How illustrations are created. Illustration Basics from Highlights

Over the past few weeks I've been trying out using grayscale filters, curious about the results and what they can do. Also, much to my surprise, I discovered the Width Tool in Illustrator CS5. Having these two tools, I decided to put them to good use and create an illustration in the style of Roy Lichtenstein.

There are quite a lot of tutorials that tell you how to create such an image, but I decided to go through this one myself. I was not interested in other lessons, because... my occupation was only entertainment. Therefore, if I suddenly copied someone's technique, then I really didn't know. In addition, it would be quite nice to post a lesson on creating illustrations in a similar style on this site.

Roy Fox Lichtenstein (October 27, 1923 - September 29, 1997) - American artist, representative of pop art. The artist's success was brought to him by his works on the themes of comics and magazine graphics. Wikipedia

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Hello! My name is Hatice Bayramoglu, I am a 3D artist and illustrator from Turkey. In this lesson I will show you how to draw and color a hero - an illustration for a children's book. As the lesson progresses, I will explain my choice of certain tools and my thoughts on illustration. My tutorial shows how I create an illustration from initial sketch to full drawing. I believe that after reading this lesson you will find something useful for yourself. To create the work I will use Photoshop and a Wacom tablet.

This drawing will be created entirely in Photoshop CS2.

Step 1: Sketch
Start by creating a new document in Photoshop. Its dimensions should be about 800x778 pixels. I started by creating a quick sketch that captured my main idea. Here's a sketch of the main environment around the main character.

So, as you can see, this sketch shows the main character - a little girl, standing nearby with an apple tree with an apple in his hands. She smiles because she is happy, and perhaps a little sad.

Step 2: Setting Up Brushes in Photoshop
Here is the one and only brush that I use to paint my heroine. For painting I will use standard brushes.

Before you start painting, you need to set up your brush. Start by choosing a tool Brush(Brush), then use the standard brush shown below.

(click on image to enlarge)

Step 3: Color palette
You must decide on the colors you will use before you start painting. Here are my colors used in my work:

Step 4: Layers (Layers)
Create New Layer(New Layer) and name it Sketch. You can create this sketch in Photoshop or on paper. Once you have created the sketch layer, change it Blend Mode(Blending Mode) on Multiplication(Multiply) and always keep it on top of all layers so you can see what you are painting over.
Now look at my layers palette. Here are separate layers for each sketch object. Painting each detail on a new layer makes it easy to make adjustments as you paint. It's much easier to correct mistakes if the main elements of your illustration are located on separate layers. This step is really very important!

Step 5: Working on the Background Color
Here let me show you how I color the background. Choosing a tool Fill(Paint Bucket) (G). Once you fill the background it should look like this. Make sure the layers are arranged as shown in the image below.

Step 6: Coloring the Basic Shapes
Before we start coloring, let me show you the order of the layers again. I changed it because the sketch layer should be on top of all layers, and also set to Multiplication(Multiply). At this point we can start coloring the sketch and can identify the main shapes. Using the tool Brush(Brush) (B), start painting the main character and the tree on separate layers. Make sure that Rigidity(Hardness) of the brush is set to 100%. A brush with soft edges may result in a somewhat blurry result.

And in this step I would like to change the size of my file because I want to add more subtle details. So I open Image(Image) - Image Size(Image Size) and increase the file size to 1500x1495.

Step 7: Adding Details
Now I can start adding details. In this step I started by painting the face. main character. Make sure you are working on the proper layer before painting.

And here I created a copy of the tree layer and added some details to it. I also hid the first layer with the tree.

Here's a screenshot to show you the details. I started adding even more details to my drawing, such as grass and small flowers. At this point I created a layer called Flowers.

I add even more color and fine detailed lines on the wood.

Now look at the details I just created. I continue to add details and, if necessary, create new layers.

Step 8: Special attention to the main character
Now that I'm happy with the detailing of the decorations and wood, I'll add detail to the girl's outfit. At this stage I noticed that my character looked very plain and not very attractive, so I thought I should take the time to make some changes. I tried to give a slightly different look to the heroine and continued to add more details. Again, pay attention to the order of the layers. As you can see, in this step I have a few more new layers. All layers have their own names.

Now I'm starting to add little details to the heroine, adding more yellows and greens. By the way, don't forget that you don't have to detail everything in this step. At this stage I work on the main details and light until I get a nice contrast. Sometimes I change some colors. I'm almost finished painting her clothes and body. I also moved the sketch layer a little to one side so that you can see what the heroine looks like without the sketch base.

Step 9: Adding Highlights and Contrast
I used the tool Clarifier(Dodge) (O) to brighten areas. This is what the work looks like after all the adjustments made by the tools Clarifier(Dodge) (O) and Dimmer(Burn). I continue to add more detail to the tree using brushes of different sizes and colors. Once enough detail had been added, I began to smooth it out using a soft edged brush. I also use tools Clarifier(Dodge) (O) and Dimmer(Burn) to give shade to branches.

I also add a few strokes with the tool Finger(Smudge). I use this because I want to add soft blurry areas to the clouds and background. At this stage I noticed that my clouds were not very detailed. So I created a new layer to paint the details to the cloud using two tools: Finger(Smudge) and Brush(Brush).

Step 10: Adding More Details
At this stage, I noticed that I needed to add more flowers to my drawing. So I create a new layer and, as you can see, I draw some cute and simple flowers. I continue to add more details. Adding some touches with a tool Clarifier(Dodge) (O), I'm doing this because I want to add some lightly lit areas of grass.

Now that the grass and background are complete, I can start adding more detail to the girl's hair and face. Selecting the brush mode Lightening Basics(Color Dodge) and add a few strokes to her face.

Now notice the details I added using just the brush in the mode Lightening Basics(Color Dodge).

Step 11: Color Correction
The drawing is almost finished except for color correction. To start Drain(Merge) all layers. Now in Image(Image) - Corrections(Adjustments) - Brightness/Contrast(Brightness/Contrast) let's change the color a little. I want to give the illustration a more sunny effect.

Set the parameters that I set. This is what the illustration looks like - more sunny and joyful.

Finished illustration
Here is the finished illustration, I hope you found this tutorial interesting. Thanks for reading.

For many artists, creating an illustration begins with a pencil and a piece of paper. In this tutorial, Andreas Preis will show you how to create a beautiful mixed media illustration. To begin, he will sketch the illustration on paper and then add color and effects in Photoshop.

Final image:

Before you start, watch the video on how the sketch was created:

Step 1

It all starts with a white sheet of paper. You can draw the illustration that the author used, or you can draw your own.

Step 2

First of all, create a pencil sketch of the illustration.

Step 3

Now draw the outlines:

Step 4

This is the final step: start drawing with ink. If the illustration has a lot of detail, drawing may take some time.

Step 5

After several hours of drawing, the illustration looks like this:

Step 6

Scan the sketch in grayscale, set the resolution to between 600-800 pixels. However, please note that the larger the file, the slower the computer will work. After scanning, open the illustration in Photoshop.

Step 7

You need to enhance the contrast of the image using the command Curves(Image - Correction - Curves) (Ctrl + M). You need to add as many white and black shades to the image as possible:

Step 8

Now you need to correct some inaccuracies in the illustration (for example, remove extra lines). Invert the image (Ctrl + I) - then it will be easier to see those inaccuracies that need to be corrected.

Using tools Clarifier And Dimmer(Burn/Dodge Tool) (O). Remove any discrepancies and then invert the image again.

Step 9

Now you need to separate the image from white background. To do this, select the image (Ctrl + A) and copy (Ctrl + C), then add mask. Click on the mask while holding down the ALT key. Now, you can paste the illustration onto the mask (Ctrl + V).

Step 10

Invert the layer mask ( Ctrl + I).

Go from the mask to the layer by clicking on its thumbnail and fill the canvas with black.

Apply the mask: first press Ctrl + G and then Ctrl + E (this method will first place the image layer in a group, and then merge the group).

Step 13

If necessary, you can adjust the proportions in the image. To do this, use Plastic filter(Filter - Plastic) (Filter > Liquify) Here you can change some lines and curves.

Step 14

Now add a white background layer.

Step 15

Select the image with the tool Magic wand(Wand Tool) (W) and invert the selection (Ctrl + Shift + I). Shrink the selection by 5 pixels (Selection - Modify - Compress) (Selection > Modify > Contract). Create a new layer (Shift + Ctrl + N) under the illustration layer and fill it dark color- this will be the hair color.

Step 16

Above the hair layer, create a new layer - this will be the face layer. To paint the face, use White color and the Brush tool ( Brush Tool)(B).

Step 17

For each individual part, which you are going to paint, create a separate layer. Now under the face layer create a new layer for the scarf.

Step 18

Finally, create a new layer called “Pearls” and draw pearls in the hair.

Step 19

Now you need to lock the opacity for each layer that was colored. This will help you avoid going over the edges of each layer when you darken them.

Step 20

Now you need to color your hair in different shades. This can be done with the Brush tool ( Brush Tool) (B).

Step 21

To create light and shadow we will use different brushes. Download the image of a dark spot from the lesson resources - we will use it to make a brush.

Step 22

At this stage, you need to increase the contrast of the image again. To do this, create a brush and a dark spot image ( Editing - Define Brush /Edit > Define Brush Preset).

In the window that opens, set the name of the brush:

Step 23

Open the palette Brushes(F5) and select the newly created brush:

Go to the tab Dynamics of shape(Shape Dynamics) and experiment with the Size Jitter and Angle Jitter settings.

Step 24

Using this brush, start adding light and shadow to each layer. Start with your hair.

Step 25

you can use additional colors, for example, those that I used when coloring the scarf.

Step 26

Color the pearls different shades yellow and brown colors:

Step 27

Working on the face is the hardest part. You need to figure out where to add shadows and highlights. Refer to the screenshot:

Step 28

Create a new layer called "Makeup", paint makeup on it and change the Blending Mode to Multiplication(Multiply).

Step 29

Let's move on to creating the background. To create it, you can use any type of paint: acrylic, aerosols, and brushes. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Step 30

The background can be anything, including paint and scratches.

Step 31

For this particular part you will need colored spots, drops, etc.

These are photos of two parts of the background (for example):

Step 32

Scan the background you created (make sure the paint is dry). It is advisable to use quite high resolution(about 900 pixels).

Step 33

Transfer the scanned background to the main image. You can delete the white background layer and place all layers related to the illustration in separate group. To change the background color, add (Hue/Saturation) to it.

Step 34

You can use any color you like as the background. I chose the turquoise shade.

Step 35

Add a second background and rotate it (Ctrl + T).

Step 36

Create a new layer (Shift + Ctrl + N) under the second background layer, fill it with black and merge this background layer with the layer filled with black (Ctrl + E).

Step 37

Add a mask to the merged layer and load a selection (Ctrl + A). Hold down the ALT key and click on the mask thumbnail. Press Ctrl + V to paste everything. The colored background now works as a mask.

Step 38

Go from the mask to the layer, and now go to the mask again, but without pressing the Alt key. This way you can see what's happening on the canvas, but you can also continue working on the mask. Now run the command Curves(Curves) (Ctrl + M).

Step 39

The bright areas on the second background will now become visible:

Step 40

Create a new layer above all layers and add a shadow on the shoulders.

Step 41

Now add more color spots. This will give the illustration a "street art" feel. Draw each drop on a separate layer.

Step 42

Reduce the opacity of each droplet layer to approximately 33%.

Step 43

Select all layers with drops while holding down the Shift key and place them in a group (Ctrl + G). Add a mask to the group with drops and use various brushes to remove some parts of the drops to give them a more interesting look.

Step 44

Now I'm going to use an old paper texture - you can find it online or you can scan it.

Step 45

Transfer the image of the old paper into our document and place it above all layers and groups. Add to it adjustment layer Color tone/Saturation(Layer - Adjustment Layer - Hue / Saturation) (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation) and reduce the brightness of the texture.

Step 46

To blend the texture of the old paper with the background that was painted with paints, change the blending mode of the old paper texture to Multiplication(Multiply). Add a mask to the old paper texture layer and remove the old paper texture in some places of the image (for example, from the face).

Step 47

Now you can use the same trick that you used to create the colored drops. Add a mask to the “Woman” group (it contains all the layers related to the illustration). Now erase some small parts from the image with different brushes to add texture.

Translation: Slutskaya Svetlana

I have for last days some kind of unprecedented creative and working upsurge. Finally like it own works, made both for customers and for stock. Therefore, it is easy to draw and layout, it’s nice and makes me happy.
I want to reveal the secret of the workflow a little. I’ve been wanting to record a video for a long time about how objects are drawn for stock, but I haven’t gotten around to doing anything yet, so I’ll show it only in pictures and words.

Step 1. Choose a topic
Where does the work begin? From choosing a topic. To be honest, I’m not yet particularly sophisticated about trends, choosing niches (maybe that’s why I have modest numbers in my wallet), I draw what I want. I chose a style for myself, calling it “multi-realism”, that is, realistic enough to convey volume and shadows, but at the same time leave a cartoonish rage and gloss. Currently I am working in the “objects” genre, but later I plan to include people and small stories here.

I am never faced with the question “What to draw”, rather “What to draw first”. I am impressed by absolutely everything: food in cafes, store windows, beautiful photos people, the works of other authors. Fortunately, I don’t have to sit at the monitor, dragging different flowers back and forth in the hope that something decent will come out. I completely abandoned creating backgrounds, textures, business cards and other things that were quite popular among other stockers. It just didn’t work out, I didn’t enjoy the process of making them, and accordingly they didn’t sell at all.
When I sit down at the computer, I always already have an idea of ​​what I want to see as a result, but I’m getting a little ahead of myself.

So, choosing a topic. I always and everywhere carry a diary with me, which, by the way, also quite puts me in a creative mood. And as soon as an idea comes to my mind, I add it to the Mind Map. I won't go into detail about what it is. this information I’m calmly googling, I’ll just clarify that the method is really cool. Allows you to structure ideas without squeezing them into a framework, allowing the development of one thought indefinitely.
This is what my cards usually look like.
Ideas are written down on a web, then thought about and analyzed. Something is postponed, and something gets life in the second stage.

Stage 2. Sketches
Everything here is extremely simple and clear; if I choose a topic, then I list which items can relate to it. And then I look for pictures of the necessary items and copy them into my moleskine. It is necessary to copy, stock photos do not allow you to use other people’s photographs as direct references (redrawing of other people’s photos), but if you select several pictures, take something from one, something from another and eventually get your own drawing, then everything is fine, the author’s the right was not affected.
To be honest, I draw so-so, my hand is not put into creation straight lines, but this is not particularly necessary, which is why I love the vector.
The sketches here serve as approximate schematic sketches, from which I will take general shape. Illustrator tools that allow you to draw will later save you from crooked lines. smooth circles and rectangles.

Stage 3. How do others do it?
For myself, I have established the basic principle of working with stock: my pictures should be no worse in quality than those presented on the first pages of popular ones. If the work is not up to par, I will tinker with it until I am satisfied with the result. Naturally here we're talking about and works on the same topic and in the same technique as mine.

Yesterday I decided to draw on Fast theme Food. Using this search query I found cute sausages in dough, potatoes, cola. I chose what I would buy myself if I had such an order, and simply what pleased the eye. I directly throw the pictures I find onto the sheet where I am going to work. I don’t take anything from them, neither color, nor shape, nor style. I only need a general impression, everything else will come from my sketches and selected palettes.

Stage 4. Preparation of basic forms.
Then work with the computer begins. I have Graphics tablet, but I use it extremely rarely, I like to boast that all my works were done with a mouse, which, by the way, is absolutely true. Main tool: pen. Those who understand vectors will understand what the essence is. In short, the pen allows you to draw using points and vectors curved lines any forms.
With a pen (for objects that require evenness: mugs, plates, boxes - ellipses, rectangles) I outline the main details, paint them in chaotic colors, just to determine the shape.
As a result, you get such unattractive illustrations, but the general idea is already clear, then only complication.


This 5. Color selection.
Color selection, one of the most important moments, which I categorically don’t trust myself and don’t choose the colors myself. There are many services that allow you to collect beautiful palettes, but this is not quite the same. The main assistant in color selection was the service: shutterstock.labs. An interesting thing, I recommend digging around, even just for the sake of general development. The site allows you to select photographs on topics of interest, taking into account your preferred palette. For example, I know that to draw Fast Food I will most likely need yellow, red, orange, brown and their shades. I create a corresponding search query and the program gives me ready-made photographs with the same hot dogs, potatoes, etc., and even in bright, beautiful flowers, which I will subsequently use in my work, thanks to the eyedropper tool.

Stage 6. Subject development.
The rough part of the process is completed, let's start creating. For the rendered details, I select colors from found photographs, then add new details: shadows, highlights, light, texture. As a result, I get a set of individual items that can now be assembled.


Stage 7. Composing compositions.
The items are drawn, it's time to think about how to present them. Even during my short activity as a stocker, I managed to realize that compositions sell better than just items on a white background (although I also upload them in this form and sometimes they buy them). So now I’m just combining our entire collection into different pictures, with backgrounds, without backgrounds, with inscriptions, without them. The more you can create from one collection of pictures, the better. I especially like it when some items can be taken from past works. For example, I added ice cream from the “Summer” collection to the “Fast Food” set. That’s why I try to draw in the same style so that I can combine everything.


This is what my work on pictures looks like. I discovered that such stages left an imprint on my design work, I began to make products of a different style and of much higher quality, which is also pleasing.

The post contains a selection of training lessons on creating vector graphics. In my opinion, most of the materials will seem interesting to beginners just starting to comprehend vector art. But I think that specialists will also be able to find for themselves useful lessons.

The tutorials are free, but almost everything is English language. For convenience, they are divided into three categories: getting started, creating faces, character design, landscape and environment, and special effects.

So, here we go:

This tutorial explains how to create vector illustrations using Adobe Illustrator. Key parameters and tools are explained, complemented by expert advice.

In this comprehensive tutorial, you'll learn the basic terms, workflows, and techniques that will help you get started with vector graphics.

The pen tool is one of the main ones in the program's arsenal; it is especially important for the initial mastery of vector graphics. This detailed guide aims to introduce you to the features and methods of working with an indispensable tool Adobe company. And also with the most rational ways to use it.

This video tutorial is a truly valuable resource that explains how to create vector graphics in Illustrator and the role drawing plays in the process.

From using Bezier curve points to strokes, fills, and making vector graphics look more natural, these are just a few of the Illustrator secrets in this tutorial that will greatly enhance a beginner's arsenal.

Learn how to create simple organic shapes in Illustrator with this easy-to-follow tutorial from Veerle Pieters, graphic and web designer.

7. Adding Texture to Vector Illustrations

Adding texture is a great way to make your vector graphics more expressive and emphasize their perspective. In this very accessible video, Illustrator expert Alexandra Cecilio demonstrates how to do it.

This tutorial from Andrei Marius will help you create a vector line graph. Step by step: from a simple grid to guide lines, using only the Appearance panel (one of the most powerful tools in Adobe Illustrator) with some simple text and fine shading added.

Creating faces

This is very useful video tutorial that shows the process of creating a vector eye, as well as darkening the skin.

This is an in-depth video course that will help you master the art of creating vector portraits based on photographs.

Another great tutorial on vector graphics. Ruslan Khasanov shows how to manipulate the work of vector lines and gradients to give the work dynamism.

With the resurgence of the geometric trend, it's fair to say that WPAP could be introduced in more numbers various aspects design. This tutorial will show you how to create WPAP yourself in Illustrator using the WPAP Wizard.

Drawing hair in vector can be quite tricky. This tutorial shows you step by step how hair from a photo is turned into vector hair.

In this tutorial you will be able to create an illustrated self-portrait in a geometric style. Your illustration will be used as the basis own photo. She will help you draw a sketch and then complete the rest of the work.

Illustrator and designer Yulia Sokolova shows how to create a set of portraits that are ideal for social media or, for example, to indicate different categories and professions on your website.

Jonathan Ball, founder of Poked Studio, explains how to use Illustrator to geometric figures transform into unique, colorful characters.

In this tutorial you will easily and fun create a very simple stencil that can be used on a variety of surfaces (including t-shirts, walls, canvases). L. Carroll's fairy tale "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" inspired the author to create a vector image and write a tutorial.

With this tutorial, Mary Winkler is going to show you how to draw a chibi character from scratch using the Shape Builder Tool (Shift-M), Pen Tool (P), transparent gradients, and many other Illustrator tools.

The tutorial walks you through the process of creating a simple anime character from start to finish.

Learn how to create cute bunnies in this vector art tutorial. Training uses simple shapes and gradients that can easily be applied to illustrations of other characters.

This tutorial introduces a lot of basic shapes to achieve a really slick illustration style. And then he “animates” the yeti using a palette of cool colors.

Here you can see how video game characters are created. You will have the opportunity to examine the work from the first sketch to the very final.

If you are an avid football fan, then this tutorial will be especially useful. In the lesson Sergey Kandakov creates bright illustration with a retro style effect.

Landscape and environment

This tutorial from vector artist Andrei Marius shows how to create a simple card design in Illustrator.

This tutorial demonstrates how to create a stunning environmental landscape in Illustrator. Basic knowledge of the program tools will be sufficient to complete the task.

A very simple and consistent lesson from Diana Toma, which shows how to draw beautiful flowers using gradient meshes.

In that step by step guide You'll learn how to create "electric" text in vector.

Tom Mac shows how to create a drip-effect portrait in Illustrator using the Pen tool and some additional techniques.

In this tutorial, we will make a simple and beautiful oriental pattern in Adobe Illustrator that will consist of various Asian cultural objects.

Over the years, vintage illustrations and retro styles have become popular again in design. In this tutorial, developer Ben Steers shares his techniques to help you transform vector art into a retro style.

Using Illustrator, you can create flawless vector graphics. But sometimes illustrations are required that resemble art sketches, done in haste. The lesson shows how to draw a vector drawing in this style.

By following this tutorial you will be able to create a glitter effect in Adobe Illustrator. The illustration is based on three effects: note paper, stained glass and torn edges. With a quick trace they turn into a shiny vector texture.

Halftone is a way to reproduce a monochrome image. It is based on the specific perception of the picture by the human eye for which an area of ​​the image filled with large dots is associated with darker tones. Conversely, an area filled with smaller dots is perceived as lighter. Artist Chris McVeigh shows you how to create a vector halftone.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a graphic Batman logo using simple shapes in Adobe Illustrator. Are used simple tools, like Ellipse Tool (L) and Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M).

36. Convert raster image to vector

This Inkscape tutorial demonstrates how to convert a raster image to a vector image using the Trace Bitmap function.

Slider is a popular web design element. This tutorial shows an option for creating a slider in a vector.

Ciara Phelan shows you how to combine vector images and photos you can create an amazing collage.

This tutorial from a design studio shows you how to easily draw and trace a photo. The example uses a simple gradient fill to create a realistic illustration.

This tutorial shows you how to create a cross stitch effect in Adobe Illustrator. The Appearance panel and swatches will be used for this.