Specific Question - Vector Art HELP!

[colt_following 169]

Hi, fellow bronies! So I'm dipping my hand into the world of MLP-related vector art (I've done LOTS of other vector art before, mind you), but I've come across a really specific problem.

 

Take a look at this image: http://lkittytaill.deviantart.com/art/Colgate-208655379

 

(I'd rather link it because it's HUGE)

 

You see how that blue curl comes behind her ear? How is that done? Is the outline actually a stroke or are they two individual pieces layered one on top of the other? How does the MLP animation crew usually handle this?

 

is this question too particular?

 

[Chip Circuit 1,842]

generally in flash animation stuff like that is done in layers, they'll make the larger for the outiline then copy it and shrink it. then lighten the color and place it on top. Depending on how the part will end up moving they'll usually parent the pieces together.

[ConcorDisparate 385]

 

 

You see how that blue curl comes behind her ear? How is that done? Is the outline actually a stroke or are they two individual pieces layered one on top of the other? How does the MLP animation crew usually handle this?

You have two ways to do it.

EIther you create the big shape for the outline, then create a smaller one on top of it. Or you use vector strokes.

Both method works, but the stroke method is better if you are looking for precise drawings, as you can set a size that will be exactly the same for all strokes, while the other method is not that precise.

There is a third method which consists on creating the strokes by creating 2 lines of nodes and filling them; after that, you create a fill for the whole thing. It's like the stroke method, but less practical.

 

I use the stroke method with Ponyscape, it allows me to create taper ends.

If you are looking for references close from the show(the one you provided has some errors that you might want to avoid considering you are learning MLP vector art), go there : http://mlp-vectorclub.deviantart.com/

 

If you intent on using Ponyscape or Inkscape, most of the drawers provide the .svg file, you can use it to see how it is done by yourself.

I can also provide some help if you need it.

Edited May 10, 2015 by ConcorDisparate

[colt_following 169]

Thanks a lot, guys- these resources are beautiful!