There are times when working with vector images is what’s called for. Of course, there are also times (like photography) when you have to go with raster images. Vector images can be blown up to any size without loss of quality. Raster (or Bitmap) images become jagged when made larger.

There are some mediums like Flash animation, print ads, clipart, and logo art which lend itself to the vector graphic format for its elastic nature. It is also very easy to convert from vector to raster formats, but the same ease doesn’t hold true vice-versa.

From vector illustrations to 3D drawings, vector images find a lot of creative uses.

But creating detailed vector images takes patience and skill. You might be creating something as simple as an icon, or as cool as a T-shirt design. Having a stock of readymade vector images is a shortcut. If you are a designing greenhorn or an old hand, check out these ten resources for some inspiration and free vector art downloads.

Vecteezy

Vecteezy is a community based website that you can explore to see the work of other vector artists. All the graphics are free to download and free to use in your projects. But do check out the license first before you do so.

Free downloadable vector files include vector Icons, vector patterns, vector swirls, flourishes, backgrounds, wallpapers, Illustrator brushes, and many more.

Vector Madness

This website includes many free design resources for the vector artist. From free T-Shirt designs to stock vector images, the site has 7,800+ free vector image files and packs. You can access the categories from the left hand column.

Vectorish

Like a lot of creative image sites, you can not only download free stock images but also submit your own. The vector images are very neatly laid out with each image pack’s information and license type mentioned on the right.  You can use the search box or jump to the categories (Abstract, Icons, Illustrator, Misc, Nature, Swirl, Symbols).

QVectors

QVectors is another neatly organized web resource for quality vector images. Each image or image pack gets its own page with information like a star rating, comments, a full preview, and links to other Vectors You Might Like. You have a whole lot of categories including Silhouettes which is really handy for presentations.

You can register on the site and upload and download vector files as a member. The site’s blog also keeps you in the know of what’s happening all around the site.

All Silhouettes

When we are talking of silhouette images, All-Silhouettes.com is a great collection of 8,694 free silhouettes as symbols, shadows, objects etc. You can explore the silhouette clipart from the categories mentioned on the right or use the tag cloud.

Vector Portal

Vector Portal’s tagline says ““ Everything vector, everything free. Great! You have some uncommon types of vector stock vector images like Coat of Arms, Beams and Bursts, Sketches, Monochrome Vectors, and more.

For example, a monochrome vector of Bob Marley is just the thing for that T-shirt imprint. Or check out Clint Eastwood’s sketch. You can also download complete sets or submit vector files of your own.

Brands of The World

There are times when you need to download and use a logo for some graphic work or a presentation. Brands of the World are a niche resource for free vector formats of brand logos. You can also showcase your own interpretation of a brand’s logo by submitting your vector image. Most files are free but there’s also a non-free stock logos section.

I Heart Vector

iHeartVector.com positions itself as a royalty free vector resource. But there is a totally free section too with 209 vector packs and files free for personal and commercial use. You can access it from the Categories dropdown.

Deviant Art

Anybody who colors a pixel or draws a line surely visits this largest community of digital artists on the web. So, how do you start searching in this crowd of digital chaos? You use the search bar and find out free vector files available for download. Or alternatively, you can click on the Resources and Stock Images link.

Cool Vectors

A cool website to share your vectors or download free ones. Vectors are rated and arranged in categories available from a dropdown. One of the categories you can check out is the colorful Spills & Splatters.

The above ten free vector stock image websites will give you options galore for your projects. But before you download and use, do check the license type for each image. They have been created by some incredibly creative people for our creative uses. Are you one of them?

Let us know about your favored website for free vector downloads.