Help with vector graphics

clarkey1000

Hi,
I want to convert this picture http://flickr.com/photos/kaylacasey/2258155111/in/photostream
into a vector graphic in order to have it printed on an apron.

I've downloaded a trial version of Corel Draw but I can't seem to work out how to do it (I think I underestimated how difficult it is!)

Can anyone out there either
1. Explain in simple terms how I do this
2. Tell me I'm attempting something too difficult for an amateur
3. Do it for me

The reason I want to do this is because I want to print the "Keep Calm & Carry On" sogan http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/ onto a red apron for my husband for his birthday but in order to print onto a colured item the graphic needs to be in the right format.

I can live without the text being exactly right but I'd like the crown to look as good as possible.

Any help much appreciated!

Thank you

shadowdragon

http://www.masternewmedia.org/how_to_convert_bitmaps_into_vectors/

it mentions a free opensource raster to vector conversion program called Inkscape
Do a search for that. You may be able to convert if from corel draw or other imaging software but I dont know which sorry.

superscaper

You say it needs to be the right format but you haven't said what that format is. As far as vector drawing goes then I second Inkscape, it's very good, but whether it's appropriate or not depends on what you're actually wanting.

Is this the right time to mention copyright infringement?

11gardir

That image isn't too complex - you could use inkscape (https://www.inkscape.org ) to convert it fairly easily. Just import the saved image into a new document (File/Import...), then trace over it with the drawing tools.

clarkey1000

I think the format is .eps (does that sound right?) I try and check that.

As for copyright the design is from a WWII poster so I don't think anyone actually owns the copyright - lots of companies sell T-shirts/mugs/T-Towels etc with the deisgn on. (correct me if I'm wrong!)

superscaper

I don't think Inkscape supports eps. You may as well use something like GIMP and just export/save as EPS.

superscaper

clarkey1000 wrote: »

As for copyright the design is from a WWII poster so I don't think anyone actually owns the copyright - lots of companies sell T-shirts/mugs/T-Towels etc with the deisgn on. (correct me if I'm wrong!)

Yes but if they've embellished or added or changed the style or put on their own typesetting etc, that in itself is their copyright. E.g. you couldn't photocopy a Shakespeare book just because the works of Shakespeare are public domain. The layout etc would be copyright of the publishers. There may not be anything copyrightable here in this specific case but it can't just be assumed there isn't. Just be careful of literally copying something. Just as a legal note.

11gardir

Just checked, inkscape does support eps (although it might not be perfect). However, the standard that Inkscape uses is called SVG and (I think) is more standard. Inkscape will support most common vector formats, anyway.

clarkey1000

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I've been playing around with Corel and seem to be able to get a trace of the design, the next step is to work out how to save it in the right format and find a company to print it for me!

If I don't have any luck I'll download inkscape tomorrow and try that.

The printing companies seem to check the designs before printing so hopefully they'll flag up anything if there are any copyright issues - hopefully their won't be!