I have Adobe CS2. Yes, it's old... But, I already have it, so, there ya go. :)

Back when I used to do a lot of vector graphics, I used Corel Draw. I love that program, but I no longer have it. (And, it was CD4, which probably wouldn't work on my current rig, anyway. The discs were stolen, so reinstalling it isn't an option.) So, now that I'm getting back into 3D modeling, I need to relearn vector graphics for making nice clean lines, decals, etc.. All I've done with Photoshop is basically organic stuff, textures for organic models, patterns, filters, some layer work, etc.. I have barely touched its vector capabilities and, whenever I do, I get lost, not quite understanding its process requirements.

So, can you recommend a free tutorial that would take me from "nothing" to "a barely competent understanding" of the creation and use of vector graphics, using CS2? :) I know there's always "Google", but I'd rather get recommendations from live people who know what they're talking about.

Well, why not use Inkscape? It does vector graphics natively, does most everything Adobe Illustrator can do and best of all, it's free. Also has tutorials aplenty on YouTube :). Oh - and it's in current development, not an abandoned program.

Have a look at the features and decide if it's something you might want.

Laurie

Illustrator is a far superior program to Photoshop when it comes to creating vector graphics, although PS is capable of creating basic vector work. Not sure about tutorials for a program that old though, there are quite a few good ones around for more current versions but probably wouldn't be any good for CS2, too much has changed since then.

i think the biggest problem to face first is the vector app you will be using.

there's a "crap-tonne" of great tuts out there for learning vector illustration but most assume you will be using Adobe Illustrator. Since you stated you are using CS2 it's safe to assume you certainly don't want to drop $600 a year for Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (which gives you all the Adobe Apps you could ever want - as long as your subscription is active...) so you need to look at the alternatives. Daffy34 already mentioned INKSCAPE (really good app) there are also "web-based" apps.

But to get back to your original question, take a look at:

how-to-use-photoshops-pen-tool  (she takes you through using Photoshop's pen tool which is critical to creating vector art in CS2)
she has another on called vector-art-with-photoshop that uses a photo as a template...

also: photoshopcafe.com's pen tutorial (at the end they had a link to a cool game that helped master your pen tool skills)

hope these help as a "starting-point" while you figure what vector app you want to use.

retrocity :)

I'm trying to find out how to make "billboards" to use in Poser. I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me how to do this....step by step.

Thanks;

Clell