Kathleen Martin adds expression to a photo by layering it with colorful illustrations. See how she creates a textured crayon portrait in Adobe Fresco.
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This sample file is an Adobe Stock asset you can use to practice what you learn in this tutorial. If you want to use the sample file beyond this tutorial, you can purchase a license on Adobe Stock. Check out the ReadMe file in the folder for the terms that apply to your use of this sample file.
Use a reference
Martin used a reference photo to begin her illustration. Feel free to use the image in the PSD she provided, or import your own.
Guide the sketch
Before starting, Martin tapped the + icon to create a new layer. Then she enabled the ruler and chose the Conte Crayon brush from the Dry Media category. As she drew from the photo to the canvas, the brush snapped to the ruler creating the straight lines she would use as guides. Martin continued to use the same brush as she drew the sketch on its own layer. She provided her sketch as a hidden layer in the PSD. If you’d like to use it, tap the sketch layer then tap the eye icon to show it.
Change proportions
To add flair to the portrait, Martin exaggerated parts of the drawing. She chose the Lasso tool, drew a selection around the foot, tapped Transform from the bottom menu, then used the corner handles to resize the selection. She tapped Done and Deselect when finished. Martin used this technique to make the head smaller.
Get ready to color
Once Martin was ready to apply texture and color, she added a new layer to add color. She used the Eyedropper to select colors from the photo and drew with the Conte Crayon brush from the Dry Media category.
Blend media
When she finished the illustration, Martin selected the Transform tool and dragged the illustration over the original photo.
Mask reality
To create a composition that blended the illustration with the photo, Martin chose Create empty mask from the layer options. Then she painted with a black brush on the mask to hide portions of the illustration and reveal the photo underneath.
Complete the scene
Martin used these techniques to illustrate and blend the rest of the composition.
Have some hashtag fun
Post your own creations and explore the great work others have submitted to social media using #toonme and #adobedrawing.
Top left: Serge Acuna, Top right: Carvifox
Middle left: Katie Chandler, Middle right: Alexia Khodanian
Bottom left: Rob McKee, Bottom right: Carlota Borba
Note: Project files included with this tutorial are for practice purposes only.
