A detailed vector illustration of a real-world cathedral. Inspired by Gothic architecture’s dramatic symmetry and structure. The project moves from research to final execution, emphasizing precision and design control.
The cathedral’s complex structure needed to be simplified without losing its visual identity. Spires, arches, and stained glass presented challenges that had to be translated into clean, strong shapes.
Using photo references, I built the cathedral piece by piece in Adobe Illustrator. I relied heavily on the Pen tool to control every curve and angle. I layered shapes and added subtle shadows to build depth, especially around the windows and roofline. After finishing the illustration, I placed it in a real-world mockup to give it context.
The result is a sharp, stylized take on the original architecture, recognizable, yet clean. The vector holds its form without relying on realism, showing how shape and depth alone can drive complexity. Future refinements may explore added lighting and texture to elevate the design.