How to Turn a Photo into a Design: Tools and Tips (2024)

Top Recommended Software and Apps

There are a variety of software, mobile applications, and online platforms that can serve as alternatives to Adobe Photoshop to turn photos into drawings. Each offers unique features and can be more tailored to your specific needs.

1. Softwares

Office software often offers robust features and a great deal of flexibility for turning photos into drawings.

Here are two popular alternatives to Adobe Photoshop:

Corel Painter : Professional software with a wide range of tools and brushes for digital art.

GIMP : Free Photoshop alternative for photo editing and graphic design.

Some may reveal features that better suit your preferences and workflow.

2. Mobile applications

Mobile apps offer a quick and convenient way to turn illustrations into drawings, even on the go.

Here are two well-rated applications:

Prisma : Transforms photos into works of art using styles from famous artists.

Adobe Fresco : An Adobe application designed for drawing and painting with a range of artistic tools.

Mobile apps can be an attractive option for quickly turning photos into sketches while maintaining good quality.

3. Online platforms

In the field of artistic AI, some platforms stand out for their ability to transform photos into digital works of art.

Photo to Sketch : Simple online tool to quickly turn photos into sketches.

Midjourney: An innovative platform that uses artificial intelligence to create unique works of art from each image. With Midjourney, you can explore a new dimension of digital artistic creation.

DALL-E : An OpenAI creation, DALL-E is capable of generating images from textual descriptions. Although it is not a direct application for turning a photo into a drawing, the power of DALL-E demonstrates the potential of AI in the field of digital art.

Each of these categories offers viable alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.

Depending on your needs and how comfortable you are with the technology or program, you can find a tool that will help you effectively turn photos into drawings.

4. Plugins and extensions

Extensions and plugins can add photo-to-sketch capabilities to your existing photo editing software.

Here are two options:

Akvis Sketch : Plugin for various photo editing solutions in drawing offering transformation functionalities.

Topaz Labs : Suite of plugins offering various artistic effects.

Plugins and extensions can enrich your experience with your usual photo editing software by adding functionalities for transforming photos into sketches.

Each of these categories offers viable alternatives to Adobe Photoshop. Depending on your needs and how comfortable you are with technology, you can find a tool that helps you effectively turn photos into sketches.

Turn a Photo into a Design with Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most powerful tools for turning photos into sketches.

With a wide range of features, it makes it possible to create remarkable works of art from simple photos. Here's how you can use Adobe Photoshop to turn a photo into a drawing.

1. Filter choice

Filters are key features in Photoshop that can dramatically change the look of your photo. Here are the two main filters for creating a drawing effect:

Filter Gallery : Contains several options like “Sketch” and “Inked Outline” to turn a photo into a drawing.

Background color : Used to change the background color and add additional contrast to your image.

Using filters properly can greatly improve the drawing effect and make your photo look artistic.

2. Adjusting Parameters

Filter settings play a crucial role in creating the desired drawing effect. Here are a few important adjustments:

Setting the Threshold : Adjusts the level of detail in the drawing.

Brightness/Contrast Adjustment : Helps to accentuate lines and details in the drawing.

The right settings will help you get a more accurate and artistic result.

3. Using Layers

Layers offer more control and flexibility when turning your photo into a drawing. Here are a few benefits:

Adjustment Layers : Allow brightness, contrast, and other settings to be adjusted without altering the original image.

Fusion layers : Help combine different effects for a single result.

Using layers will allow you to experiment and adjust your drawing without losing previous work.

4. Adding Finishes

Finishes can really make your design stand out and make it look professional. Here are a few suggestions:

Adding Textures : Adds an additional dimension to your drawing.

Using Custom Brushes : Allows you to add unique artistic effects (black and white, pencil lines, etc.)

The finishes add a finishing touch that can turn a basic transformation into a work of art.

5. Save and share

Once you're happy with the results, it's important to save and share your work. Here are a few steps:

Record in Good Format : Save your work in a high quality format like PNG or JPEG.

Sharing on social networks : Share your work on social media to receive feedback and enjoy your creation with others.

Recording and sharing your work are the final steps to take full advantage of your artistic creation.

By following these steps and exploring the many features of Adobe Photoshop, you can effectively turn photos into sketches and develop your digital drawing skills.

6. Tips for getting the best results

Turning photos into sketches is a creative process that can be greatly enriched with a few tips.

The following tips will help you improve the quality of your transformations and explore your creativity.

i. Image choice

Choosing the right starting image is crucial to obtain a good result.

Here are a few things to consider:

Image quality : Opt for high-resolution images for sharp results.

Clear topics : Photos with well-defined subjects and a non-cluttered background give a clearer drawing effect.

A good choice of image can greatly facilitate the transformation process and improve the final result.

ii. Experimentation

Experimentation is the key to discovering what works best for you.

Here are a few suggestions:

Exploring filters : Try different filters and settings to find the style you like.

Adjusting parameters : Change the settings for each filter to customize the desired effect.

Experimenting will help you understand the different features available and discover your style.

iii. Use the Appropriate Tools

Using the right tools can make a big difference in the quality of your transformations.

Here are a few recommendations:

Professionals : Use software like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter for precise control.

Mobile applications : Apps like Prisma are handy for rapid transformations.

Choose the tools that match your skill level and needs.

iv. Continuous learning

Continuous learning is key to improving your skills.

Here are a few suggestions:

Online tutorials : Take advantage of online resources to learn new techniques.

Regular practice : Regular practice will help you discover what works best for you.

Continuous learning will keep you up to date with the latest techniques and trends.

v. Feedback and Improvement

Receiving feedback and engaging in continuous improvement can greatly contribute to your development. Here are a few ideas:

Constructive feedback : Get feedback from other artists or your audience to continuously improve.

Analysis of progress : Review your previous work to note what is working well and what could be improved.

Constructive feedback and analysis of your previous work will help you identify areas for improvement.

By incorporating these tips into your creative process, you can refine your skills and develop a unique style in turning photos into sketches.

Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop

Turning photos into sketches is a task that has been greatly facilitated thanks to technological advances.

Today, there are a multitude of software and applications that can help you turn every image into works of art in just a few clicks.

Here are some of the items available on the market:

1. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful and professional software that offers a multitude of effects and filters to transform each image into drawings. It's ideal for anyone looking to explore a diverse range of artistic effects and drawing styles.

Features

• Extensive range of artistic effects and drawing styles.
• Precise tools for photo editing and transformation into drawings.
• Possibility to fully customize effects and brushes.
• Social media sharing
• Google drive support
• Numerous special effects
• Regular update

Pricing

• Monthly subscription starting at €9.99/month for the basic package.
• Annual subscription with a discount.

In conclusion, while the learning curve may be a bit steep for beginners, the results obtained with Photoshop are worth the investment in time and money.

2. Corel Painter

Corel Painter is renowned for its digital drawing and painting tools that allow for the precise transformation of each image.

It's a robust alternative for those looking to create realistic paint effects on their images.

Features

• Variety of styles and techniques
• Creation of realistic paint effects.
• Precise tools for photo transformation.
• Easy to use

Pricing

• Single purchase starting at €429.

Corel Painter is a smart choice for those who are serious about digital art and are looking to invest in robust software.

3. Prisma

Prisma is a mobile application known for its ease of use, capable of quickly transforming each image into stylized works of art with a unique artistic version.

Features

• Intuitive interface.
• Variety of art styles.
• Fast photo transformation.

Pricing

• Free with in-app purchases for additional features.

Prisma is ideal for anyone looking to transform photos on the go, offering a quick and easy solution.

4. PhotoMania

PhotoMania is an easy to use online application that offers multiple drawing effects to turn each image into cartoons or similar pieces of art.

Features

• Multiple drawing effects available.
• Fast and fun photo transformation
• No technical skills required.
• Easy to use

Pricing

• Free.

PhotoMania is an entertaining option for those looking to transform photos quickly and hassle-free.

5. Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint is a professional software that offers robust features for turning photos into sketches and other forms of digital art, especially loved by illustrators and comic book artists.

Features

• Advanced drawing tools (e.g. pencil drawing)
• Suitable for illustration and comic book creation.
• Extensive customization options
• Easy to use

Pricing

• Single purchase starting at €49.99.

Clip Studio Paint is a solid alternative for serious digital artists looking to expand their range of drawing tools.

6. Autodesk SketchBook

Autodesk SketchBook is a free software that offers professional drawing tools to turn any image into a sketch, accessible across multiple platforms.

Features

• Professional drawing tools.
• Accessible on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• Extensive customization options.
• Social media sharing

Pricing

• Free.

Autodesk SketchBook is a free alternative that offers professional-quality drawing tools to transform every image.

7. PhotoDirector

PhotoDirector is a versatile photo editing software that offers intuitive tools to transform any image into works of art, including drawings.

Features

• Intuitive image transformation tools.
• Varied drawing and painting effects
• Friendly user interface.

Pricing

• Free basic version.
• Paid versions with more features starting at €54.99.

PhotoDirector is a versatile and accessible solution for those looking to explore turning photos into drawings without a steep learning curve.

Each of these tools has its own characteristics and benefits, and can meet different needs and skill levels. Take the time to explore and choose the one that best meets your needs and preferences.

Why turn a photo into a drawing?

Turn a photo into a drawing is a fascinating way to explore your creativity and see the world from a different perspective.

This creative practice offers a multitude of benefits that can enrich your artistic and personal experience.

Here are a few key motivations that might encourage you to turn each image into drawings:

1. Artistic Expression

Transforming photos into drawings opens a new window for your artistic expression.

It is a stimulating creative avenue that allows you to:

• Explore different styles and techniques like line drawing, sketching, cartoon drawing, pencil drawing, or digital painting.
• Play with colors and textures to obtain unique artistic renderings.

Each of your creations reflects your unique vision, making each piece of art an exploration of your creativity.

2. Customization

Creating sketches from photos is a great way to personalize your gifts or home decor.

Through this technique, you can:

• Immortalize precious moments in a unique artistic form.
• Offer personalized gifts on special occasions, adding a special touch to your gifts.

Personalization makes each piece of art even more precious and sentimental.

3. Skills Improvement

By engaging in photo transformation, you have the opportunity to improve your photo editing and digital art skills.

This process allows you to:

• You Familiarize yourself with various software in photo and digital art publishing.
• Experiment with different techniques, thus enriching your knowhow.

It's a great platform for learning, experimenting, and improving your artistic skills.

4. Entertainment

Turning photos into drawings is a fun and relaxing activity. It offers:

• Hours of creative entertainment.
• The satisfaction and the pleasure of seeing a Photo transformed into a work of art Like in a cartoon.

The joy of artistic creation is a reward in itself.

5. Professional wallet

For digital artists, this practice can be a valuable addition to your professional portfolio. It demonstrates:

• Your versatility and your mastery of photo editing software.
• Your ability to explore different artistic styles

It can help you stand out in the competitive field of digital art.

6. Marketing and Social Media

Designs created from photos can be major visual assets for your marketing campaigns and social media platforms. They can:

• Serve from engaging visual content for your social media channels.
• Be used in marketing campaigns, posters, brochures, and other promotional materials.

Using unique sketches can enrich your visual content and further engage your audience.

Turning photos into sketches is more than just artistic exploration.

It's a path to discovering new skills, creating engaging visual content, and enriching your professional portfolio.

Conclusion

The transformation of a photo into a drawing is a fascinating artistic form that combines technology and creativity. Thanks to modern tools like Adobe Photoshop and the numerous alternatives available, creating digital art from ordinary photos is within everyone's reach. Whether you're a professional artist or someone who simply enjoys experimenting with images, the world of digital drawing offers endless possibilities.

In this article, we've explored in depth how to turn a photo into a drawing, with a focus on using Adobe Photoshop and other tools. We've also shared tips for getting the best results and how to deepen your skills in this area. By following the steps and tips shared, you are well armed to start your own journey in turning photos into sketches.

But the journey does not end there. The field of digital art is constantly evolving, and there is always something new to learn and explore. We encourage you to continue experimenting, learning, and sharing your creations with the world. Each transformed image is an expression of your imagination and an opportunity to inspire others.

With regular practice and ongoing exploration, you can refine your skills and develop a unique style. Remember to share your work with the community, gather feedback, and keep learning. Digital art is an exciting journey, and each creation is a step forward on that creative path.

We hope that this article has provided you with a solid foundation for turning each image into a sketch and inspired you to further explore this creative field. Happy creation!