How to Cartoon Yourself (#1 Step-by-Step PHOTOSHOP Tutorial)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to cartoon yourself using Photoshop. This step-by-step guide is designed for beginners and will help you create stunning cartoon art without any special equipment. All you need is Photoshop and a mouse. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a solid understanding of the essential tools and techniques to transform your images into cartoons.

Step 1: Create a New File and Configure Settings

1. Open Photoshop: Launch the application on your computer.
2. Create a New Document:
   • Go to File > New.
   • Set the dimensions for your file (e.g., 800x800 pixels).
   • Choose a resolution of 72 DPI for web use.
3. Import Your Image:
   • Download the original image using the provided link: Original Image.
   • Drag and drop the image into your new document or use File > Place Embedded to insert it.

Step 2: Master the Pen Tool

1. Select the Pen Tool:
   • Click on the Pen Tool (shortcut: P) from the toolbar.
2. Outline Your Subject:
   • Click to create anchor points around the subject in your image (e.g., the face).
   • Hold the mouse button and drag to create curves for a smoother outline.
3. Close the Path:
   • Connect the last point to the first to complete the shape.
4. Create a New Layer:
   • Go to Layer > New > Layer to keep your outlines separate.

Step 3: Add Color and Shading

1. Select the Shape:
   • Use the Path Selection Tool (shortcut: A) to select the shape you just created.
2. Fill with Color:
   • Choose a base color from the color picker and fill your shape.
3. Add Shading:
   • Create additional shapes for shadows and highlights.
   • Use a darker color for shadows and a lighter one for highlights.
   • Adjust the opacity of these layers to achieve a soft shading effect.

Step 4: Crop the Image

1. Select the Crop Tool:
   • Click on the Crop Tool from the toolbar (shortcut: C).
2. Adjust the Crop Area:
   • Drag the edges of the crop box to focus on your cartooned subject.
3. Apply the Crop:
   • Press Enter or click the checkmark in the options bar to finalize the crop.

Step 5: Export Your Cartoon Image

1. Save Your Work:
   • Go to File > Save As to save your project in PSD format for future edits.
2. Export as PNG:
   • Go to File > Export > Export As.
   • Choose PNG format for a high-quality output.
   • Click Export and select your desired save location.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to cartoon yourself using Photoshop! By following these steps, you can create impressive cartoon art from your images. Remember to practice using the Pen Tool and experimenting with colors and shading to improve your skills. For further exploration, try different images and techniques to find your unique cartoon style. Happy cartooning!