What a hand redraw service actually does
A hand redraw is used when the source artwork is too rough, too small or too inconsistent for direct use. Instead of tracing every flaw, we redraw the mark by hand so the proportions, spacing and line quality are cleaned up for real production work. This suits old logos, scanned sketches, low resolution images and artwork that has been copied too many times.
Our team works from the artwork you supply and makes sure the final version is clear, balanced and easy to reproduce. That can mean cleaning up lettering, tightening curves, correcting uneven strokes or rebuilding parts that do not hold up at larger sizes. Customers must own the artwork or have permission to use it, especially where a logo came from another designer, printer or supplier.
- Best for logos with jagged edges, faded scans or broken lines
- Suitable when a small bitmap needs proper vector artwork
- Useful for brands that need a neater version for print and signage
- Can include simple illustration elements such as icons, badges or mascots
Bitmap tracing versus hand redraw and illustration
Bitmap tracing is the quickest route when the source image is simple and already close to final. It follows the picture pixel for pixel, which can be useful for basic shapes but it also keeps the flaws from the original file. A hand redraw goes further. We redraft the artwork with judgement, which matters when curves need smoothing, text needs clearer spacing or the logo must hold up on a vehicle door, label or invoice.
For more detailed work, a hand redraw can turn into a full vector illustration. That may include line art, scenes, patterns, maps, menus or badge artwork. The aim is to give you a clean master file that can be scaled without quality loss. In practice, that means better control over edges, fills and line weights, and less trouble when the file is sent to a printer or sign writer.
- Bitmap tracing: fast, suitable for simple shapes
- Hand redraw: cleaner, more controlled, better for brand marks
- Vector illustration: ideal when the artwork needs added detail or custom elements
- Final files can be supplied as SVG, EPS, PDF and AI
Where this service suits South African businesses
Hand redraws are common for businesses that need artwork to work in more than one place. A logo might need to sit on a website header, be laser cut into signage, print clearly on workwear or hold its shape on packaging. Across South Africa, that often means dealing with different print houses and municipal sign rules. Clean vector files reduce the pressure on everyone involved.
We work with clients in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Observatory in Cape Town is our base, but the process is set up for remote work, so you can send your source artwork through the enquiry form and we can handle the redraw from there. It suits new businesses as well as established firms that need a better version of an old identity.
- Signage and vehicle branding
- Packaging, labels and cartons
- Stationery, invoices and presentation packs
- Social graphics and web headers
File sizes, formats and artwork options
We prepare artwork to suit the way it will be used, not just to look good on screen. The artwork can be supplied as a simple single-colour mark, a two-colour version, or a more detailed illustration with shading and line work. If the project calls for a family of files, we can organise versions for print, web and production teams so nothing gets lost between suppliers.
Most jobs are delivered in standard vector formats that printers and sign shops can open without fuss. If you need a transparent file, a print-ready PDF or a format suitable for editing later, we can include that in the handover. It helps to send your preferred dimensions, any colour notes and the place where the artwork will be used, because the same logo may need a different setup for a sticker than for a fascia board.
- Vector file formats: SVG, EPS, PDF and AI
- Common artwork styles: line art, solid fill, outline, badge and mascot
- Colour setups can be prepared for single colour, spot colour or full colour use
- Files can be arranged for small print, large signage and digital use
What to check before you order
Before sending artwork for redraw, check that you have the rights to use it and that the file you send is the best version available. A blurry screenshot can still be usable, but if you have a vector file, a scan, or an original sketch, that usually gives better results. It also helps to say whether the logo must stay faithful to the original or whether you want refinements to the lettering, icon or layout.
Please include any colours you want kept, any parts that must be fixed, and any applications the artwork must suit. If the mark will be used on a white background, dark background or on textured packaging, say so at the start. That saves time later and avoids rework. If there are old files from a previous printer or designer, send those too, even if they look untidy.
- Confirm ownership or usage rights for the source artwork
- Send the clearest version you have, even if it is rough
- List any colour references or must-keep details
- Tell us where the final artwork will be used
Care, updates and follow-up support
Once the redraw is approved, the best care is simple file control. Keep the master vector files in a safe place and only pass out copies that suit the job at hand. A printer may need a PDF, while a web team may need SVG. If the artwork is changed later, it is better to update the master file first rather than letting old versions circulate in message threads and shared folders.
We also handle related illustration work when a brand needs more than a logo. That can include custom brand icons, menu illustrations, map illustrations, sticker artwork, pattern artwork, social graphics, infographic elements and scene illustrations. If you need a logo redraw as part of a broader brand refresh, we can keep the line quality and spacing consistent across the whole set. In coastal areas, printed work may also need a little extra care around paper choice and laminate, especially where humidity can affect finish.
- Store the master file separately from day to day copies
- Use the correct format for the correct supplier
- Ask for a fresh export if the artwork will be resized or reused
- Keep colour notes with the approved version
Key facts
| Service type | Hand redraw of logos and custom illustration work |
|---|---|
| File formats | SVG, EPS, PDF and AI |
| Artwork styles | Single colour, full colour, line art, badge, mascot and icon work |
| Use cases | Print, signage, packaging, labels, web and social graphics |
| Service area | South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Bloemfontein |
| Base | Observatory, Cape Town |
