Transform Your Photo into a Cartoon Portrait with Procreate
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Getting Started
- Choosing a Canvas Size
- Importing the Photo
- Resizing the Photo
- Setting up the Layers
- Outline the Photo
- Adding Texture to the Hair
- Coloring the Illustration
- Setting the Photo as a Reference Layer
- Creating a New Layer for Coloring
- Sampling Colors from the Photo
- Coloring the Outlined Areas
- Dealing with Differences in Skin Colors
- Adding Shadows
- Two Methods for Adding Shadows
- Using the Photo Reference for Shadows
- Adding Shadows to Each Layer
- Adding Highlights
- Setting up the Layers for Highlights
- Sampling Colors for Highlights
- Adding Highlights to Each Layer
- Adding Background Color
- Choosing a Color from the Photo
- Creating a New Layer for the Background
- Adjusting the Background Color
- Adding Final Touches
- Adding Shadows for Depth
- Adding Sunlight for a Realistic Effect
- Adding Bloom Effect
- Conclusion
Turning a Photo into a Digital Cartoon Portrait in Procreate
In this tutorial, I will Show You how to Create a digital illustration of a photo and turn it into a cartoon portrait using Procreate. This updated version of the tutorial will guide you through the process step by step. So, let's get started!
1. Introduction
Welcome to my Channel! In this tutorial, I will demonstrate how to transform a photo into a digital cartoon portrait. This is a great way to create unique and personalized artwork. If you enjoy this video, please consider supporting my channel by subscribing, liking, and leaving a comment. Additionally, I have created a Facebook group called "Digital Art for Beginners - Procreate Tutorials, Draw, and Share" where we can discuss everything about Procreate. If you're interested, I will leave the link to the group in the description box.
2. Getting Started
To begin, we need to set up the canvas and import the photo we will use for the illustration.
2.1 Choosing a Canvas Size
Open Procreate and select the canvas size that suits your preferences. For this illustration, I recommend using the A4 template from Procreate.
2.2 Importing the Photo
Access the Actions menu and choose "Add" and then "Import" to import the photo you want to work with.
2.3 Resizing the Photo
Once the photo is imported, use the arrow tool to resize it according to your canvas size. Ensure that the photo fits the entire canvas.
2.4 Setting up the Layers
Open the Layers panel and locate the photo layer. To make outlining easier, reduce the opacity of this layer to around 50%.
2.5 Outline the Photo
Create a new layer by tapping on the plus icon. Use black color and select the Studio Pen brush from the Inking category with a size of 12. Proceed to outline the subject in the photo, focusing on capturing the main features.
2.6 Adding Texture to the Hair
To add more texture to the hair, draw some lines using the same Studio Pen brush. This will give the illustration a more detailed and realistic look.
3. Coloring the Illustration
With the outline complete, we can move on to adding color to the illustration.
3.1 Setting the Photo as a Reference Layer
To use the drawing as a coloring book, tap on the photo layer and set it to "Reference." This will allow the colors to be contained within the existing shapes.
3.2 Creating a New Layer for Coloring
Create a new layer below the outline layer. Make sure to match the opacity of the photo layer to 100% so you can sample colors from it.
3.3 Sampling Colors from the Photo
Using your finger, press down on the color you want to sample in the photo for a Second. This will give you the desired color for filling in the different areas of the illustration.
3.4 Coloring the Outlined Areas
Using the sampled colors, drop the colors into their corresponding areas in the illustration. Create a new layer for each main color in the photo.
3.5 Dealing with Differences in Skin Colors
Sometimes, there may be noticeable differences between the face and neck colors. To correct this, select the color from the neck area and adjust it to Blend better with the face color.
4. Adding Shadows
Shadows can add depth and dimension to your illustration. There are two methods you can use to add shadows.
4.1 Two Methods for Adding Shadows
The first method involves using the photo as a reference and drawing shadows where they are visible. The second method involves adding the shadows without the need for a photo reference.
4.2 Using the Photo Reference for Shadows
Start by turning down the opacity of the photo layer to 55% and placing it on top of all the layers. Select the layer you want to add shadows to and set it to "Alpha Lock." This ensures that the shadows stay within the existing shapes.
4.3 Adding Shadows to Each Layer
Sample the color for shadows and add them to each layer Based on where you think they should be. This helps add depth and realism to the illustration.
5. Adding Highlights
Highlights can bring life and shine to your artwork. To add highlights, follow these steps.
5.1 Setting up the Layers for Highlights
Create a new layer for adding highlights. Turn off the alpha lock for this layer to allow the highlights to extend beyond the existing shapes.
5.2 Sampling Colors for Highlights
Select the color you want to use for highlights from the photo. Adjust the hue, brightness, and saturation if needed to achieve the desired effect.
5.3 Adding Highlights to Each Layer
Add highlights to each layer by drawing them where you think they should be. This will make your illustration pop and appear more vibrant.
6. Adding Background Color
To complete the illustration, we need to add a background color that complements the subject. Follow these steps to add the background color.
6.1 Choosing a Color from the Photo
Sample a color from the photo that you think will work well as the background. Experiment with different color combinations to find the one you like.
6.2 Creating a New Layer for the Background
Create a new layer for the background color. Make sure this layer is placed below the outline layer. Drop the selected color onto the background layer.
6.3 Adjusting the Background Color
If the background color appears too vibrant, use the adjustments menu to modify the saturation, brightness, and hue until you achieve the desired result.
7. Adding Final Touches
To add the finishing touches to your illustration, follow these steps.
7.1 Adding Shadows for Depth
Create a new layer and select a color for the shadows. Draw the shadows on the areas where they should naturally appear, considering light sources and the overall composition.
7.2 Adding Sunlight for a Realistic Effect
Duplicate the layers without the photo, group them, and flatten the duplicates. Create a new layer and choose a bright yellow color. Use a soft brush to add sunlight to the character, then change the blend mode to "Overlay."
7.3 Adding Bloom Effect
Duplicate the sunlight layer, reduce the opacity, change the blend mode to "Add," and Apply a Gaussian blur to soften the effect. This will give your illustration a more realistic and lively appearance.
8. Conclusion
Congratulations on transforming a photo into a digital cartoon portrait using Procreate! You have learned how to outline, color, add shadows, highlights, background color, and final touches to your illustration. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don't forget to leave a like and comment, and I'll see you in my next video. Bye!
