

        • 1. Re: How to creating a large sign with person's photo in illustrator? Please Help!
          OldBob1957 Community Member
          OldBob1957 Sep 26, 2014 5:38 AM (in response to bflemi5)

          There is no way that I know of to turn a photo into vector without it looking at least a bit like a cartoon.

           

          More importantly; how is this being used? if it is being cut (vinyl or dimensional) then using a photo makes no sense. If it is being printed, then the person you are creating this for needs to find another printing company -- one who knows what they are doing. Seriously.

           

          In either case; you will probably get more and better help in the Illustrator forum HERE.

           

          Good luck.

           

          --OB

          • 2. Re: How to creating a large sign with person's photo in illustrator? Please Help!
            jdanek Community Member
            jdanek Sep 28, 2014 4:39 PM (in response to bflemi5)

            This sounds like a bit of miscommunication from the printer.  They are requesting a vector .eps file, but a vector .eps file can contain a raster image and still be vector based.  Without getting too technical, suffice it to say as long as you do not rasterize the .eps vector file, it is still considered vector eventhough it contains a raster file ( the picture ).  The challenge for you is sizing the image to the final size.  Do not copy and paste the pic.  Use Illustrator's "Place" ( File > Place ) command.  Also, use an image resolution that is appropriate for the output device.  For large format, you only need around 100-144ppi.