I created this pop-art poster style art from a photo I took at a local Dia De Los Muertos event. This technique uses Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace, and Recolor Art, and can be replicated on any photo. It's relatively simple to follow and can produce really cool results.
I've outlined the steps below, and included a recorded tutorial. If you use this technique to create your own artwork, please share it with me.
Original photo of Dia De Los Muertos model.
1. Photoshop Black and White conversion
1.
This technique works by recoloring the tones of an image, and therefore requires a black and white photo. I first converted this image to black and white in Photoshop, then I simplified the tonal distractions in the background using layer adjustments. The Photoshop edits were done roughly and quickly because I wasn't concerned with preserving details.
2. Illustrator Custom Colors
2.
The Illustrator process starts by setting up a color group of custom colors. Find colors that go with the subject matter. Use more colors in the group for a more detailed final image. I used 12 colors for this portrait.
The order of the colors also matters. The left most color will replace the darkest values, and the right most color replaces the lightest values.
3. Illustrator Image Trace
3.
After the colors have been established, place the black and white photo in the Illustrator document, click Image Trace in the properties panel.
Choose 16 Colors preset.
4. Image Trace Options
4.
Modify the Image Trace Options if needed by clicking on the Image Trace options icon in the properties panel. The number of colors in Image Trace should match the number of colors in your swatch group. I changed my settings from 16 colors to 12.
Click Expand to convert the photo to vector.
5.
With the art selected, click the Recolor button in the properties panel.
5. Recolor Artwork - Color Reduction Options
5.
In the Recolor Artwork panel, click the color reduction options icon (next to Presets).
Set Colors to All, Sort: Lightness - dark to light, Preserve white-black-grays all off. (see screen capture above)
6.
Select custom color group on right side of Recolor Artwork panel by clicking on it. This will recolor your image traced photo. Click okay to apply the change.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
