Illustration Vs. Vector_ Definition, Key Differences, And The Best Use Cases

By exploring the world of digital art and design, this article aims to shed light on two primary forms – illustration and vector graphics. With illustration being the go-to option for hand-drawn designs and vector graphics being the preferred choice for logos and icons, we will also examine how these two forms can be combined using downloadable Procreate brushes.

In this piece, we will cover both forms’ definitions, key differences, best use cases, and the exciting possibility of combining them using downloadable Procreate brushes.

So, Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Explanation Of Illustration

An illustration visualizes a concept or idea created through drawing, painting, or digital means. It is mainly used in visual communication, advertising, and storytelling. You can use tools like Procreate for creating illustrations along with downloadable procreate brushes available online.

But, it also has several key characteristics that set it apart from other forms of art and design. Some of these characteristics are as follows:

Visual Storytelling
Unique style
Versatility
Flexibility
Timelessness

Explanation Of Vector Graphics

Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations that enable them to maintain quality regardless of size. This means that they can be scaled infinitely without any loss of quality.

However, they are widely used in creating design elements such as logos and icons, and they possess several distinctive characteristics.

Some of them are as follows:

Resolution-Independent
Scalability
Precision
Editable
Small File Size
Simplified graphics

Differences Between Illustration And Vector Graphics

Resolution

The most significant difference between illustration and vector graphics is how they handle resolution. Illustrations are raster images made up of pixels, so they are limited in their resolution.

Vector graphics, on the other hand, are made up of mathematical equations that describe lines and shapes, which means they can be scaled up or down without losing any resolution.

Scalability

As mentioned above, vector graphics are infinitely scalable without losing any resolution, which makes them ideal for designs that need to be resized frequently, such as logos or graphics for different screen sizes.

Illustrations, on the other hand, can become pixelated or blurry if they are resized too much.

File Size And Storage

Illustration files can become quite large, especially if they contain a lot of detail or are saved at high resolution. This can make them more challenging to store and share, especially if you are working with limited storage space or slower internet speeds.

Vector graphics files are typically smaller than illustration files because they only need to store mathematical equations and lines, making them easier to store and share.

Editing Process

The editing process for illustrations and vector graphics also differs. Illustrations are typically created in programs like Adobe Photoshop, which uses layers and pixels to create images. If you need to change an illustration, you must edit each pixel individually.

On the other hand, Vector graphics are created in programs like Adobe Illustrator, which uses points, lines, and curves to create shapes. This makes it easier to change vector graphics, as you can simply adjust the mathematical equations that define the shapes.

Best Use Cases For Illustration And Vector

Illustration can be used in various creative fields, such as digital art, graphic design, web design, print media, animation, and motion graphics. It is often used to convey complex ideas visually appealingly and can be a valuable tool in storytelling.

Vector graphics, on the other hand, are best suited for graphic design, logo design, web design, and print media. They are highly scalable without losing quality, making them ideal for creating high-resolution graphics that can be resized without distortion.

Illustrations and vector graphics can be combined to create unique and practical designs, complementing each other’s strengths. Combining the two can be beneficial in creating complex, multi-layered designs that require both the fine detail of illustration and the scalability of vector graphics.

Is It Possible To Combine Illustration And Vector Graphics?

Yes, combining illustration and vector graphics in a design is possible. The two can be used together to create unique and dynamic visuals that use each medium’s strengths.

For combining il with vector graphics, you can use Procreate.

Procreate is a powerful digital art tool that enables artists to create stunning illustrations and vector graphics. Procreate brushes are digital tools that simulate traditional art brushes, pens, and markers. They can be downloaded and installed into the Procreate app to enhance the creative process.

Using downloadable Procreate brushes, artists can seamlessly combine illustration and vector graphics.

For instance, an artist can create an illustration in Procreate using brush strokes and export it as a vector file. The vector file can then be opened in a vector graphics editor like Adobe Illustrator and further refined for scalability and other aspects. Similarly, a vector graphic can be imported into Procreate and enhanced with brush strokes or textures to create a unique design.

Many downloadable Procreate brushes are specifically designed for combining illustration and vector graphics. These brushes can add textures, shading, and other effects to vector graphics, giving them a more natural and organic look.

Here are a few examples of downloadable procreate Brushes:

Painting Brushes

Painting brushes are essential for adding color and texture to digital art. They simulate the effects of traditional painting mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastels and can be used to create various brushstrokes and textures.

Painting brushes are ideal for creating organic and natural-looking artwork and are widely used in digital painting, illustration, and concept art.

Lettering Brushes

Lettering brushes are Procreate brushes that allow users to create calligraphy and hand-lettering designs. Hey, is designed to mimic the effect of traditional calligraphy and lettering tools, allowing digital artists to easily create authentic-looking designs.

Texture Brushes

Texture brushes are a popular type of downloadable Procreate brush used in digital art to add depth and texture to the artwork. They work by mimicking the natural textures and patterns in traditional art mediums like pencils, charcoal, and paint.

Texture brushes allow artists to create realistic-looking textures that can add a tactile element to their digital artwork, making it more visually exciting and engaging.

Stamp Brushes

Stamp brushes are pre-designed shapes or designs that can be easily added to digital art to create patterns or backgrounds. These brushes help create repetitive elements such as textures, symbols, and other decorative elements.

They are often used in surface pattern design, scrapbooking, and other types of digital art to add unique and interesting elements to the composition.

Watercolour Brushes

Watercolor brushes in Procreate are digital brushes designed to replicate the appearance of traditional watercolor painting techniques. These brushes allow you to create organic textures, gradients, and blending effects that resemble those achieved through real-world watercolor techniques.

By adjusting the brush settings, you can create varying degrees of transparency and flow, which makes these brushes ideal for creating artwork that resembles a traditional watercolor painting.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have thoroughly understood illustration, vector graphics, and their potential for combination through downloadable Procreate brushes, it’s the perfect time to dive into the exciting world of digital art and design. Take the first step on your creative journey today and discover your possibilities.