Influenced by recent dispute, it has been decided that it is time to make a solidified definition of what a vexel is by deviantART's terms. Please understand that this definition, and the rules along with it, are not made up from a few of the gallery moderator's thoughts, but built from the foundation of what the creator's words on 'vexel' were, and what the majority of the vexel community of deviantART has come to accept as a vexel. These rules are solid, final, and most-likely will not be faltered.

A vexel on deviantART is accepted as

A full raster piece taking after the look of vector (The layered look) OR
Raster layers along with vector layers (For example, a solid raster base with vector gradients) OR
A vector piece (excluding gradient mesh) with raster elements (Textures, patterns, dropshadows, outerglows)

The following is the set of rules which must be followed in order to create a vexel that is valid

No airbrushing or painting to blend.
No blurring, smudging, sharpening, burning or dodging (Most filters would not be accepted, as well as the cutout filter).
Glows used to cheat blending, as opposed to using several layers or gradients, are not allowed.
Brushes allowed for a) Decoration, b) Hair (Stroke path.) Brushes should not be the main part of the piece. If the piece more brushes than hand-rendered shapes, it would no longer be considered vexel.
Photos overlayed over your finished product are not allowed.
Soft, feathered or photo brushes are not allowed.
Brushes used for texturing are allowed, provided they lightly texture and not take over.
Solid layers or gradient layers must be visible (Even if barely)
Textures, patterns, outerglows and dropshadows are allowed, as long as they are not overbearing. Use your discretion wisely.
Photograph backgrounds are not allowed. (This would be mixed media, as you are mixing both the medium of vexel with the medium of photography)
No gradient mesh, as it doesn't have the layered look achieved in vexel art, layers need to be visible (no matter how finely blended)
Each layer must be manually and individually rendered, so that excludes the use of LiveTrace.

*A word of advice, if you're unsure -- don't.

If after reading these rules you feel your deviation does not fit in the Vexel gallery, feel free to move it elsewhere, as for example the Mixed Media or Miscellaneous gallery, or ask us if you would like clarification on a specific piece!

Good Examples

Brushes used properly:


Textures used properly:


Gradients:

Poor Examples

Here are some tips for new and seasoned vexel artists!

Always credit your sources
Be creative!
Don't be afraid to try new things, it's often the best way to fight a block
Stay optimistic, just because a vexel doesn't look quite there, it doesn't mean you should stop trying!
Browse the gallery and let others inspire you (Remember, though, that inspiration and copying are two very different things)
Offer help and critiques
Feel free to ask ^Jules1983 and I, ^shebid anything!

We want to solidify the gallery with a firm description for the sake of understanding this particular genre. We understand we cannot please everyone however, this will serve to form some cohesion while still allowing some room for growth and development of the artistic community.

We hope with these solid rules, vexel will become more clear, and can flourish on deviantART. If you have any problems with the rules or definition, please contact $Moonbeam13.

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