How to "Animenize" a photo

So, you have a picture of a friend, and you want to do something fun with it. Why not "Animenize" it (make it look Anime/Manga?) It takes quite a lot of work, but the results look pretty slick.

This also is an invaluable technique for those of us (me) who want to draw anime, but can't for lack of talent.

Step 1: Tools and materials

Software
-Adobe Photoshop (elements, CS3,4,5, Extended) or GIMP

Hardware
-Camera
-Decent computer

Other
-About 2 hours minimum
-Several Manga/Anime pics for reference. search Google
-Photoshop experience
-A victim...Ah, I mean, a model! yeah!

In this Instructable, I will refer to Photoshop instructions with P, GIMP with G, and both programs with a B.

Notes:
-Your camera should be of decent quality. I'm not saying you need a DSLR, but you should have a higher-end point-and-shoot at the very least (like a Nikon Coolpix.)
-When I say photoshop experience, I mean you should at least be familiar with this list, which includes, but is not limited to, the following tools: Hue/Saturation, Magnetic Lasso, Magic Wand, Crop, Layers, Filters, paint, dodge/burn, smudge, etc.
-2 hours is minimum. you could spend a real long time if you are trying to make it look really nice.

Comments

[kaylaangelkisses]

Just some creative critisim: I think your eyes are alittle to close. Besideds that, awesome!

[p07gbar]

For this kind of thing, Inkscape would be easier, and might well turn up better results, (or illustrator, if you were that way inclined). It takes a little getting used to but I'm now completely hooked! Havent used GIMP/photoshop for anything like this for months now

[AlternateLives]

I've been trained in raster graphics, so that's what I'm used to. I've tried Illustrator, but I really don't understand it. Probably won't have to, because I'm trying to get a degree in Film/Video/Animation, but it probably would be a good thing to learn.

[AlternateLives]

I just found this out:

If you are using a mac, shade your drawing lightly, making sure that your character's outlines are well-defined.

now, take your finished drawing into ColorSynch Utility (make sure you export it as a .png first. png is a lossless format) and click the "Image Correction" button.

Adjust the sliders as needed, but turn up the "Sharpness" slider to the max, or close to it.

the end result has very sharp, well-defined lines that make your finished photos look even more cartoonish, adding to the effect.

[spectacular]

I did this one pretty much the same way except i did it on inkscape, a vector drawing program. Oh, and i only did the head

[AlternateLives]

Not bad. It could use a bit of shading, however.

try a whole photo! I am currently working on one that has 3 people in it, and most of the people at that. it is taking a really long time, especially because I have to sample every freaking color in their clothing!

I'll post it in the Gallery when I am done with it.

[spectacular]

Thanks! I was in a bit of a rush :)

[joemonkey]

for the asian influenced look, stop at step 3. :) just kidding. nice ible.

[AlternateLives]

You still have to shade it, though...

Lol.

[Marble of Doom]

also works in photoshop 7

[AlternateLives]

I was not aware of such a version. However, what I was attempting to get across was any version of Photoshop. I guess this was badly worded...