Like many of you, when I first started to learn about digital art and the various digital mediums I only had DeviantArt and the internet to educate me. I had no idea what raster meant nor did I know that choosing to create an image in raster versus vector meant I needed to think ahead about the end result and use of my image. More than that, I had no idea a medium existed that while it looked like vector art it was completely raster based and shared the limitations of raster images. Needless to say, there was a time when I was very ignorant to everything digital. However, thanks to countless hours on DA researching, practicing, and learning; I'm able to pass my knowledge onto you. Today, I will be helping you understand why Vector and Vexel are NOT the same. Also, I will provide you with awesome examples of both as well as providing links on how to get started in either medium.

Vector and Vexel are NOT the same

The reaction above is actually quite common when I explain to people that Vector and Vexel are two entirely different mediums. The shocked reactions are usually followed up with statements of "...but I thought vexel was a sub-category to vector" or "no way, they look too similar to be different." It is no one's fault for getting the two mediums confused. Most people and sites see the names and draw a conclusion that the two mediums are one in the same. It also does not help the situation that most sites will categorize Vector and Vexel beside one another or together as seen here on DeviantArt.  

Vector and Vexel: The Differences

It is one thing to be told Vector and Vexel are different mediums and another thing to know how and why they are different from one another. After all, how can you be expected to become interested in a medium if you have no idea what the medium is and/or how it works? This is the fun part where I explain their differences and you process a bunch of information. Sound fun? Awesome! Let's begin...

Vector Art

A Vector image is made up of paths, each with a mathematical formula (vector) that tells the path how it is shaped and what color it is bordered with or filled by. If your brain is saying "too much math cannot computer" I know that feel. Fret not, creating vector art does not require you to know anything about math! In fact, you can sit back and draw pretty shapes with any color of the rainbow and not once think of a mathematical equation. Well, unless you really want to just don't ask me to chime in good sir!  

Vexel Art

A Vexel image is a pixel (raster) based image that uses layered shapes of solid colors and/or gradients that appear with the visual look of vector. The term vexel is actually the words vector and pixel combined.

In the simplest of terms, Vector art is created using vector layers while Vexel art is created using raster layers. Both of these mediums create visually similar work, which is why they are often categorized together. However, determining whether your art is Vector or Vexel is dependent on how you created the work. For instance, you could make two clouds that are identical to one another, but if you made one using Illustrator and another using Photoshop you would have a Vector cloud and a Vexel cloud, respectively. To show you how visually close these mediums are to one another I have created the same image in vector and in vexel. See below: