We make caricatures from photos online. Create a Caricature from a Photo in Photoshop
What You'll Be Creating
Caricatures are a fun alternative to traditional portraits. The idea is to comically exaggerate certain character traits to create a comical image of the person being described. Program tools Adobe Photoshop, such as Transformation, Deformation, Plastic are ideal for creating caricatures from portrait photographs. This lesson is only part of a larger course, which you can find on the Tuts+ website,
Source materials
For execution this lesson You will need two source images. Both images can be downloaded from this link Download the Application(Download Attachment) to the lesson. Source images you will need:
- Portrait photography You can use your own photo or use the photo of a man that I used.
- Texture Background I created this texture using Adobe Texture Paper Pro (advanced version).
1. Prepare the Photo
The most important thing in caricature technique is to find elements that are already, by their nature, emphasized, and then exaggerate them to a certain degree of comedy. In our original photo, the young man's jawline is pronounced, and therefore his smile is immediately noticeable. His horn-rimmed glasses catch his eye, as does his hairline, which appears to be receding. This is all character traits, which we can make fun of.
Step 1
A clean white background in a photograph makes it easier to separate the image from the background. Use any selection technique of your choice - I used the Quick Selection(Quick Selection Tool (W) to create a selection - and then we go Layer – New – Copy to new layer(Layer > New > Layer Via Copy) or press the keys (Ctrl+J) to copy the selected image of the man to a new layer.
Step 2
When each element of the image is selected individually, then it is easier to work with each individual element. So using the same selection technique, select the next element in the image. The head, neck and jacket should be outlined exactly along the line of the T-shirt.
The head/neck should fit exactly within the line of the T-shirt.
When selecting the chin, it is not necessary to be precise, create a rough selection - later, we will combine the chin with the entire head.
Try to highlight the mouth along the outer area of the lips, so that there is enough space for further alignment.
Select the nose in the same way. Create a rough selection around the nose, leaving enough room for blending.
Step 3
To make it easier, let's convert each layer with an image element into a smart object. Being on each layer, we go one by one Layer – Smart Object – Convert to Smart Object(Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object).
2. Transformation and Deformation
So, individual facial features are located on separate layers, now we can begin to transform them, creating a caricature. The versatility of Smart Objects allows you to work with different combinations of sizes to create a fun effect.
Step 1
A traditional caricature technique is to make the head too large in comparison to the body. To do this, we need to significantly reduce the image of the torso, let's go Editing - Free Transform(Edit > Free Transform).
Step 2
Next, let's go Edit – Transform – Warp(Edit > Transform > Warp) to start warping the head image. The neck should fit the neck of the T-shirt, and also inflate top part heads. The main goal of this step is just to create a basic head shape that will serve as the basis for the rest of the image.
Step 3
Apply distortion to the chin to elongate it and also sharpen it a little. Try to align the top of the chin so that the seams at the transition of the element images are not too noticeable.
Step 4
Make a big grin even bigger by stretching out the mouth.
Step 5
Very often in cartoons noses are made very large and exaggerated. Big noses just look so funny! Enlarge the image of the nose to comic proportions - even if the nose overlaps the mouth, it's okay.
Step 6
The glasses require more careful work than simply scaling, which we applied to other elements of the image. The Warp tool will help align the stretched frame on the face, let's go Edit – Transform – Warp(Edit > Transform > Warp).
Step 7
During the distortion, we practically hid the ear on the main layer with the image of the man. To fix this, we'll zoom in on the ear so the ear is big enough to hold the glasses mounts!
Step 8
The most difficult part of the work is processing the chin on the layer mask, because... I have to treat the hairs in the goatee area on the chin. Just use a smaller brush and be patient. In the screenshot below, you can see the processing on the layer mask of the chin layer and the result of the combination.
Step 9
Create a new layer on top of all the selected elements of the head image and use the Spot Healing Brush(Spot Healing Brush (J), in the settings, select the option Sample of all layers(Sample All Layers), paint over obvious seams or problem areas that you could not fix with a layer mask.
3. Apply Lifting to the Face
Next comes powerful tool, which is used in the process of creating a caricature, is the Liquify tool. We've already done a lot of work with deformation, however, with the help of Liquify, we will create a really fun caricature. The Liquify tool is a powerful tool and at the same time it can be unpredictable, but fortunately the tool is supported by Smart Filtering, so no need to worry!
Step 1
Select all the layers with the selected elements of the man's head, including the top adjustment layer, to merge them into one layer. Convert this layer to a Smart Object, for this we go Layer - Smart Object - Convert to Smart Object(Layer > Smart Object > Convert to Smart Object).
Step 2
Step 3
Using a tool Deformation(Forward Warp Tool), brush size approximately 200, increase the volume of the frontal part. Gently lift the skin up towards the hairline.
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Using a tool Deformation(Forward Warp Tool), deform the area near the temple again, and then use the tool Bloating(Bloat Tool), slightly enlarge the eyes - the only thing, do not forget to reduce the diameter of the brush when using this tool on eyeballs. After finishing work, click the button No(None) in settings Mask Options(Mask Options) to remove all frozen areas.
Step 7
Lengthen your chin a little using the tool Deformation(Forward Warp Tool), and also make the chin more round and convex using the tool Bloating(Bloat Tool).
Step 8
In conclusion, make a man's smile wider with the help of a tool Deformation(Forward Warp Tool). Pull the corners of your mouth towards the folds of your cheeks. The only thing is to be careful not to deform the shape of your teeth.
After applying the filter Plastic(Liquify), the result should be as in the screenshot below.
4. Artistic Background
So, we've finished deforming and working on the poor man's face, now let's give the photo more artistic view. We'll start by creating a more artistic background.
Step 1
Add a layer mask to the caricature layer and use a textured brush to paint the bottom of the image, shading it on the layer mask. I chose the brush Sponge Brush Projection. Reduce the brush opacity to about 40%
, thus the texture transition will be smooth.
Step 2
Open the texture with the background by downloading it from the link at the beginning of this lesson. Place this texture below the cartoon layer.
Step 3
Add a layer mask to the background texture layer. Using the same brush, paint over the texture on the layer mask to create a painted effect around the edge of the image.
5. Painted Picture Effect
So, we are ready to transform our caricature, giving it the effect of a painted picture. We will maintain a slight photographic quality, while creating the feeling of a painted picture. This can be easily achieved using the Smudge Tool technique.
Step 1
Small parts have a destructive tendency, affecting created effect painted picture, so first we soften them, it will be the best solution. Let's go Filter – Blur – Smart Blur(Filter > Blur > Smart Blur). Set the following settings: Radius(Radius) 2.0
, Threshold(Threshold) 10.0
, Quality(Quality) High(High).
Step 2
The highlights in the photo have become a little brighter. We'll fix this with an adjustment layer. Curves(Curves). Add an adjustment layer to the cartoon layer. Curves(Curves) as a clipping mask to soften the bright areas.
Step 3
Create a new layer on top of all other layers. Select a tool Finger(Smudge Tool), set the brush size to approximately 40px. Set value Intensities(Strength) 80%
, and also check the box Sample of all layers(Sample All Layers). Once you've set up the tool, start smearing it with your finger along the main features of the man's face. Go over the natural texture of the leather to give it a more fluid texture.
Step 4
Reduce the brush size to approximately 5 px. Next, use your finger along smaller details, such as eyebrows, individual locks of hair, eyes and teeth.
Step 5
Create a merged layer from the Finger smear layer, the caricature layer, and the adjustment layer. Curves(Curves). To do this, first, select all the layers, and then, holding down the Alt key, go Layer – Merge Layers(Layer > Merge Layers (Ctrl+E). Being on the merged layer, go Filter – Color Contrast(Filter > Other > High Pass). Install Radius(Radius) 5.0px. Name this layer 'Details'.
Step 6
Change the layer's blending mode 'Details' on Overlap(Overlay), and also reduce the layer opacity to 78%
. Next, let's go Layer – Layer Mask – Hide All(Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All). Using a soft white brush, work in details such as the eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth and beard to make them appear again.
Step 7
Create a new layer on top of all other layers. Name this layer Darken/Lighten(Dodge/Burn). Fill this layer 50% gray. You can fill it through Editing - Fill(Edit > Fill). Change the blending mode for this layer to Overlap(Overlay), and then using a soft black brush with opacity 30%
, recreate the darkening effect. Switch the brush color to white to recreate the brightening effect.
Step 8
Next, we'll add the finishing touch. First, create a merged layer from all layers, to do this, hold down the key (Alt)+ let's go Layer – Merge Visible(Layer > Merge Visible). Next, let's go Filter - Camera Raw(Filter > Camera Raw) and in the window that appears, set the following settings Contrast(Contrast) +10, Brightness(Clarity) +22
, And Vibration(Vibrance) +48
.
Ready!
And we completed the lesson! I hope you enjoyed this awesome cartooning tutorial! Now using this technique, apply it to photos of your friends or family members to create fun, unique, and one-of-a-kind portraits!
Do you want more?
This lesson is only part of a larger course that you can find on the Tuts+ website. If you like Photoshop lessons, including photo manipulations, brush tutorials, tutorials, you can visit my profile here on Envato Tuts+.
Additional Source Resources
If you are interested and need help creating cartoons, then on the Envato studio website, you can find huge collection caricatures and portrait images that you might want to use.
Cartoon portraits are still popular and are a great way to highlight the characteristic features of any person. It is customary to order such pictures from artists specializing in in this direction. But this is only the case when you intend to give someone a memorable gift. Well, to create simple comic pictures from photos, you can use free online services.
exists on the Internet a large number of sites where you are offered to order a caricature from a photograph from professional (and not so professional) artists. But in this article we will not consider such resources. We are interested in web services with which you can quickly create a caricature or cartoon using a photo downloaded from a computer.
Method 1: Cartoon.Pho.to
A free online tool that allows you to turn a portrait photo into an animated caricature in a couple of clicks. You can also create static pictures with various parody effects, including the same cartoon.
Method 2: PhotoFunia
A popular resource for creating complex photo collages. The service can virtually place your portrait photo anywhere, be it a city billboard or a newspaper page. A caricature effect made as a pencil drawing is also available.
Method 3: Wish2Be
This web application not only transforms a portrait photo to create a cartoon effect, but allows you to use ready-made templates caricatures, to which all that remains is to add a face the right person. In Wish2Be you can fully work with layers and combine available graphic elements, such as hair, bodies, frames, backgrounds, etc. It also supports overlaying text on images.
Caricature portraits are funny pictures, which depict distorted faces people, while maintaining their similarities. In this tutorial you will learn how to draw a caricature portrait using Adobe Photoshop and graphics tablet Wacom Intuos.
So let's get started!
Final result:
1. Sketching a caricature
Step 1
Create a new document in Adobe Photoshop with the following dimensions 1110x1270 px, resolution 300 dpi. Keep the original image from which you will draw your caricature portrait handy. I'm using the original image of a man, which you can see in the screenshot below.
Study your object carefully, paying attention to details that particularly stand out. The key to creating a caricature is to highlight the special features of a person's face. IN in this case, you can enlarge your ears, lips, and jawline.
Once you have decided which facial features you will be enhancing, start creating your caricature. with a white background. And with the help Hard Round Pressure Brush Opacity(Hard Round Pressure Opacity Brush (B)), sketch out your cartoon subject. In the top brush control panel, don't forget to activate the mode Pressure controls Opacity(Pressure for Opacity).
Sketch in gray tones to make the sketch as clear as possible. This is a simple design, so there is no need to add a background or design the clothing in detail. Focus on enhancing facial features, including emphasizing the jawline.
Final sketch.
2. Coloring
Step 1
Create a new layer below the sketch layer. Using a tool Gradient(Gradient Tool (G)), gradient type Linear(Linear), gradient colors from muted green (#3e3726) to light green (#695d50), fill this layer with a linear gradient.
Step 2
To start coloring the caricature, we need a base. Create another new layer below the sketch layer, name this layer The basis(Base). Using a hard round brush at 100% Rigidity(Hardness), paint the base colors on the face, hair and shirt collar. Because We changed the blending mode for the sketch layer to Soft light(Soft Light), then the sketch will perfectly match the base colors.
On this same layer, don't forget to paint the eyes, facial hair and lips with the base colors. The numbers of the basic color shades are shown in the screenshot below.
Step 3
Create a new layer on top of the base colors layer The basis(Base) as a clipping mask. Name this layer Shadow(Shadows), change the blending mode for this layer to Multiplication(Multiply). We use a tool Pipette(Eyedropper Tool (I)) to select color swatches as color foreground, Next, using the color shades that are already present on the canvas, add the first stage of shadows to the portrait.
Create another new layer as a clipping mask to the layer The basis(Base). Name this layer Texture(Texture). Change the blending mode for this layer to Multiplication(Multiply). By using Triangular Pastel Brush(Triangle Pastel Brush (B)) add brown skin texture to the face and neck.
Step 4
Let's add some highlights. Create a new layer as a clipping mask to the layer The basis(Base). Name this layer Lightglare(Linear Dodge (Add)) and using the tool Pipette(Eyedropper Tool (I)), sample colors from adjacent areas to add highlights. You will need to keep your original image nearby during this process, this will help when adding highlights. Accentuate highlights in upper area faces.
Now select all the coloring layers, including the sketch layer except the background layer, to merge them (Ctrl+E).
Name the new merged layer Caricature(Caricature).
Step 5
It's time to clean up our drawing and make it clearer. For this purpose use the same brush Hard Round Pressure Opacity(Hard Round Pressure Opacity) to correct texture on the face, hair and collar. Make all adjustments on the layer Caricature(Caricature), this will provide sharper edges instead of soft blurry ones.
Step 6
Create a new layer on top of the layer Caricature(Caricature). Name this layer Lightglare(Highlights). Change the blending mode for this layer to Overlap(Overlay), and then using white and bright warm colors, add highlights to the skin. Make the ears and cheeks a little more pink, and the top of the forehead and hair brighter.
Don't forget about the beard! For our drawing to come to life, we need to draw small parts, reflecting light glare. First create a new layer on top of the layer Light glare(Highlights), change the blending mode for this layer to Linear brightener (Add)(Linear Dodge (Add)). Name this layer Details(Details) and using the tool Pipette(Eyedropper Tool (I)), sample the colors that are already on the canvas to paint highlights in this area.
Draw the hair for the beard in three different directions. Draw small, fine hairs to show off individual hairs and add movement to the image.
Step 7
Merge all the caricature layers except the background layer to complete our painting on two separate layers. This will help in execution and save file size.
Continue drawing details to add more personality to this portrait. Add more fine hairs to your entire facial hair, including your mustache, beard, and eyebrows. Add highlights to the lips and touch up the edges to get the perfect portrait.
If you feel that you can add more details to the drawing, then add clothing details. In this case, I drew the shoulders and part of the shirt. Paint the dark blue base first and then add the folds to the shirt using slow strokes with a soft round brush.
If you need to lengthen your body, then let's go Filter - Plastic(Filter > Liquify) and using the tool Deformation(Forward Warp Tool (W)), pull the shirt and shoulders down.
Create a new layer on top of the layer Caricature(caricature), change the blending mode for this layer to Linear light(Linear Light). Using the same Blue colour from the shirt, paint shadows at the bottom of the design and also on the sides using a soft round brush. Merge all layers into one layer.
You can see the final result in the screenshot below.
And that is all! Creating digital drawings will take a lot of practice, but once you have that experience, you'll be able to create your own caricature portrait! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Good luck!
