Artwork Request or help

[jedimason]

I'm building a Baylor University inspired cab and I'm trying to use the classic
Sailor Bear as my sideart.  All I have is this small picture.  I'm new to the whole vectorization process and wanted to see if a newbie could handle something like this.  Do you have any tips or does anyone want to help me out I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jedimason

[gamecreature]

When doing vector, the larger the image, the better. Can you get your hands on a higher resolution image?

UPDATE: A quick check of the university website revealed some very nice EPS logos in both color and black and white. However, the "sailor bear" is not among them - they say it is reserved for student-run organizations, etc. Oh well, it was worth a shot. If you have your heart set on the above logo, you'll need to find a nice clean image to get a big scan from.

[jedimason]

Okay, I finally found a better image of the sailor bear.  I still don't know if this is good enough to vectorize.  If someone could tell me if it would be possible to vectorize this, please let me know.  Thanks.

-Jedimason

[Mamed for life]

Hi, hope this helps.

 

[Ad_Enuff]

Heres a AI version, maybe better!

[Mamed for life]

Yeah, mines Illus 8, saved as eps. Thought it might be handier than native Illus file (or does everyone have it already?)

I've found a good way of making vector art from b/w eps files, if any one is interested?

Using Illus CS, import the jpeg you want, use the live trace tool and copy the file.
Bring the values up a bit (or down, it all depends), and use the preview to see if it's what you want.
Make a new Illus file, paste and use the fill to fill with whatever color you want.

It's an awful lot quicker than trying to trace by hand. 

I haven't tried it yet with a color image, might have a go later.

[melarky]

I've used LiveTrace with varying results.  I have also used the autotrace function in InkScape (freeware photoshop type program).  I only use InkScape for tracing bitmaps into vectors, and funny enough, it does a better job than Illustrator on occasion.