Tutorial: Vectorizing an image

… in Illustrator.

Step 1

First, place a high-contrasted image (high-key image, in this case my model Iva) into Illustrator work area.

Step 1

Step 2

There is a bunch of tracing software and plug-ins out there, but for this example I decided to do tracing manually with pencil tool.

Step

Step 3

Use your imagination, draw something that you imagine, not just what you see.

Step 3

Step 4

In order to get a right side of the face copy+paste left half, mirror and join to get the full picture, and then draw an oval shape around.

Step 4

Step 5

Make some basic elements like simple flowers, leaves, circles and stains.

Step 5

Step 6

On the other hand, if you need this illustration for any purposes and don’t want to bother going through all this then get it for 1$ at Shutterstock.

Popularity: 1% [?]

bsilvia
September 17, 2009 at 10:59 am

Melody, of course you can be as creative as me. You can be even more creative. Start by letting go of limiting thoughts :)
melody
September 17, 2009 at 8:17 am

i love your site silvia! ur a good help to me. i wish i can be as creative as you!
Nicky
June 22, 2009 at 10:16 pm

You are very clever!! Great job on your tutorials and on your site in general!
Qaiser
January 6, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Waow i really like this tutorial

THANKS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Luv
goldiepop
August 13, 2008 at 5:51 pm

i love your website!! great tutorials thank you :)
Erno
August 3, 2008 at 5:11 pm

Is there anyway we can get these tutorials in a pdf format.
bsilvia
May 22, 2008 at 11:01 pm

Thanks Carrot :)
I just noticed that those images were still on my old blogspot blog…! :)

Silvia
theCarrotNetwork
May 22, 2008 at 10:41 pm

WOW! Great pic!