How do I make (vector) drawings?

[colorflash]

Hello,
I want to make a cool pattern with plants and leaves, it should look something like pic 1 (just one color). Do you think I would have to draw it myself (I'd be using Freehand I guess) or is there maybe an easier way around it (maybe some kind of PS filter)? I already tried to trace a BMP in Flash but the borders don't come out smooth. Also I'm not really good at drawing and how would I get done the details of a leave anyways (see pic 2)?

Also is there a way how to cut out objects from the background without having to trace it with the lasso or mask modus in PS? Heard somewhere that one can just make the background of an image transparent if its a gif?

[pixelisfun]

You should drop the image on illustrator or freehand and trace the image with the pen tool or bezier. You can also use PS using same tools, then use the trace as a selection and fill it with the color you like. But i think if you do it on your vector program you won't have to export as eps or similar and you have more flexibility.

[colorflash]

mmh, is that the only way really? coz like I said I'm not the best drawer, especially with a mouse..

[simplistik]

mmh, is that the only way really? coz like I said I'm not the best drawer, especially with a mouse..Well the pen tool IS NOT a drawing tool. It's point, click, modify. And no you can't just make the backgrounds just disappear. If you're not good at any of these things, then that is exactly why you should be doing it. This type of skill is a vital part of being a designer, if you're tryin to be one. Again... ppl need to understand that being a good designer takes elbow grease, things just don't happen themselves.

[colorflash]

were you screaming just then? well I KNOW THAT FROM NOTHING COMES NOTHING but sometimes there are little tricks here and there. A coulpe times I went the much more complicated way and found out later that it also could be done easier.. but I'll try my best and see how it goes.

[simplistik]

No wasn't screaming at all... I always emphasize the word not. Also, one tool that I didn't mention was the extract tool, but it requires a little painting and retouching after you're done extracting. I personally don't use it but... if you're lookin for something that's not as "hard" that may be the way to go. You'll need to retouch it w/ the history brush more than likely though after you're done.