[tiredew]

I have a question, I hope its not stupid also(lol). I am new to t-shirt design, but not to freehand. I have some sketches I would like to get on tee's, trying to convert from freehand to vector. In step two above you stated that you use vellum paper to ink the drawing? How would I do this? If I have already sketched the design on regular paper, would I put the vellum on top and trace with the sharper ink markers?

Yep, you'd just put the paper on top and trace with a pen - what you're looking for is a deep black pigment so the contrast is as high as possible for scanning.

 

[revboyjames]

I have a question, I hope its not stupid also(lol). I am new to t-shirt design, but not to freehand. I have some sketches I would like to get on tee's, trying to convert from freehand to vector. In step two above you stated that you use vellum paper to ink the drawing? How would I do this? If I have already sketched the design on regular paper, would I put the vellum on top and trace with the sharper ink markers?

Yes, you are exactly right. I tape (using painter tape so it's removable without tearing) a piece of vellum paper to the sketch which allows me to ink on a clean paper. Sometimes a light table can help. As far as translating freehand files to CorelDraw your best bet is probably to save/export a copy of your freehand file as an .EPS file.

 

[badchick]

Yes, you are exactly right. I tape (using painter tape so it's removable without tearing) a piece of vellum paper to the sketch which allows me to ink on a clean paper. Sometimes a light table can help. As far as translating freehand files to CorelDraw your best bet is probably to save/export a copy of your freehand file as an .EPS file.

Thanks so much! So what I would do is ink the sketch on vellum and then scan and import to corel draw(after its been inked)? Also, I am currently using a 30 day trial of coral draw and about to watch some tutorials online on how to use. I have used gimp in the past a little. I hope is VERY similar! Do you know any short cut tools to adding color to my drawing after its been imported to coral draw? Also, because it is a sketch, do you have any pointers as to how to technically ink it without messing up the contrast and shading parts?

 

[revboyjames]

Thanks so much! So what I would do is ink the sketch on vellum and then scan and import to corel draw(after its been inked)? Also, I am currently using a 30 day trial of coral draw and about to watch some tutorials online on how to use. I have used gimp in the past a little. I hope is VERY similar! Do you know any short cut tools to adding color to my drawing after its been imported to coral draw? Also, because it is a sketch, do you have any pointers as to how to technically ink it without messing up the contrast and shading parts?

Yes, scan the inked vellum paper. For shading, you can use crosshatching and dots, otherwise, I suggest just inking the detail lines of the object and then applying gradients in CorelDraw for more of the shading. For help on coloring in CorelDraw, check out these CorelDraw video tutorials of mine on youtube:
YouTube - FreelanceFridge's Channel
The best ones for you would be:
-Coloring artwork in CorelDraw with Freelance Fridge
-How to create outlines and shine text in CorelDraw with Freelance Fridge
Hope this helps!

 

[badchick]

Thank you so much!

 

[badchick]

Thanks so much Rev for all of your help!

 

[wear2impress]

What type of Vellum did you use? Where did you buy it?
Thanks!

 

[wear2impress]

What type of scanner did you use?

 

[revboyjames]

I use Neenah Vellum. Here's a link to the exact type:
Neenah UV Ultra II Smooth Vellum
I choose this kind specifically because it doesn't start curling up on me while I am inking. The sweat and oils in my hands end up curling pretty much all the other types I've tried.

I have an HP scanner, nothing new, nothing fancy. When my last scanner broke, I went to the local Goodwill and bought it for 6 bucks. Works great. Really any scanner will do, if it can scan at 300 dpi.

 

[wear2impress]

Thanks! so helpful!

 

[UndrGndMchin]

It will took time when inking. So it will need patience .. ^_^

 

[revboyjames]

Inking does take patience. Nowadays, I "ink" everything using a laptop tablet. Lines are cleaner and it's quicker.