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The Top 10 most popular items on TheVectorLab

Published on June 10, 2013, by in TheVectorLab.

If you have checked out the top selling items on TheVectorLab lately, you may have noticed something interesting. 8 of the top most popular 10 items are pixel/bitmap images… not vector!

I didn’t want to change the name (TheVectorPixelMockupTemplateBitmapTextureLab??) so I tweaked the logo to highlight the pixel / bitmap items and mockup templates.

Here’s the new logo:

TheVectorLab

So what are the Top 10 items? Here they are:

1) T-Shirt Mockup Templates #01
T-Shirt Templates 01
This is the best way to show off your t-shirt designs and make them look real. I just doubled the number of templates you get (now 20). I also made them even easier to use and improved the shape of the shirts. This is a pixel-based item that comes with both PSD (Photoshop) and AI (Illustrator) files.

2) Bad Photocopy
Bad Photocopy
Since modern photocopier technology is close to being perfected, don’t you miss the texture created from old-school Xerox machines? These will add a rough character to your designs, typography, art, and photos. This is a pixel-based item that comes with JPEG and Bitmap TIFF files.

3) Bad Photocopy Bundle
Bad Photocopy Bundle
This product bundle includes all images from the following popular collections: Bad Photocopy, Bad Photocopy Gradients, and Bad Photocopy Shapes. Save $ by purchasing this set as opposed to buying each individual collection. This is a pixel-based item that comes with JPEG and Bitmap TIFF files.

4) Bitmap Textures
Bitmap Textures
A classic! This is the product that started the “Pixel Revolution.” Every graphic designer should have in his or her collection a large variety of bitmap textures. This is a pixel-based item that comes with JPEG and Bitmap TIFF files.

5) Analog Halftones
Analog Halftones
Everything is too digital these days! It’s hard to believe that graphics for print were once designed without the help of computers. This is a collection of 30 analog halftone patterns from the mid-1960′s – created the old-school way. This is a pixel-based item that comes with JPEG and Bitmap TIFF files.

6) Bitmap Textures Bundle
Bitmap Textures Bundle
This product bundle includes all images from the following collections: Bad Photocopy, Bitmap Textures, and Dry Marker Pen. Save $ by purchasing this set as opposed to buying each individual collection. This is a pixel-based item that comes with JPEG and Bitmap TIFF files.

7) Mockup Templates Bundle
Mockup Templates Bundle
This product bundle includes all images from the following collections: T-Shirt Templates #01 (NEW & IMPROVED!), T-Shirt Templates #2, Apparel, and Hangtags. Save $ by purchasing this set as opposed to buying each individual collection. Apparel is a vector-based collection. The others are pixel-based.

8) Engravings Master Collection #01
Engravings Master Collection 01
Finally… an all-vector item! Engravings Master Collection 01 includes 123 highly detailed ornamental illustrations. Save big by purchasing this huge bundle of some of our most popular Engravings sets.

9) Distressed Borders
Distressed Borders
This all-vector item is kind of a sleeper. But then again, it’s an extremely useful set of 30 distressed vector frames and borders. These will add a rough character to your designs, typography, art, and photos.

10) T-Shirt Templates Master Collection
T-Shirt Templates Master Collection
The only surprise is that this one isn’t higher on the list. An excellent deal: This Master Collection includes all images from the following collections: T-Shirt Templates #01 (NEW & IMPROVED!), T-Shirt Templates #2, Apparel, and T-Shirt Squares. With this collection, you can now display your t-shirt designs on full t-shirt mockup templates, as well as a realistic closeup view with T-Shirt Squares. Apparel is a vector-based collection. The others are pixel-based.

So that rounds up the Top 10 items on TheVectorLab. Go here to see a full list of the Top 24 items on TheVectorLab.

What do you think of the Top 10 items? And what do you think of the new logo? Send me a message on TheVectorLab’s Contact Form and let me know!

I’m still looking for more Testimonials. If you have purchased products from TheVectorLab, tell me about your experience here.

Thanks and have a great week!

~Ray Dombroski

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Graphic Design and TheVectorLab

Published on May 29, 2013, by in Secrets of Freelance, TheVectorLab.

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend! For most of us in the USA, it was a 3-day holiday weekend… as well as the kickoff to Summer (my favorite season!)

Many people responded to my last email saying that they did want to see video tutorials showing how to use Photoshop Brushes and the AquaColour Series. Thanks for the positive feedback! I am working hard to get those videos out to you as soon as possible!

But first, over the long weekend I was able to put together a short video explaining a little bit about my background in Graphic Design, what I think it takes to be a successful Graphic Designer, and also why I started TheVectorLab in 2008.

What do you think? Take a look and let me know. As always, the best way to reach me is to use TheVectorLab’s contact form.

Have a great week!

~Ray Dombroski

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Show and Tell : New Testimonials Page

Published on May 2, 2013, by in Secrets of Freelance, TheVectorLab.
Do you want to tell or show us how you have used art from TheVectorLab? See what others are saying. And see what awesome designs they are making! Our new Testimonials and Case Studies Page:
“RAY! Thank you! I’m thrilled with the Master Collections bundle! Out of the dozens of digital media purchases I’ve made, this is by far the best. I look forward to all your future releases!”
~Erin Lizardo – Purchased Bitmap Master Collection

 

“Thanks a million for the the free crest download, its really after helping me out on a project that needed to be done very quick! It was for a school crest, to re-create a drawing a student did and the outline really helped! thanks again!
Keep up the good work!”
~ Verona M.

 

“Thanks so so much! Your explanation worked magic!”
~Stephen Z.

 

 

Do you have a testimonial or project success using TheVectorLab art? Tell me about it here!

~Ray Dombroski

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7 Ways to Improve Your Designs and Increase Sales

Published on May 1, 2013, by in Secrets of Freelance, TheVectorLab.

Hi there! Here are 7 ways to improve your designs, products, or services (and increase sales!) :

In this example, I wanted to highlight my BRAND NEW & IMPROVED T-Shirt Mockup Templates.

T-Shirt Templates 01 - New and Improved

  1. Show People How to Use it. Case Study Example: I made a video showing how to use T-Shirt Templates. It has had almost 30,000 views. You can see the video here.
  2. Make it Easier to Use. Case Study Example: I simplified the layering, so anyone with knowledge of layers in Photoshop and Illustrator will find these to be the easiest t-shirt templates available anywhere.
  3. Lower (or Eliminate) Risk to the Customer. Case Study Example: T-Shirt Templates (As well as every item on TheVectorLab) always has a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
  4. Offer Free Samples. Case Study Example: You can download a fully functional (but low resolution) T-Shirt Template SAMPLER for FREE. With the free sample, you will be able to see how the templates work, and if they are compatible with your software.
  5. Offer More Value for the Money. Case Study Example: T-Shirt Templates now comes with 20 high resolution mockup templates -compared to the previous 10- without raising the price!
  6. Improve Quality. Case Study Example: I improved the symmetry of T-Shirt Templates to make them more pleasing to the eye.
  7. Give Free Upgrades. Case Study Example: I sent past T-Shirt Templates customers a free link to download the updated files. (If you purchased any product in the past that includes T-Shirt Templates 01 but did not receive the email, please send me a message using TheVectorLab’s Contact Form along with your Name and Order # and I’ll re-send the link!)

Here’s a fun example to show how T-Shirt Templates can be used to make an apparel catalog or website:

T-Shirt Templates Catalog Mockup

And here are some images of the new collection:
T-Shirt Templates 01

Send me a message using TheVectorLab’s Contact Form and let me know what you think about my posts and products.

Have a great week!

~Ray Dombroski

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Why You Should Demonstrate What You Are Selling

Published on May 1, 2013, by in TheVectorLab.

Whether you are in the role of selling goods or services, one of the oldest rules is to demonstrate what you are selling. This will help your customer visualize having the benefit that you are offering.

Are you pitching design ideas to clients? The more realistic you can make your presentation, the more likely you are to get them to purchase your designs… or agree to your vision.

So here I’ve decided to ‘demonstrate’ one of my newest collections, called Vector Patterns. I can TELL you how great these are. But in the world of graphic design, it’s almost always better to SHOW you…

Vector Patterns

 

As you can tell, these would be excellent to use in boardshorts. How about iPhone and iPad cases? Or backgrounds for a website?

If you need patterns, and need them fast – check out Vector Patterns Collection on TheVectorLab.

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Why You Should Work for Free

Published on April 12, 2013, by in Secrets of Freelance, TheVectorLab.

Hi there! Sorry I’ve been a little quiet with the posts lately.

In this post I’m going to tell you some good reasons to provide your design services for free. (What?!!)

But first I wanted to mention that (for now) all the website updates have been completed. TheVectorLab looks a lot different than the initial re-design from a few weeks ago. Take a look <<here>> and let me know what you think on Facebook or TheVectorLab’s contact form.

So lately I’ve been super busy putting together the program for the Surfing Heritage Vintage Surf Auction. This is THE premier surfboard auction – held every two years. Surfboards with historical value from the 1930s – 1980s will be auctioned off. Some boards will sell for $40,000+ (proceeds go to benefit the Surfing Heritage Museum in San Clemente, CA)

It’s taking up all my spare time. And I’m doing the design for free.

Normally people think about money as the only form of compensation.

But I’ve found that there are many “Currencies of Freelance,” which all can be good exchanges for your time, effort, and design expertise. Here are a few:

-Connections / Networking: if you handle things the right way, doing pro-bono work can get you access to people outside of your current group. This works well if you are trying to change your career path.

-Brushing up on Skills: I haven’t designed a booklet for print in more than 10 years! This is a good way for me to brush up on my InDesign skills. And since it’s a real project with a real deadline, I have the motivation to get it done quickly.

-Portfolio Building: If there’s something lacking in your portfolio, doing free work can be a great way to fill the gap.

-Karma: Doing work for a non-profit, charity, or even helping out a friend will always come back with unforeseen benefits down the road.

Use your discretion and choose wisely when agreeing to do free design projects. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and burned out if you do too many.

You must also avoid situations where people take advantage and begin to expect you to work for free all the time. Know why you are doing the project for free, and tell that reason to your client.

I’m not a great print designer, but here’s a sneak peek of a page in the program:

Surf Auction with Papers Background

One more note: I ended up using the Papers Collection to get a distressed / vintage paper look for the background. Check out the Papers Bundle Collection if you need a quick batch of vintage looking backgrounds for your designs! This is a screaming deal at $59 – and it will save you tons of time with great results.

Hope you have a great day!

~Ray Dombroski

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Spring Cleaning

Published on March 16, 2013, by in Uncategorized.

Spring is in the air! The current website design of TheVectorLab has been up for about a year. It’s time for a refresh! Here’s a sneak peak of the work-in-progress web design. I think it will be much easier to navigate. My goal is to have it look less cluttered.

Snapshot of the homepage in progress:

TheVectorLab-home

 

 

And here’s a screen shot of the new logo (also not finished):

The-Vector-Lab-New-Logo-550

 

What?! Is that watercolor on a vector logo? Hint: our new logo will contain some hand drawn and hand painted elements! Subscribe to TheVectorLab YouTube Channel if you want to see the upcoming typography tutorial!

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Bigger than a Billboard

Published on March 11, 2013, by in Secrets of Freelance, TheVectorLab.
I just posted a brand new collection on TheVectorLab called Vector Patterns. It is a collection of 20 highly detailed vector patterns. As a bonus, each of the 20 patterns includes an additional colorway, giving you a total of 40 files.

If you need background patterns or pattern fills, these will save you a ton of time instead of building them from scratch. Each pattern is grouped by color, so you will have no problem changing the palette to suit your needs. Since these patterns are vector, you can scale them up larger than a billboard with absolutely no loss of detail.

If I were designing these for a freelance client, I would charge upwards of $400 for each pattern, depending on the amount of detail. But as a stock art collection you can get the whole set for as low as $39. If you would like to use these on products for sale, be sure to choose the Extended License option. This art is perfect for use on iPad cases, apparel, or anything else you can think of!

Feel free to check out Vector Patterns here if you want to see the patterns in more detail.

Thanks and have a great week!

~Ray Dombroski
Vector Patterns

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Combining Things

Published on February 20, 2013, by in TheVectorLab, Tutorials.
AquaColour Stripes

AquaColour Stripes

 

Sometimes cool things can happen when you mix together a few different ingredients. Here’s a quick little demo showing how I combined art from AquaColour Stripes along with a photo and logo. Hope you enjoy it.

 

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Art, Design, and Craftsmanship

Published on February 18, 2013, by in Secrets of Freelance.

Some would say that it’s difficult to stand out and be noticed. There’s so much competition.

Don’t compete by lowering your prices. Wal-Mart, Amazon, and Ikea will always beat you. Nothing against those companies; I sometimes use them when I need commodities and boring things.

Instead, find ways to increase your art, design, craftsmanship.

The time-tested way to differentiate your business or product is with art and design.

Having a product, service, logo, leadership, employees that are art and artists shows that you care. Customers that also care will find you.

It shows that you pay attention to detail. Customers that also pay attention to detail will find you.

Your brand should not be a commodity. Customers that are not looking for a commodity will find you.

Art, design, and craftsmanship are a lot more fun than commodities.