Your photographs can quickly evolve into drawings and paintings if you learn the basics of using image-editing software, filters (plug-ins) and image layers.? In this weblog article I combine video tutorials and images to show you a few of our preferred methods of producing photo illustrations and sketches from digital pictures.
These four web-based Flash lessons are not about complicated procedures.? My goal for this first attempt is to get people who are vaguely familiar with image editing “off the ground” and into the fascinating world of crafting expressive illustrations using Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.? Experienced Photoshop users might enjoy seeing how we work, even if they left us behind years ago.
You will need to have your speakers turned on.? Your web browser might need its Flashplayer capabilities updated to version 9 — your computer will let you know if there is an issue.? Because this is “streaming media,” please allow time for the lessons to load (usually 10 to 45 seconds) after you click the links in order for them to begin playing. We used Camtasia Studio 3.1 screen recording software published by Techsmith to create these lessons.
The webcasts are indexed so you can watch small parts, then come back later to pick up where you left off.? Let’s start at the beginning:
Lesson 4 ends with an 85 image slideshow of illustrations we have made using the methods we describe here.? I have tried to keep these first screencasts uncomplicated because we need a foundation to build upon.? There’s no better place than here, and no better time than now.
I cover some useful procedures and secrets that I use every day in my work.? Photoshop isn’t difficult to learn but it has so many options that an aspiring digital image maker may easily feel overwhelmed.? You should find a simple system that works and stick with it.? Don’t try to learn everything, just focus on the tools and commands you need to achieve your desire.
Please bear with me because these are my very first screencast tutorials.? Any constructive feedback you wish to give by leaving your comments will be appreciated. Please report any technical issues you encounter.
Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you learn how to do it well.
— Steve Brown
