See the videos below for quick demos on how to convert your scanned/photographed textures into digital textures in both Illustrator and Photoshop. Each technique creates different results which adds to the variety you can get from just one texture. Have fun and explore with the different settings and adjust the sliders before getting to that final product. There is no right or wrong way, and you can save out all the different variations for your use.
This month we are creating a fun set of handmade textures that you can add to your design toolbox! These textures can be subtle or dramatic. Get inspired by playing with paint, charcoal, graphite or nature. Then scan or snap a photo of your textures and bring them into Photoshop or Illustrator to refine or convert to vector.
Suggested Size: Any size or proportion will work but make it larger rather than smaller.
Suggested Programs: Photoshop and/or Illustrator
Goal Date: February 29th
Design these with an imaginary or existing brand in mind. If you need more help getting your design started, check out our client type database!
Texture Tips: If scanning, scan using Black & White Mode with a DPI of 300-600 as a PNG or JPG. Your smartphone camera is also an excellent tool for digitizing your textures, just be sure to take them in a well-lit area and directly above the piece, avoiding shadows. You’ll then want to convert the photo to B&W. Your textures might need some adjustments using Levels or Curves in Photoshop.
Photoshop: Once you are satisfied with your adjustments you can change the mode to Bitmap and save out as a TIFF, which you can bring into Illustrator and apply any color to them. They can be applied directly or masked out, however you’d like to work with them!
Illustrator: You can work with a color photo or converted B&W image, you’ll get different results so maybe try both! Once placed in AI, select Image Trace and open the Image Trace Panel. Here you can play around with the various drop-downs and settings to achieve the texture that you are looking for. A quick tip would be to select Black and White Mode and check the Ignore White. From here you can expand and delete any extras. Which ever mode you go with, you’ll want to turn on Ignore White to have a transparent background.
Remember to play and have fun while creating these!!!! Our hope is that you will develop new skills and passions while working on these prompts.
We encourage you to post your work-in-progress as well as your final pieces to get helpful feedback from the PD community (#PDcrit). Also, be sure to tag us @prompteddesign and use #Prompt002 to give you a chance to be featured on our page.
