How to Make Vector Art in Adobe Fresco! From Sketch to Final Illustration

Check out an updated version on this topic here! • How To Make Vector Art...
It's easy to create vector art in Adobe Fresco on your ipad.
Creating your artwork in vector format gives it incredible versatility. Being able to create vector artwork can open the doors to a lot of different project opportunities as an illustrator. In the past, this was a bit more complicated. But we're not in the past anymore, the future is here!
In Adobe Fresco you can create vector artwork easily without having to wrestle with the pen tool in illustrator, mastering the fine art of bezier curves. In this video I'm going to take a rough sketch and turn it into magical vector artwork.
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[@chris-piascik]

Check out an updated version on this topic here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNk

[@tyvoliter6015]

Great video! One tip: You can use vector trimming to erase overlapping paths instead of manually erasing. I am Fresco engineer

[@chris-piascik]

Ah yeah that’s a great feature!

[@kyletwebster]

Love vector trimming! :)

[@marya494]

@Ty Voliter How do u do vector trimming?

[@chris-piascik]

I’m actually posting a video about vector trimming tomorrow! It will be one of my Fresco Friday shorts.

[@eveFlower101]

You’re funny, love your videos. ❤

[@Amalya88]

I have ADHD and other unique sensory differences- so learning off screen can be tough and WAY over stimulating. I think you are the ONLY human I have been able to sit, watch, listen and learn from with this type of tutorial. 🎉 … dude I got halfway through and just heard you reference talking about ADHD, that was after I wrote the first half of this comment - so NOW it makes sense. 😊

[@chris-piascik]

Oh wow, thank you so much, that’s really nice to hear!

[@diliasoul]

love your channel, all my life ive loved to doodle and i obsess over crispy resolution. realized im a born vector gyal

[@chris-piascik]

Hah awesome, thank you!

[@ZackAtkLightman]

I am in the midst of recreating about 20 raster drawings (in Procreate) I did to vector. Fresco and this tutorial has saved me a ton of time. Thanks.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh glad it was helpful! I actually remade this video because there’s been some great features added: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNk

[@ZackAtkLightman]

I noticed some of the things you said were coming were already in place. I’ll give the new video a watch soon. 8.9/10 would highly recommend watching your videos. Haha.

[@uhbeautifulmes]

Thank you for putting me on to Fresco! I started working with it on a recent project after watching your Procreate vs. Fresco video. I was definitely an early adopter that had written it off outright- so thanks for the gentle nudge to give it a try again 🤣

[@chris-piascik]

Oh cool, thanks for letting me know! Glad you found it helpful!

[@imranladak3869]

Same here! Glad I came across the fresco v procreate video!

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you!

[@ash7324]

This is the vid I found the channel with and I’ve since watched nearly everything on it. I never knew fresco was this good. The vector brushes are really really interesting to me as I work mainly in vectors.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much Ash!

[@maxelser3610]

Wooow. Exploring your Channel on a sundays. Thanks ! Awesome Tutorial.

[@chris-piascik]

Awesome, thank you!

[@briemejorado3032]

Just jumped back into Fresco after not drawing for about two years on my tablet. Somehow it's more intuitive for me than Procreate and I love the vector option for sticker designs. Also I love your mannerisms and subtle humor! The tip about making your lineart a reference layer is a game-changer.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! So glad you liked the video!

[@Rini-D]

Love this tutorial. You are the best! Thank you!!!

[@chris-piascik]

You are so welcome!

[@alicedavila6960]

Thank you for this info. It has really improved the quality of my designs. ❤

[@chris-piascik]

So glad to hear! I have an updated video for this going up tomorrow morning. It has some new tips that make it even easier.

[@frogboy831]

yeah this was the best tutorial I've ever seen, thanks so much

[@chris-piascik]

Oh thanks so much!

[@rodneywarren140]

You’re so right about the blob brush

[@chris-piascik]

It’s definitely not as nice as drawing in Fresco!

[@jaimelee1235]

crispy critters 🎉 thank youuuuuuuuuuu

[@user-up7dv7qt9z]

I have been waiting for this for years 😩❤️

[@chris-piascik]

heck yeah!!

[@lrid3sc3nt]

I think there are snapping straight lines. Thank you for this awesome tutorial!

[@chris-piascik]

There is! And snapping shapes. Glad you liked it.

[@lakoseverson6028]

Thank you, this was a very helpful video!

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eu23ac]

Tysm for these videos ❤

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you like them!

[@SmashJaws]

I just wanna comment to boost your video. I find this channel amazing!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much!!!

[@albertoyo5681]

Thank you very much! This tutorial make liife nicer!!!!

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it helped! On a side note this is an older video and I’ve seen made a new one with some great new features: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNksi=7pYuaTXs3gXQVUT_

[@ChristopherTrimble]

The clip of you talking about the pen tool made me laugh because that's how I feel about the pen tool! LOL Keep up the great work on your videos!

[@chris-piascik]

Hahah thanks! The funny part is that I used to be a graphic designer and I made a ton of logos. I spent many, many, many hours drawing with the pen tool.

[@schmidtdedonno3948]

Great video as always! Didn’t know about the set as reference function. As a side note using 100% smoothing with vector brushes on the iPad mini results quite a bit of lag. Totally not a surprise and really the first first time I have noticed lag while drawing on the mini. So when using vector brushes mini users might want to dial down smoothing, I found 70% to 80% bearable 🙂

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I think that’s not actually lag, but rather how the smoothing works. I believe it is smoothing out the line as you’re creating it. I talked about this with Kyle Webster at Adobe in regards to how smoothing is different between Fresco and Procreate.

[@AngeVarma]

I'm not even 4 mins in and I'm engaged and amused :) thanks for this video.

[@chris-piascik]

I'm so glad! Thanks!

[@vinidd]

Great work with your vids! I am very surprised how easily you drew this skull compared to what I would have done in Illustrator.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much!

[@ReneesCrafty]

I like drawing skulls, too. I’ve been using Procreate for years. I just got Adobe Fresco and I’m excited for all the things I can do with it!

[@chris-piascik]

Skulls are the best!

[@liamwalsh1985]

really informative and fun. Skulls forever!

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you enjoyed it! 💀☠️🏴‍☠️

[@londonstar3657]

I just had to make another comment. Man you’re awesome. I’ve been using fresco, i use vector in my art work all the time. Thank you so very much for sharing your artist info, your Art is Awesome.!!. I’m been hoping someone would make a good.!! video .!!like this that you made, about vector drawing in fresco, THANK YOU.!! I luv using fresco.! You and your videos are awesome, man.!! Thanks again.!!!🤙👍👍👍🤩

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know!!

[@cuentoscortoz]

What a great video, thanks for sharing. I will probably never draw anything, but I watched the whole thing haha.

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you so much 😀

[@skeskali]

If I had the extra $ I'd totally join your membership because I've learned so much from your videos. I'm *almost* at the point where I abandon Procreate; the only thing keeping me from doing that is I just can't figure out clipping masks/masks in Fresco. Keep up the good work! Also: the cat/closed doors thing is fighting a losing battle.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! And no worries at all!! I appreciate you watching and commenting! Clipping masks are pretty straight forward in Fresco, just tap the clipping mask button on the right, under the eye (layer visibility) button.

[@kyletwebster]

Clipping masks are simple to create: just tap on the clipping mask icon to the right of your layer stack. 👍

[@lukedebruin3412]

Yo what the fug, vector is my go to and you've pointed out some things that I didn't know. This has been UUGE HELP 🙏🙏🙏

[@chris-piascik]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@othalisa]

Love skulls

[@ravizzle]

alright im ready for something different than procreate, adobe fresco here I come. Thanks for supplying information about it!

[@chris-piascik]

Happy to help!

[@Trainwhrek]

thanks bro

[@chris-piascik]

NP!

[@Amalya88]

Thanks

[@chris-piascik]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@PttPndlm]

Your lines are so crisp! My cat also hates closed doors.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! It's all about that smoothing and the vector brush. Cats are so weird,

[@harry486]

can you draw with a line that has a fixed width, like a 10 point stroke so its gives a monoline look?

[@theinkyspoon]

lol! I had the same problems with the raster layer/merge down menu until I realized I could just use the pen instead of my fat finger haha

[@chris-piascik]

Haha yeah that does make it easier.

[@ZubairRocker]

Great video ! Which tablet you are using ? Display size ?

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks, this is the iPad Pro 12.9

[@mariar2416]

Hey Chris, is there a reason on why you don’t do the sketch on a drawing tablet instead of a hand sketch and then scanning it and drawing over it again? Just wondering. Thanks!

[@shraddha9815]

Are there textured vector brushes?

[@airfox]

Love your work! This vector pen seems a bit laggy, yea?

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I think what your seeing is the smoothing turned all the way up to smooth out my lines.

[@ArchieDeZ]

I like skulls too

[@chris-piascik]

they rock!

[@TedMattos]

Hi Chris, thanks for the tutorial. As you were drawing with the vector brush, I noticed some lag. Is that due to your high smoothness setting, or does AF just have lag when a person draws with vector? I have no lag with Procreate, so I'm just curious. Thanks! :)

[@chris-piascik]

What appears to be lag is just how smoothing works in Fresco, and I had it turned up to 100%. In procreate the smoothing effect corrects the line almost after it’s drawn when you’re using a brush with a lot of streamline. Fresco smooths as your drawing, so it appears as a lag when it’s turned all the way up. When it’s not on, or low, there is no perceived lag.

[@TedMattos]

@@chris-piascik Great. Thanks for taking the time to answer, Chris!

[@Garland67]

Do you think this app would be good for making line art from more complex images such as paintings?

[@chris-piascik]

As in tracing them? If so yes!

[@gtoyadhatagyab8013]

Chris, I got a question, I was filling colors like you do. Set the outline as reference, make new layer below and fill, all that stuff. But I noticed that it didn't really fill up the edges that well... like there are thin gaps between the outline and the color, do you have any solution?, Maybe I set something wrong here, thanks in advance.

[@chris-piascik]

When you tap to fill a slider bar will pop up on the left. Make sure that’s up as far as it can go before it fills the whole image. Hope that helps!

[@wissinkcreative]

Just getting started with fresco. I have it all working fine but don’t have the pressure sensitivity with the cheap pencil I bought. How important is getting the genuine Apple Pencil?

[@chris-piascik]

For me I think it’s crucial, I really rely on the pressure sensitivity. I guess if your style utilized lines that didn’t change in weight it could work.

[@Hamiltron_]

You’re awkward af and I love it 😅

[@chris-piascik]

lol thx

[@Hamiltron_]

The magic definitely hit when you started shading.

[@dikshamehta5185]

i am trying to learn how to make vector images and fresco is being a great help. But i am having issues with using the paint bucket tool. It asks me if i want to fill as vector or pixels. In vector fill the option to change the margin isnt on and in the pixel fill even when the margin is high it still shows the halo. please help! BTW amazing tutorial!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much. With vector art a color margin wouldn’t really be possible because the fill is going to edge of the points and paths that sort of form a wall. Typically the halo is a preview thing showing the edge of the shapes, try zooming in or exporting your image and seeing if it’s still visible. If it still is one thing that you can try is duplicating your line work layer and using that for color which will allow you to still have your line work as a separate layer. On a side note, this is an older video, I made an updated version with some great new features: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNksi=7pYuaTXs3gXQVUT_

[@judgeworks3687]

I wonder if there's a way to expand out the color layer by 2 pixels or so if i were to screenprint (so that when the keyline, the blackline layer, prints over that would allow for a little shifting during print process)?

[@chris-piascik]

Hmm, well you could do it pretty easily by opening it up in illustrator, but I’m not sure if there’s a way to do it directly in Fresco. That would be a nice feature though.

[@judgeworks3687]

@@chris-piascik illustrator always felt like trying to draw with a bike (that whole bezier thing you mentioned). I’m starting over with my vector attempts using fresco for that reason. Illustrator never felt natural, always am aware I’m in a computer program. Fresco is more natural. Thanks for tuts. Glad I stumbled upon your channel.

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah I get that for sure, but you could take your art from Fresco and just use a thing called offset path to just add an extra few pixels to your color shapes after the fact.

[@judgeworks3687]

@@chris-piascik ok thanks. Will try it.

[@joe2grand]

What format / file name type do you then save it / export it as , to keep it a vector file ?

[@chris-piascik]

Hey, sorrry for the slow response. You can export as a PDF, hopefully they add SVG or EPS as an option soon. I typically open my file in illustrator and just export from there if I need something else. On a side note this video is a bit dated and I recently remade it to include a bunch of new features: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNksi=psPGs08dO8pgw6FA

[@comradescar6547]

The vector is useful asf for someone who had super shaky hands

[@chris-piascik]

Hah I hear that, but you can turn up the smoothing on any pixel brush too!

[@comradescar6547]

@@chris-piascik oh yeah lol I meant to say fresco

[@lyss.the.panini]

try using the pencil to merge since it has a more precise point you wont convert to pixel by accident

[@chris-piascik]

Good idea.

[@londonstar3657]

👍👍👍

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks!

[@rodrigomora4617]

Do you use vector often or not as much as just raster?

[@chris-piascik]

It depends, I use it most when it’s required for client projects, but sometimes I’ll use it just for the vector trimming feature (I have another video about that).

[@demon6937]

what's the stylus pressure are you using? not sure if it is light or heavy

[@chris-piascik]

I’m not pressing very hard.

[@demon6937]

@@chris-piascik how do you align objects like procreate that snaps to position in order for me to check it is aligned perfectly in adobe fresco?

[@hudhudtv4155]

can this artwork be export to illustrator.?

[@chris-piascik]

Yep, you can actually send it directly to illustrator from Fresco.

[@saritacarey]

Kinda wish I knew b4 I got procreate.

[@chris-piascik]

😭

[@marinaroa8164]

Can you export in. Svg format somehow in fresco for less heavy website files?

[@chris-piascik]

For some reason I don’t think there’s a way to export SVG’s yet, but you can export PDFs for vector art. If you have illustrator mobile or desktop, you can easily send your file there and then export an svg. It seems like this is something that should get added.

[@tomcollins6989]

@@chris-piascikthanks for the video Chris. I’m dead confused how Adobe have created this, yet it can’t be exported to illustrator. Very odd, or very annoying more-so.

[@chris-piascik]

@@tomcollins6989 I agree that a direct SVG would be nice, but your vector art can be sent right to illustrator from vector by just tapping "send to illustrator" in the export menu at the top right.

[@tomcollins6989]

@@chris-piascik I missed that. Thats better than what I was hoping for. Love your tutorials BTW

[@brittanydelacruz7281]

how do you zoom in or zoom out without using touch screens

[@chris-piascik]

I’ve never used Fresco outside of the iPad as I’m a Mac user, but I imagine you could try cmd + and cmd - or opt + and opt -

[@rubalguleria4890]

I was having this issue on Adobe fresco ,where I was drawing and then while i quick export or export in png, the image came out poor quality. Can u help me with this?

[@chris-piascik]

The quality of the export would be based on the size of your document. If it’s set to a small size the png will be low res. Since you are working in vector you can make your document bigger and just scale up your art and it won’t lose quality.

[@rubalguleria4890]

@@chris-piascik u mean like make the drawing bigger on the canvas and then export . 👀👀

[@naluswitgall8204]

What are some reasons you would not draw in vector? For texture? Vector is just a seamless look?

[@chris-piascik]

There's a bit more drawing control with pixel brushes, and it's much easier to do texture and get an authentic analog look.

[@chris-piascik]

Also, if you were trying to draw in realism vector would not be the choice. For work the example in this demo, vector isn't any more difficult. I recently made an updated vector art in Fresco video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNk&lc=UgwA1AiBumjWIOTTBDt4AaABAg

[@zsr6490]

My images aren’t saving or sending vectorized for some reason….

[@jeffreypostma6832]

Though it is indeed a very intuitive way for vector drawing in this style, a problem is that it is hard to actually export it as such from Fresco. You best bet is PDF, which sort of works, but is not ideal. Why no export as EPS, Ai or SVG? You have to have an Illustrator CC account to actually edit these as vector lines, which is just not what I want to pay for. If they would let me properly export vector from vector, I would take another look.

[@chris-piascik]

I agree there should be an SVG option. I use the full creative cloud suite so it’s an easy back and forth with illustrator. I can see how the vector feature is a bit hindered when you just have Fresco.

[@itsDjjayy]

😅😅😅 if only it was that easy I don't want to pay subscription

[@TorDrums]

Can’t here to look for this! Doing a huge vector but only have PS! I’m exporting the PSD file and obviously it won’t then be vector will it? If I add any stuff in Photoshop?

[@Luherou]

What Ipad do you have?

[@chris-piascik]

I have the 2021 M1 iPad Pro 12.9, I also have a mini.

[@Luherou]

@@chris-piascik Isn't it better to use a graphic tablet?

[@chris-piascik]

I used to use a Wacom Cintiq 27HD and a number of other display tablets, I find the iPad to be the best drawing experience. I can use it on its own or paired with my desktop like a Cintiq.

[@PttPndlm]

😱 how do you deal with that latency? The pen is so much further ahead than line.

[@chris-piascik]

It's just because I have the smoothing cranked all the way up. It doesn't bother me because I've already planned for where it's going. When I'm sketching I turn it back down and there's no latency. This just makes it much easier for me to get smooth lines.

[@PttPndlm]

@@chris-piascik that's awesome. Your lines are always so clean and when I draw they are wiggly

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah it’s mostly cheating I guess, lol

[@shannonpalmer]

@@chris-piascik no such thing as cheating, there’s just gettin it done.

[@gutembergfreirebrasil]

There's a delay between pen and stroke

[@chris-piascik]

That’s because I have smoothing turned all the way up to make my lines as smooth as possible. If you turn it down there’s no delay. The smoothing is cleaning up the line as I go. I filmed this in the morning after too much coffee so it was a requirement lol.

[@biruky3615]

I noticed you use mostly fresco why not procreate?

[@chris-piascik]

There’s lots of reasons, but one of the biggest is centered around this video. You can’t work in vector art with Procreate. I also prefer it for adding motion as the Fresco tools are far more advanced than Procreate. And I also love the seemless workflow between Fresco and Photoshop+Illustrator.

[@biruky3615]

@@chris-piascik thanks for the reply

[@bettyf.87]

Oh boy, your cat is nasty! “It shows disrespect to your channel” !!! 🐈 😂😂😂🤣 😅😂 I’m crying 😅😂😂😂

[@pastuh]

interesting if M2 ipad lags less while drawing vector lines

[@chris-piascik]

There's no lag, it's just the smoothing turned all the way up. That's just how the smoothing works. I manually cranked it to the max to get the smoothest lines possible.

[@dee8269]

Another cool and easy to learn video. I feel that Fresco is between Procreate and Illustrator. I'm learning graphic design and because Illustrator can be overwhelming for school assignments as a beginner with vector drawing, Adobe Fresco is a more simple and easy way to do them.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I actually just posted a new video today that is an update to this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g57JpmZ_hJiipNk

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

i was told that I sound like "peter draws"... you, do tho.. If you don't know him, check him out and check out your voice doppelganger.

[@chris-piascik]

Hah I’ll have to look them up.

[@itsDjjayy]

I wish we could import brushes in the free version. I don't want to pay subscription

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah, I hear you. Fresco isn’t bad though since it’s just 1 payment of $10 per year.

[@Seth_Samson]

i want to take what he does .. : ) ;p ;p :*

[@chris-piascik]

Lol

[@Seth_Samson]

@@chris-piascik ooooo im taking what you are taking already ;p SUBSCRIBE ;p u sell it perfectly ;p by the way im looking for some tutorial on how to use fresco but on PC without all that touch stuff so like Monitor + RTP -700

[@chris-piascik]

@@Seth_Samson thanks Seth! Unfortunately I don’t have any experience using Fresco on a desktop.

[@howardsend6589]

Camera on you far too much.

[@chris-piascik]

Sorry Howard.

[@ramiropiedrabuena3892]

WOW, SO MUCH talking

[@chris-piascik]

Can you believe it?!

[@Barry-Sweaty]

in my head, I have been saying Pie-A-Sick. vs Pee-As-Ick, sorry Also, I am switching to Fresco. For vectors, I have been using Procreate for my linework and live tracing in .AI. Silly process but it works just good enough for the style that I go for. I fear change but I am gonna do it and make it all more gooder, bro.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha no worries! My name has been mispronounced and misspelled my whole life! Fresco will certainly save you some time since you won’t have to livetrace.

[@realrael3550]

What´s that with your hands? I mean, hands down...

[@chris-piascik]

I’m not sure what you are referring to.