Vector Magic

Arms of the American Heraldry Society.
I'm obsessed with this shield shape now.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

All this practice in Adobe Illustrator is beginning to payoff...I recently got round to doing my own arms (about time, I think) and even created a lozenge shield for my daughter.  I have not yet begun to explore shading and highlighting in the software as I feel like I still have a ways to go getting the basics dialed in.  

The arms of Chad Krouse

I'm still in love with the design I created in 2014, and its hard to image that 10 years have flown by since those days of multiple drafts while sketching everything in colored pencil.  I would have NEVER conceived the possibility of one day creating novice renderings on a computer.  

Arms of the author's daughter.

Banner of arms of Chad Krouse

I even successfully tackled my first ribbon with text all in vector--that was a fun learning experience.   The possibilities, now, are endlessly exciting.

Summer Heat and Recent Emblazonments

Arms of the Order of St. John.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

As the summer continues to heat up (as well as fly by), I want to share a few recently completed emblazonments. I definitely am beginning to feel more comfortable working in Adobe Illustrator, but there is a lot to learn.

Luckily a close friend just so happens to be a professional graphic designer who has his black belt in Illustrator.  I just need to bribe him to share those tips and tricks to help my work get to the next level.  For example, I am clueless when it comes to shading--I think that helps give any coat of arms a rather polished look.

I feel like the possibilities for design using heraldry and heraldic elements is endless, only your creativity holds the limit.  I'm enjoying learning new fonts, current favorite is the classic Stempel Schneidler, and simply playing around and learning in the process.  Several of these designs are purely just for fun and are not official.  Enjoy!

Badge of the Order of St John.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Banner of arms of Yale School of Nursing.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Coat of arms of Yale School of Nursing.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Banner of arms of St Thomas Church, NYC as devised by the College of Arms in 1975.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Coat of arms of St Thomas Church devised by the College of Arms in 1975.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.