Ecko

How To Make Multi-Layer Stencils In Photoshop
Several of you have asked about how to create a multi colored stencil. There are many ways to do it, it all depends on what tools you are comfortablewith. I work faster on the computer than I do freehand, so this tutorial will focus on using graphic programs, particularly Adobe Photoshop, Streamline, and Illustrator to get your initial image. Here’sthe image I will be working with. I started out by scanning it in hi-res, 300 dpi, so I have a good size file to work with.

Raw image scanned from a book
We’ll start in Photoshop. I don’t reallycare for the sky or the figures in the background. All i’m really interested in is the figure in the foreground. To separate him from the rest of the image the best thing is to do is to make a workingpath around him.

Create a working path around stencil subject
Here’s where you’ll probably need to play a little bit. After creating the path I cut out the figure and created a new layer withjust him on it. Then I created a background layer that was a color that would stand out against the figure (this will be useful later as well, seen in red here). Now I usually work the image by usinglevels to get a good, high contrast, image, and then use either the cut-out filter or use posterize. They both render similar effects, you just have more control with the cut out filter. Here’s what Icame up with. This is going to REALLY fun to cut out. Now I take the image into streamline. All I need is for Streamline to turn my high contrast image into vector art.

Image ready to go toStreamline
Finally, I get to the Illustrator part. First thing to do is simplify the outlines down so it wont be such a pain in the ass to cut out using the Object -> Path -> Simplify tool. I try to geta good balance between smooth lines and overall image integrity. Next I use the Pathfinder -> Divide tool, to split up the colors into individual shapes. Then just select each color and separate...