Complexity tiers,
explained.
Four tiers, set by a designer at order time. Here's the rubric — and real examples from each.
VectorWiz pricing is tiered by how much real work the conversion requires, not by file size or your subscription level. Tier 1 ($15) is clean source, 1–2 colors, simple geometry. Tier 2 ($45) adds 3–5 colors, basic gradients, recognizable forms. Tier 3 ($90) handles complex illustration with 6+ colors, intricate elements, ornate type. Tier 4 ($150) is full re-illustration — multi-element compositions, complex separations, stitch maps. We quote each upload individually within 2 hours; you approve the tier before billable work starts.
Single-color wordmark
Sans or serif lettering, one color, no effects.
Sign · vinyl · screen print
Geometric icon
Circles, triangles, basic shapes. One color.
Vinyl · embroidery
Monogram
2–3 letter mark, single color, light decoration.
Engraving · embroidery
Sports team mark
2–3 colors, simple shading, standard typography.
Screen · sign
Service badge
4-color seal-style mark with type and shape.
Sign · vinyl · embroidery
Multi-color sign panel
4 colors, simple composition, registration-tight.
Sign · vinyl
Mascot with shading
Shaded character art, 5–7 colors, expressive linework.
Screen · embroidery
Vintage badge
Ornate seal with multiple tiers of type, decorative elements.
Embroidery · screen
Multi-color illustration
Compositions with 6+ separations, halftones, knockouts.
Screen · large-format
Multi-element apparel
Scenic illustration prepped as press-ready separations.
Screen print · 8-color
Photo-to-embroidery
Stitch map from photograph, density-tuned, thread-paired.
Embroidery
Full sign re-illustration
Monument-sign rebuild with full DXF, layered tooling notes.
Sign · CNC · large-formatSix factors.
When a designer reviews your upload, they answer six questions. The tier falls out.
Color count
How many distinct colors will the final file need? 1–2 trends Tier 1; 3–5 trends Tier 2; 6+ trends Tier 3+; with separations Tier 3+.
Source quality
Clean, high-res source = lower tier. Damaged scan, JPEG artifacts, or photograph as source = higher tier (we re-illustrate, not trace).
Geometric complexity
Simple shapes (circles, rectangles, basic curves) = lower. Organic forms, hand-lettering, fine detail = higher.
Type treatment
Standard typography or recognizable fonts = lower. Custom hand-lettering, ornate scripts, distressed type = higher.
Workflow specificity
Plain "vector me this" = lower. Stitch maps, full separations, kerf-compensated DXF, multi-substrate routing = higher.
Re-illustration vs. redraw
Faithful redraw of intact source = lower tier. Re-illustration (rebuilding from rough or damaged source) = higher tier.
A job at "Tier 2.5" exists. We round to the nearest tier and explain in the quote — typically rounding down if the customer is on the bubble.
Upload one file. Order now in 2 hours.
The designer will tell you the tier and why. Approve to start; ignore at no cost.