Megatech Vector Artwork

[Nipedley]

Hi there.. as some of you know my Megatech has a damaged control panel overlay, and I can find none anywhere, not even originals, to replace it with. As such, I've started getting into vector work - and I'm planning to vector the control panel and hopefully the side art too, to be able to get repro's printed off. I'll gladly upload them to any body who wants them, or any site that needs them when I'm done. I just wondered if you had any tips? I'll upload a pic of my WIP (e.g. 4 hours or so of work) (hey it's my 2nd piece of work, give me a break ) vector Sonic image. Advice, suggestions? I myself will be using the work I produce, and hopefully someone else can benefit from it too!
EDIT: Changed picture to reflect new work

[Nipedley]

Hi guys.. Been working on this for a bit. It isnt EXACTLY the same due to some features I dont know how to re-produce.. there are little dots that change with the gradients, so they're missing :S Also the colours are a little different, however this is my current progress...

[Nipedley]

More progress =) 49 views and not one reply? Nobody has anything to say? :/

[AmericanDemon]

Good start.  Those gradiant dots have been discussed before, they are very hard to create in vector form.  Keep on with the keepin on and they will chime in.  Me?  I'm just passing through. 

[Nipedley]

Thanks for replying at last hehe,
I've done a bit more work.. it seems to be getting on pretty well now. Just needs cleaning up around the edges and the bottom part doing (unfortunately the source image i had was damaged at the top and the bottom)
I dont know if its just me, but it doesnt want to show my last picture. So I will just link it from my site instead;

What do you think, considering I did my first ever vector picture what it is.. 2 days ago? =) (It looks pixelated due to extreme shrinking in Paint.. and .jpg'ness
Here is the original for reference..

Is anyone interested in either the full size original picture, or my vector .AI file? I'd be glad to share it if anyone wants.

[walls83]

nice work.  you need to upload it to the arcade art library.

http://www.localarcade.com/arcade_art/

[Nipedley]

Will do once its complete =) (Unfortunately I'm going to have a lot less time to do this stuff as of tomorrow - back to school (I'm 15 by the way))...
On a side note, when you order custom side-art from a place like mamemarquees or customarcadegraphics, if its a strange shape like mine (as in not square) - do you receive the art in a square with a black/white border, or is it printed directly onto already cut paper?

[AmericanDemon]

square with whatever border you put in place.  I would reccomend making your image a little larger so you can trim it off.