Illustrate Image Into Vector
June 21st, 2007 in Illustrator, Tutorials by kailoon
Today I am going to show the basic way to illustrate and image into vector. Basically, it is quite simple to illustrate an animate rather than a real object. Its color tone is simple and easy to apply. It is a good practice method for the novice. This is the image that I am going to use, Princess Mononoke( one of my favourite characther of Ghibli’s product ). I think I watch it for not less than 10 times…okok! Let’s start then …
Before start, here is some tips for you to make the process faster and easier.
*Ctr + C and Ctr + F = copy and paste into the original position but forward.
*CTR + +/- to zoom in/out.
Step 1
Open the image, double click on the layer and rename as img, checked the dim image=50%. Create a new layer and make sure it is below of the img layer. Pick the pen tool, start draw from the face area. We will only draw the outer line of the image. For the color, just use the eyedropper tool to pick up from the image we use on the area which we are drawing. Rename layer as face_bg. After that, you will get the result as below:

Step 2
After that, we will draw out the shadow area which is the darker side. FYI, you only need to draw carefully when the area is intersect with the others. Rename layer as face_shadow. After that, you will get something like this:

Step 3
To create the shadow area, select the face_bg layer then CTR + C and CTR + F. While the duplicated face_bg layer selected, left click on the face_shadow layer by holding shift. Goto window > Pathfinder, click the intersect shape area, then expand. As below:

Step 4
Next, we are going to draw out her eye. You need to zoom in to draw this part.

Step 5
After that, we will add the border for the face area.

Step 6
After that, we will draw her hair and hat.

Step 7
So, just continue the drawing by using the technique stated above. After a while you should get some thing like this:

We are done! So, remember, it is always esay to start from simple. have a nice day!
Your tutorial really amazing. It learns me many things. So many, many thanks.
Very helpful tutorial for freshers. Keep it up guys, we need more from you.
amagin, wow, really very good post it.Thank you for share.good bye.
I am really pleased having this tutorial.
I am also pleased to having this tutorial. We generally perform this kind of jobs as outsource, with a low price.
The most creative art work. As a vector art i liked and appreciate the design.
thanks for sharing
Information posted on this site are really useful to the readers. I’m impressed with quality of the articles written by the author.
Really a amazing tutorial. Excellent And great work. keep it up.
say you just want to use the trace method for vectorization. Are you stuck keeping the vectorized art as flash only?
nice, I like it very much
wow..i liked it..
l’m going to learn this technique..
all are very nice theme I love it.
Thanks for sharing! Nice tutorial:)
I think your tutorial leaves a lot to be desired and steps 2 and 3 are completely unnecessary. Not to mention you skipped one of the biggest steps in most anime vectors, THE OUTLINES!
Nice tutorial, very nice effect. Thank you.
wow princess mononoke vectorized, cool!
So good!
Nice way to illustrate an image into vector.
Great tutorial man, Thanks!!
Very nice tutorial.
Followable, easy to read and to follow.
Good tutorial.
trimakasi atas…tutorialnya…..
oya saya mau tanyak ada gak tutorial tentang cara membuat carakter….animasi…..dari mulai membuat mata,rambut,hidung,mulut,dll….?
klo ada kasih tau donk lewat email saya?
trimakasi…..
This is a very helpful piece. Thanks for putting in the effort.
Thank U, Terima Kasih, Matur Nuwun.
That what i have been looking for long time : simple, easy to follow and Great.
Cheers
Welcome :)
Sweet tutorial, just what I have been looking for! Well Pleased…
nice ,. i love it !
thanks :)
great job. i think i understand a little better now
Thanks Beth :) Welcome to my blog!
Very simple, well-organized tutorial. Very nice!
@>MATT: er..sorry , i cant get what you trying to ask :P can explain more?
How do you get the flash trace document to use out of flash?
say you just want to use the trace method for vectorization. Are you stuck keeping the vectorized art as flash only?
thanks again :)
Nice tutorial…continues your effort!
seraph, u like her too? lol
Aeres, thanks guy. flash ah..I am not so familiar with that. But i saw ppl use flash to draw, very nice :)
Usually I’ll just use trace bitmap in flash :P
But hey, great tutorial man. Looks pretty tedious though…
hahaha..yaya…i like it very much!!
Princess Mononoke!!!!!!!
I remembered this..hehehe We watched together last time in campus hohohohoho….
Cool vector….. Keep it up man…..