This tutorial will get you started with Vector images in photoshop. However, the principles will be the same in all vector based applications.   

STEP 1

Find yourself a nice clean image to vectorize, or use the one below. Make sure the layer isn't locked. If the layer is locked, simply rename it vector by double clicking on its name in the layer palette. 

STEP 2

Select the pen tool. (p)  

STEP 3

Start by clicking on the the corners of of the shape and on the points where a curve would start or end. Click on the first anchor-point to close the path. Don't worry about nice curves we will come to that in a few minutes. (If you turn down the layer opacity of your source layer you can see the path more clearly). When you finish you should have something like this. You can hide the layer to see only your shape.

It should look like this with the image layer hidden. (on a white background)

STEP 4

Click and hold the on the pen tool icon to show more pen tools, select the "convert point tool" (last one).

The "convert" tool is a versatile tool to manipulate the points of your path. This vector tool has added a few functions when you combine it with short-keys:

Shift-click = Select multiple anchor-points      

Shift-click-drag = bezier handles snap to angle          

Alt-click = Select entire path          

Alt-click-drag = duplicate path   

Ctrl =  switch to Direct Selection tool (to move anchor-points)                          

STEP 5

Click and drag an anchor point, the straight corner will turn to a curved corner and bezier-handles will appear. Use the bezier-handles to adjust the curve as shown below.            

Some curves require that you change the bezier handles on both sides of the curve to line up with it.  (See below) Adjust all the anchor-points using the handles use the direct selection tool to move anchor-points.

 

STEP6

You just created your first vector in photoshop. You can use the path to make selections (path palette->select path-> right click->make selection) or use them as an custom shape (compatable with the previous tutorial)(select the path in the path palette->edit->select custom shape) or you can export is as an Adobe illustrator file so you can use it in other programs like illustrator, coreldraw, etc. or even use them in programs as flash or 3Dmax.

The possiblities are endless. 

For logo design, vectors are the perfect solution because you can scale, rotate, or re-colour them with just a click of the mouse.

Alan