Vector Boe

Vector Boe
Originally uploaded by magicalobizuth.

Many reasons for wanting to do this. I have been wanting to learn how to use the pen tool in Photoshop for a while. For the longest time it has been the scariest thing for me since it seems like it moves unpredictably (until now). I followed Melissa Clifton’s tutorial which is more of a guide. Because I wanted to learn this skill which I am sure will help me in my hobbies as well as in my work, I finally decided to give it a try.

With the recent passing of our good friend Boeluen, I decided that she would be the perfect candidate to vectorize since I would have to stare at the image for so many hours. This is from a photo that I later found out Froggy took of Boe out in their landlord’s garden as she tried on different outfits for a wedding they were going to. She wanted to send the photos to her mother to get her feedback on them. Doesn’t that just sound like her?! 😀

I think I did pretty well for my first vectorization and I have to say that I think after all this work, I rather resent the people that don’t think this is original artwork. Sure, you are working directly off a photo, but you can have two totally different pieces if you give it to two different people. Anyway, I rambled enough.

ETA: For the curious (like me), this is composed of 103 layers.

24 Responses to "Vector Boe"

mauvaise_etoile says:

January 31, 2008 at 1:50 am

That is so very cool, Mag! And I agree: what a perfect first subject for you to do.
1. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 2:20 am
  
  Thank you!
2. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 2:20 am
  
  Thank you!
mauvaise_etoile says:

January 31, 2008 at 1:50 am

That is so very cool, Mag! And I agree: what a perfect first subject for you to do.
sprootles says:

January 31, 2008 at 2:17 am

I don’t think it’s not original artwork. Rather I think it’s just another medium with which to work, and one that requires lots of practice and skill. I mean, I’m not sure I could have just picked up and done it (although now you have me intrigued to try). So, well done!

Goodness knows I hate competing against computerized art in contests, but that’s only because when I myself try to judge works against each other made with different mediums I find it impossible, for each medium holds something special within it.

For instance how to judge it next to a sculpted cake? LOL! See what I mean?

But, that’s just me and I have to say, I really, really enjoyed your portrait, just like I enjoy looking at others works, even if I’m not exactly confident entering my little pencil scribbles next to them! I’m no whiz at drawing by any means, but I think the computer pics look way more polished and that’s why I don’t like entering against them (that’s my competitive streak showing).

But, sheesh, when was the last time I had enough time to actually draw something suitable enough to enter? I’d kill for that time now (not really, but you know what I mean).

I’d really like to learn how to do this. I think, as you said, it would be a useful skill.

And, I agree with , you picked a perfect first subject!

Good job!
1. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 2:24 am
  
  Hm, I wonder if we are on the same plane here. My beef wasn’t so much with the people that argue about digital vs. traditional media. It is more with people that just point the finger or roll their eyes and say “trace!” and that’s it, dismissing it altogether as artwork.
  
  Now, I am no [insert your favorite artist here], but I still think that it took talent and creativity to do that. If there were a filter that I could click and tada! make it happen, then I would argue. But when it took me 103 final layers to do this? I think it isn’t just a mere trace. lol
  
  And if you are worried about your skills in the digital medium, this is actually a really interesting project that will force you to learn the tools really well.
  1. sprootles says:
    
    January 31, 2008 at 2:31 am
    
    I see what you mean. 103 layers sounds pretty intense! And now I’m further intrigued!
    
    I’m going to follow your tutorial link and learn more about it!
    
    A mere trace? I think not! Look at all the shading!
    
    Did I say I was impressed yet?
    
    People who point should remember that when we do point, three fingers point back toward us…*snicker*
    
    *hugs*
  2. sprootles says:
    
    January 31, 2008 at 2:31 am
    
    I see what you mean. 103 layers sounds pretty intense! And now I’m further intrigued!
    
    I’m going to follow your tutorial link and learn more about it!
    
    A mere trace? I think not! Look at all the shading!
    
    Did I say I was impressed yet?
    
    People who point should remember that when we do point, three fingers point back toward us…*snicker*
    
    *hugs*
2. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 2:24 am
  
  Hm, I wonder if we are on the same plane here. My beef wasn’t so much with the people that argue about digital vs. traditional media. It is more with people that just point the finger or roll their eyes and say “trace!” and that’s it, dismissing it altogether as artwork.
  
  Now, I am no [insert your favorite artist here], but I still think that it took talent and creativity to do that. If there were a filter that I could click and tada! make it happen, then I would argue. But when it took me 103 final layers to do this? I think it isn’t just a mere trace. lol
  
  And if you are worried about your skills in the digital medium, this is actually a really interesting project that will force you to learn the tools really well.
sprootles says:

January 31, 2008 at 2:17 am

I don’t think it’s not original artwork. Rather I think it’s just another medium with which to work, and one that requires lots of practice and skill. I mean, I’m not sure I could have just picked up and done it (although now you have me intrigued to try). So, well done!

Goodness knows I hate competing against computerized art in contests, but that’s only because when I myself try to judge works against each other made with different mediums I find it impossible, for each medium holds something special within it.

For instance how to judge it next to a sculpted cake? LOL! See what I mean?

But, that’s just me and I have to say, I really, really enjoyed your portrait, just like I enjoy looking at others works, even if I’m not exactly confident entering my little pencil scribbles next to them! I’m no whiz at drawing by any means, but I think the computer pics look way more polished and that’s why I don’t like entering against them (that’s my competitive streak showing).

But, sheesh, when was the last time I had enough time to actually draw something suitable enough to enter? I’d kill for that time now (not really, but you know what I mean).

I’d really like to learn how to do this. I think, as you said, it would be a useful skill.

And, I agree with , you picked a perfect first subject!

Good job!
kriscynical says:

January 31, 2008 at 3:27 am

I did not know Boeluen, so I can’t really say much on that subject, although it’s always sad when someone you know passes on.

As far as the piece, though… if you want to do vector artwork, try to get ahold of a copy of Illustrator. The pen tool in Photoshop sucks really hardcore.

And as for it not being real work… ehhhh on the photo thing. We did vector portraits when I was in college, but we drew the portrait first and broke it down into four or five value steps and then did the vector work on top of that.
1. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 8:20 pm
  
  Yeah, I keep hearing that AI is better for vector work. I have never really had a real use for it. Now I am really curious.
2. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 8:20 pm
  
  Yeah, I keep hearing that AI is better for vector work. I have never really had a real use for it. Now I am really curious.
kriscynical says:

January 31, 2008 at 3:27 am

I did not know Boeluen, so I can’t really say much on that subject, although it’s always sad when someone you know passes on.

As far as the piece, though… if you want to do vector artwork, try to get ahold of a copy of Illustrator. The pen tool in Photoshop sucks really hardcore.

And as for it not being real work… ehhhh on the photo thing. We did vector portraits when I was in college, but we drew the portrait first and broke it down into four or five value steps and then did the vector work on top of that.
belladoragirl says:

January 31, 2008 at 5:00 am

a) Lovely layout. I love the header picture especially.

b) Awesome job on Boe. O.O 103 layers? *whistles* It’s still a very good job on a lovely picture. Good choice for the fist photo to use!
1. bird_mom says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 7:33 am
  
  Holy moly! 103 layers? Damn!!! Were you using a stylus with a pad in place of the mouse, is that it?
  
  Well, either way, I think it looks fabulous for trying something completely new, and it looks like her, so I don’t think anyone can complain that it’s not a good effort! I’m really impressed…
  1. anitza says:
    
    January 31, 2008 at 8:22 pm
    
    Ha! No, my tablet is at home. Good point though, maybe next time I try it, I should try it at home with my little Graphire.
    
    And thank you!
  2. anitza says:
    
    January 31, 2008 at 8:22 pm
    
    Ha! No, my tablet is at home. Good point though, maybe next time I try it, I should try it at home with my little Graphire.
    
    And thank you!
2. bird_mom says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 7:33 am
  
  Holy moly! 103 layers? Damn!!! Were you using a stylus with a pad in place of the mouse, is that it?
  
  Well, either way, I think it looks fabulous for trying something completely new, and it looks like her, so I don’t think anyone can complain that it’s not a good effort! I’m really impressed…
3. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 8:21 pm
  
  a) Oh thank you! That was on my last whale watching trip. Sunset and Catalina Island, what a gorgeous trip!
  
  b) And thanks!
4. anitza says:
  
  January 31, 2008 at 8:21 pm
  
  a) Oh thank you! That was on my last whale watching trip. Sunset and Catalina Island, what a gorgeous trip!
  
  b) And thanks!
belladoragirl says:

January 31, 2008 at 5:00 am

a) Lovely layout. I love the header picture especially.

b) Awesome job on Boe. O.O 103 layers? *whistles* It’s still a very good job on a lovely picture. Good choice for the fist photo to use!
plumapen says:

February 1, 2008 at 12:52 am

That is soooo coooooool! You know, your mad graphix skillz impress me liek whoa. Man, 103 layers! That must’ve taken you for-e-var. *applauds*
plumapen says:

February 1, 2008 at 12:52 am

That is soooo coooooool! You know, your mad graphix skillz impress me liek whoa. Man, 103 layers! That must’ve taken you for-e-var. *applauds*

Comments are closed.