How to convert your illlustrations to digital vector in 4 easy steps.
CONVERT YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS TO DIGITAL WITH THE HELP OF ADOBE PHOTOSHOP.
This is the method I use to convert my illustrations to digital vector. As with anything Adobe related, there are probably a million different ways to do this, but this is the way that works for me!
You can also use it for hand lettering, logo design or just about anything!
**Before you get started, if it isn’t already, you need to outline your sketch in ink - pencil won’t cut it! **
STEP 1
Scan or photograph your illustration.
Scanning is preferable, but don’t worry if you don’t have one - I don't! A high quality photo works just as well with a bit of work.
Scan:
If you can, make sure your scanner settings are set to the highest resolution.
Photograph:
Good lighting is a must! Bright, natural light is best but you can also use artificial lights, such as lamps or spotlights. The key is making sure your illustration is evenly lit (this will help you later on). Don't worry if the photo is slightly discoloured, we will fix that later!
When taking the photos, try to make sure the camera is aligned directly above the illustration (as best as you possibly can) and the drawing is flat (I use a bulldog clip to pin the pages down in my sketchbook).
Take a few so you can choose the best one!
STEP 2
Open your scan/photo in Photoshop.
Now we start editing! You want to make your blacks as black as possible and whites as white as possible.
I usually start by cropping and straightening my image. Then convert it to black and white to make sure there is no hint of colour. Play around with the brightness/contrast, levels and exposure until you are happy.
*No two photographs/scans are the same, so it is usually a case of playing around until it works!*
STEP 3
Select your illustration using colour range
Now we want to isolate the drawing. Go to Select > Colour range and a panel will open up. Click your illustration and increase fuzziness to max then click ok. Ta-dah! You have selected your illustration.
STEP 4
Convert to paths and export to Illustrator
Now you want to convert your selection to a path. Go to the Path panel (if you can’t see it, you can open it in Windows>Path) and click the middle icon at the bottom of the panel. It looks like a circle with four squares around it and if you hover over it says ‘make work path from selection’ *see below*
Now your illustration is a path and can be exported to illustrator! Go to File>Export>Files to Illustrator and save it wherever you want. It’s that simple. Once open in Illustrator you can do what you want with it! The wonders of digital vector...
