“Vectoring” with Photoshop

Vectoring with Photoshop

Yeah I know that you usually can’t create vector graphics with Photoshop. But you can trace the images and they do look like vector graphics!

This is how I “vector” scans with Photoshop CS2:

1. Open the image you’d like to vector, pretty easy huh? x3

For this tutorial I vectored a scan from the AP-Gallery. Anime: Dragonaut – The Resonance I’m just gonna vector Tora!

2. Zoom in. About 200-300% will do.

To make things easier I always group the layers. It makes it really easy when you vector more than one char from a scan. Go and create a group named Tora x3

4. Create a new layer. I always start to vector the basic colors, alter on I’ll add glow and shadow layers (above the basic layer).

5. You can choose where you want to start to vector. I always start with face/eyes/hair. For this tut I only vectored the hair, that will do to show the technique. So name the new created layer. In my case “Hair” simple but effective, when you have many layers it makes it easier for you to find the right one instead of layer3, layer34 and so on.

6. Pick the color! I usually pick the color and then choose a slightly other one. So the image looks cleaner and brighter/darker, what you wish for. If you don’t like the color after you filled it in, you can change it with pressing Ctrl+U. Do NOT click color!! only adjust hue/saturation etc.

7. Create a path. Pick the Pen tool or press P. And follow the outlines/area of the hair. Remember to check the setting and set them to:

!!Remember to have the correct layer activated!!

Go on and create the path. And soon it’ll look like this:

For curves just click once where they start and where they have to end. You’ll see a straight line. Don’t panic!! Click in the middle of the line and a new anchorpoint will appear with a strange line. Press and hold Ctrl. Your mouse will change. ATTENTION Try not to click anywhere but the new anchorpoint, or else your path will change and you cant close it anymore.

So click and hold the anchorpoint (remember Ctrl) and move it. You’ll see it creates a curve x3 adjust it so that it will match the original scan.

8. Once you’re done close the path (click the start point) and right click on the mouse. Choose “Fill Path” with Foreground color ( the one you picked before) and OK!

You’ll now see the shape of the hair with the basic color! Add a new layer “Hair Shadow” and “Hair Glow” and If you like “Hair Outline”.

For the Shadow you create a path only around the darker areas and for the Glow only the brighter ones, easy isn’t it? And soon your shape will look like this:

Nice thing huh? ^_~

Proceed with this until you’ve finished Skin, Shirt, Pants, Eyes etc. Remember the layers and whoooosh!! You’re done.

For Outline it is the same procedure, just zoom in up to 300-400% . Whether you use black or a color darker than the shadow is your choice! ^^

I hope this tutorial helps you a little bit!