Create Captivating Cartoon Effects in Photoshop

Create Captivating Cartoon Effects in Photoshop

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Resizing the Image
3. Cutting out the Subject from the Background
4. Adding a Solid Color Background
5. Making the Subject Look More Cartoonish
6. Increasing the Size of the Head
7. Applying Smart Filters for the Cartoon Effect
8. Adding Additional Filters and Effects
9. Using Photoshop Actions for Cartoon Effects
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Creating a cartoon effect in Photoshop can be a fun and creative project. In this tutorial, I will guide You step by step on how to achieve this effect. We will also explore how to use Photoshop actions to easily Apply the cartoon effect to your images in seconds.

2. Resizing the Image

Before we begin, let's resize the image to ensure it's suitable for our project. Open the image in Photoshop and go to "Image" > "Image Size." Make sure the proportions are locked by activating the chain icon. Adjust the width to 2500 pixels and click "OK."

3. Cutting out the Subject from the Background

Next, we need to separate the subject from the background. Right-click on the image and select the "Quick Selection Tool." Click on the "Select Subject" button, and in a few seconds, the initial selection should be ready. However, some areas may require further refinement. Use the quick selection tool to add or subtract parts of the selection.

4. Adding a Solid Color Background

Now that we have our subject isolated, let's add a solid color background. Add a solid color adjustment layer and choose a complementary color to the subject's attire. This will Create a visually appealing contrast. Rename the layer to "Subject" for easier identification.

5. Making the Subject Look More Cartoonish

To achieve the cartoon effect, we will make some artistic adjustments to the subject. First, we'll make the head larger. Create a separate layer for the head by selecting the layer mask of the subject layer and holding Ctrl while clicking. Use the polygonal Lasso tool to create a precise selection around the head. Duplicate the head onto a new layer and use the move tool to enlarge it.

6. Increasing the Size of the Head

Once the head is enlarged, adjust its position to fit within the document. If any parts of the original image Show through, use a black brush on the layer mask to hide those areas. By separating the head from the body, we can now manipulate the proportions without affecting the background.

7. Applying Smart Filters for the Cartoon Effect

To achieve the desired cartoon effect, we will apply smart filters to the subject. Select all three layers (subject, body, and enlarged head) and convert them into a smart object. This allows us to add multiple smart filters and edit them later if needed. Experiment with different filter settings, such as liquify, sharpen, oil paint, poster edges, and surface blur.

8. Adding Additional Filters and Effects

In addition to the smart filters applied earlier, let's further enhance the cartoon effect. Duplicate the smart object and apply additional filters such as smart sharpen, unsharp mask, and filter gallery for more defined edges and Stylized details. Adjust the blending modes and opacities to achieve the desired result.

9. Using Photoshop Actions for Cartoon Effects

If you want to explore different cartoon effects quickly, you can use Photoshop actions. Envato Elements offers a variety of cartoon effect actions that you can download and apply to your images. These actions combine various effects such as cartoon painting, vector art cartoon, and color halftone cartoon. Simply load the actions file in Photoshop and play the desired action to Instantly apply the effect.

10. Conclusion

Creating a cartoon effect in Photoshop can be a rewarding and artistic process. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial and experimenting with different settings, you can achieve unique and captivating cartoon effects for your images. Don't hesitate to try out Photoshop actions for even more variety. Have fun and unleash your creativity in cartoonizing your photos!

Highlights:

• Learn how to create a cartoon effect in Photoshop step by step
• Resize and cut out the subject from the background
• Add a solid color background and make the subject more cartoonish
• Increase the size of the head for a unique cartoon effect
• Apply various smart filters and additional effects to enhance the cartoon look
• Utilize Photoshop actions for quick and diverse cartoon effects

FAQ

Q: Can I achieve the cartoon effect using other software? A: While this tutorial focuses on Photoshop, some other image editing software may offer similar features and filters that can help you create a cartoon effect. However, the steps mentioned may differ.

Q: How can I make the cartoon effect look more realistic? A: The level of realism in a cartoon effect can vary based on personal preference and the specific image. To make the effect more realistic, you can experiment with different filter settings, adjust blending modes and opacities, and fine-tune the overall styling of the subject.

Q: Can I use Photoshop actions from other sources? A: Yes, there are various sources for Photoshop actions both free and paid. However, it's important to ensure the actions are compatible with your version of Photoshop and to double-check any licensing restrictions if applicable.

Q: Can I undo the changes made by the smart filters? A: Yes, since the filters are applied to a smart object, you can always go back and edit or remove the filters. Simply double-click on the smart object layer and make the necessary adjustments in the filter settings.