Vexel is a neologism for an entirely pixel-based form of raster art that imitates the visual appearance of vector graphics technique. The word itself is a combination derived from a combination of “vector” and “pixel. Vexel designs are composed by using multiple layered shapes. It can be done in Photoshop, but these type of raster designs are not limited to only Photoshop but can be done with any image editing software that has a good Pen Tool.

Instead of using vector-based lines, shapes, and polygons to create an image, a vexel is typically created using a raster program’s support of transparent layers. Each transparent layer is given a solid/gradient shape. In some cases, for more realism, gradients are used that remove the stepping in the color transitions to create a smoother, photo-realistic image.

A vexel may even be composed using vector graphic techniques, however it becomes a vexel when the vector elements are rasterized and further manipulations to the image are done in raster. Sometimes true raster images are placed behind and/or in front of the original vector elements to emphasize the surrealism that the vector elements produce. A vexel is not essentially created with paintbrushes, airbrushes or a freehand tool such as pencil, although some may include these elements if they are not the primary medium.

Well, to sum it all up, here is a short description on the difference between a vector, a vexel and a raster:

• VECTOR: an image defined by mathematics, can be increased to any size with NO loss of quality. vector images are usually made up of blocky sections to imitate smooth shading.

• VEXEL: image made up using ordinary pixels to define edges BUT looks like a vector due to blocky shading. basically, it imitates a vector minus the ability to resize hugely and keep quality.

• RASTER: ordinary image like a photograph as such. advantages include smooth gradients and shading, but you cannot resize with no loss of quality.

In this article, I have showcased some really awesome vexel creations that is going to blow your mind away. I have also shared a few good tutorials on how to create various types of vexel images. These range from creating the detailed human hair to the most advanced human portraits.

1) Time Attack

2) Digital Portrait – Christian Bale

3) Digital Portraits

4) Digital Portraits – Angelina

5) Avril Lavigne

7) Candy

8 ) Vexel of a Egoistic

9) Scarlett Johansson

10) Resist

11) Enchanted

12) Thom Yorke, the Android

13) Infiniti G-35

14) Lamborghini Miura

15) Zemotion

16) House Vexel Fractal

17) Suzuki Swift Vexel

18) Vectra GT

19) Orange Plectrum

20) 2008 – Quarter

21) 2008 – quarter

22) Slayer

23) Eye

24) Yann Tiersen

25) Porsche Mirage GT

26) Loca

27) The young Madonna

28) Suzuki B King

29) Nissan 350z

30) Joy Vexel

31) Vexel – Vector

32) Illustration from kaimera Creatives

33) Audi R8

34) Anime

35) Miranda Kerr

36) Anime

37) Jessica Alba

38) Vamos

39) Vintage Beauty

40) Dotted

41) Bonbon

Well, I’m sure all the above vexel artworks have inspired you, so I have compiled a list of more than 10 awesome tutorials on vexel art which ranges from beginner to advanced. So, get the pen tool and start working :)

Tutorials:

1) Create a complete Vexel Image using Photoshop

2) Vexel Tutorial : Basics

3) Creating a Basic Vexel Image

4) Another awesome vector Tutorial

5) Vexel Tutorial – Create a Sports Car

6) Easy Vexel Tutorial

7) Hair Tutorial

8 ) Vexel eye walk through tutorial

9) Vexel Tutorial – Create a Motocross Bike

10) Vexel Start Tutorial

11) Design a Vexel banner

12) Vexel Tutorial – Hair

13) Photoshop Vexel Demo

14) Vexel Carbon Fiber Tutorial

15) Vexelling Hair Tutorial

Well, thats about it. With these tutorial, you can easily master vexel art, provided you keep practicing such designs. Vexel art is relatively easier to accomplish than the vector art. So, this can be an awesome area of designing when it comes to novice designers. As you can see in many art works, the attention to detail is so much and can only be achieved by mastering this technique and also understanding the aspects behind creating such a design.

Here is a link to Basic Description of what a vexel means. This is a news article from Deviant Art

So, I hope you guys enjoyed the article. Do not forget to share this with your friends. If you already designed any vexels, Please share it with us via comments. I will be happy to feature them in my next article :)

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