These instructions cover each step in creating complex multi-layer stencils from any source image. There are numerous great stencil tutorials on the web and here on instructables, and there's no right way to make a stencil. I've been working with stencils for many years now, have tried about every trick out there, and have arrived at a technique that really works for me, and I walk you through it in great detail in these instructions. The technique described here involves a lot more pre-planning and finesse, so it's probably not best for an artist looking to just bust something out quickly, but if you're looking to push your stencil technique to the next level I'm hoping it will help you out. This tutorial covers creating the template, various media and methods for cutting it out, and painting tips useful in the studio and on the street. Enjoy!
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Signing UpStep 1: Plan it Out.
The key to a good stencil is good planning, so if you're careful about the early steps the later ones will be a snap. To begin with, select (or draw) a source image. The key question you need to ask yourself here is how many colors you want to work with and what size. How many colors will determine how many stencil plates your image will require. Size is important because even the best artist can only reproduce a certain level of detail, and you need to think about how far you can reduce your image and still have it "read," or make it clear what it is. If your image in intricate but your stencil will be huge, you're in business. If your stencil will be small though, you need to select an image carefully. Also keep in mind that if you're working in a less controlled environment, such as outdoors where you might be dealing with uneven surfaces or working very fast, you might want to limit the fine detail in your stencil.
When choosing a source image, you want to make sure it will work as a stencil. For example, a very overexposed or washed out image won't work very well, because you're missing the details that make it recognizable. With certain subject matter there are certain details that make of break the piece (for example, with people, the eyes are what gives life to the image, with buildings it's the rooflines that define the form, and so forth). Think it out in advance as much as you can, and don't be scared to work with bits and pieces of multiple images to get exactly what you want. For example, let's say you want a stencil of George Bush bending over, and you don't want to draw it freehand. Well, you're never going to find a picture of that to work from, but you sure can take a picture of a friend in a suit and stick George's head onto it in Photoshop. Or see what you can do freehand. Remember, stencils are a form of illustration. Don't marry yourself to the photo.
When choosing a source image, you want to make sure it will work as a stencil. For example, a very overexposed or washed out image won't work very well, because you're missing the details that make it recognizable. With certain subject matter there are certain details that make of break the piece (for example, with people, the eyes are what gives life to the image, with buildings it's the rooflines that define the form, and so forth). Think it out in advance as much as you can, and don't be scared to work with bits and pieces of multiple images to get exactly what you want. For example, let's say you want a stencil of George Bush bending over, and you don't want to draw it freehand. Well, you're never going to find a picture of that to work from, but you sure can take a picture of a friend in a suit and stick George's head onto it in Photoshop. Or see what you can do freehand. Remember, stencils are a form of illustration. Don't marry yourself to the photo.
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its flexible, easy to cut and will keep its shape, and depending on the colour see through, and probably re-usable. The best brand would be Rosco as its thicker than the more popular Lee gels.
I haven't tested it myself but I think might be a good alternative to laminating.
Thanks a lot!
thanks
andrewmrrll6@gmail.com
just email me if you know of a place
Thank you, great instructions, i am about to get stuck into some stenciis and you gave me a good grounding. My background is mainly pastel/charcoal/ printmaking.
Sound, sensible advice. I might avoid the cans (toxicity, I have kids around) so I might invest in a spray gun(compressed air) and experiment. Many years ago I did airbrush work with friskets, but I found getting the right consistency difficult, and water was always a problem.
I'm an artist, so I have a design eye for design, and am a Photoshop pro, but there are prep and design details I don't even know to consider. So this was enlightening and I got some good pointers. So thank you!
I love stencil. this article is powerful.
thanks.
www.qzruh.co.cc
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