09/23/2026
“Wilson Explains” is intended for audiences of all ages. No prior experience is necessary!
Today’s topic: Learning Vector vs. Raster art
VECTOR ART:
This is what is most often used when creating artwork for logos and brands. It is built from paths, lines, curves and equations. Because it is math based, you can scale it from tiny to huge and it stays perfectly crisp. No blur. No pixelation. And since vectors store instructions instead of millions of pixels, the file sizes are often smaller, too. Designers working with vector art can make edits and tweaks to shapes, and colors.
For example: Every font you use is vector. When you resize text and it never gets grainy? That’s vector magic at work.
Common vector file types include: .ai, .eps, .svg, .pdf
RASTER ART (non-vector):
Raster art, or images, are made of pixels - tiny colored squares that build your photo or graphic. The more pixels packed into an inch, the sharper the image. On screens, that’s referred to as PPI (pixels per inch), and in printing it’s described as DPI (dots per inch). Computer screen image resolution is typically 72ppi, and usable print ready art is at least 300DPI or higher for best results.
For example: Zoom in on a photo in your camera roll - see how it gets grainy or choppy? That’s pixelation- enlarging the image reveals the grid of pixels that, when viewed at full size, blend together to make up your image.
Common raster file types include: .jpg, .png
WILSON’S DISCLAIMER Simply saving a file as .ai/.eps/.svg/.pdf doesn’t automatically make it vector art. Those file types are just containers - they can still hold raster images inside them. Dragging a JPG into Illustrator and hitting “Save As .ai” doesn’t convert it. It’s simply a pixel based image wearing a vector hat.
Up next: Wilson explains why your artwork file might not be usable, and how to tell when it’s production-ready.
Did you find this info helpful? Keep the conversation going below! Drop your follow-up questions regarding art, or new topic ideas in the comments…if Wilson picks yours, you (or your pet!) could score some exclusive Stolz Mead swag.
Save this info for later - your graphic designer will thank you!
