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Photograph to Stencil
by nak on December 13, 2006

Table of Contents

intro: Photograph to Stencil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: Open your image in photoshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: Apply the cutout filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: Final changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 4: Print and Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 5: Spray! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
intro: Photograph to Stencil
Instructions on using photoshop to convert a digital photo/image to a multiple layered stencil.

Image Notes
1. underspray

step 1: Open your image in photoshop

Open up your image in photoshop.

Now is a good time to crop out the subject and adjust the 'levels' (Image>Adjustments>Levels) as well as the contrast. Get the subject's colors different from the
background.

In this image I just have the original photograph before I cropped and adjusted the colors.

Image Notes
1. The subject, Mr.Pillbug

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
step 2: Apply the cutout filter
Filter>Artistic>Cutout

This will bring up a preview window and some extra controls (image attached)
Your options will be:

Number of Levels - The number of colors that will be used to make up the image. The stencil was a 3 layer stencil, but if I set the levels to 3 it just became too difficult to
make out.
Edge Simplicity - Higher the number the straighter the edges become but you lose detail.
Edge Fidelity - experiment with this one, I dont think it makes enough difference when you have the x-acto in your hand though

step 3: Final changes

This is what I finally came up with.
Using the 'magic wand' tool and lasso tool I got rid of the background.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
step 4: Print and Cut
For every color you plan on having in your stencil, print out a copy of your image. I have 3 colors, 3 prints.

After you are done printing grab an x-acto knife, box cutter, scissors or whatever else you want to use to cut out the stencil.
When planning a cut think in layers. For example I have a base layer, so I cut the entire outline of the pillbug out (bottom image) then the midrange color which covers
alot of the base color, then the highlights on top, all sprayed in order of course.

Image Notes
1. Highlights - ivory
2. Base color - black
3. Midrange - Larkspur? Blue

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
 step 5: Spray!
You can use spray adhesive to prevent underspray (spray that gets under the details of the stencil) and cover around the stencil with other paper to prevent overspray
(spray that goes over the edge of the stencil)

Be sure to wait and let the paint dry between layers.

Image Notes
1. underspray

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 71 comments

jonnyg says: Dec 10, 2008. 5:57 AM REPLY

Top one, Bansky esq art.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
 Instructabuilder says: Aug 8, 2008. 2:58 PM REPLY
I've never heard the term "pill-bug" before.

I've always known them as rollie pollies

bbstudio says: Dec 9, 2008. 12:13 PM REPLY

The shiny bugs that roll completely into a ball are pill bugs. The less shiny bugs that roll only partially are called sow bugs. Sow bugs are also flatter than
pill bugs. I would attach photos but don't know how.

xhalmers_860 says: Sep 6, 2008. 2:14 AM REPLY

i thought it was a woodlouse!

hot-fresh-rider says: Dec 7, 2008. 12:58 AM REPLY

woodlouse here too ! never heard of pill bug but it makes sense !

fwjs28 says: Dec 6, 2008. 5:26 PM REPLY

potato bug
pill bug
and rollie pollies are very common and often interchangeable....where i come from kids tend to call them rollie pollies and adults tend to call them pill
bugs.....

Shadow Ops says: Dec 6, 2008. 5:41 PM REPLY

Same here...

fwjs28 says: Dec 7, 2008. 11:15 AM REPLY

we should make a list...anyone have any different names post them,....id like to see how many names it has....

jeffconnelly says: Dec 8, 2008. 12:59 AM REPLY

I've always called them wood bugs

greendude says: Dec 9, 2008. 4:18 PM REPLY

I call them slaters, down here in Adelaide

munchman says: Dec 10, 2008. 3:45 AM REPLY

Slaters In Melbourne too. (I'm assuming you are in Australia, unless you meant Adelaide, South Africa)

tibet says: Dec 7, 2008. 6:52 AM REPLY

hi,
it´s a piece of inspiring work, well done !!!
by the way, it must be a terrrible experience to find this cute pill bug at your home :-)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
 cornflaker says: Dec 7, 2008. 10:19 PM REPLY
DAMN! WTF? Is that real? lol
You could almost put a leash on that thing and keep it as a pet.

jeffconnelly says: Dec 8, 2008. 12:58 AM REPLY

ya, u could

cornflaker says: Dec 9, 2008. 3:01 AM REPLY

Haha I wonder what would happen if you took it to a vet...

knex_pls says: Dec 7, 2008. 12:33 PM REPLY

omg? is that real!

blablabla123 says: Dec 8, 2008. 3:29 PM REPLY

They actually start out fuzzy, like a dog (at least I think they do :p ) , and well, look at the result :D! Nice instructable :D

knex_pls says: Dec 8, 2008. 3:37 PM REPLY

SO ITS REAL?!

blablabla123 says: Dec 8, 2008. 6:58 PM REPLY

incredibly, it is :p lol....

knex_pls says: Dec 8, 2008. 8:16 PM REPLY

really..?

Thomahawk1234 says: Dec 9, 2008. 7:12 AM REPLY

They are called Giant isopods. Google it! :D

knex_pls says: Dec 9, 2008. 9:43 AM REPLY

Theres no way i would ever want to find out more about that!

nak says: Dec 9, 2008. 10:09 AM REPLY

It is better to live with your head buried in the sand! Ask your neighbors, and if you could ask the people of the dark ages...
humanity at its best. ;)

knex_pls says: Dec 9, 2008. 10:49 AM REPLY

What lol?

tibet says: Dec 9, 2008. 12:15 PM REPLY

Our stencil star Says "hello" to our friends here !!!

...don´t worry, you won´t be bitten by these cute creatures in your bed :-)
they´re living happily in the water as you can see here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeOSXtBCY30
by the way, a very nice marine party ...
" let wish them Happy New Year 2009 ! "

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
 knex_pls says: Dec 9, 2008. 12:29 PM REPLY
OMG NASTY! :(

tibet says: Dec 10, 2008. 5:04 AM REPLY

come on !
this is just an amazing prehistoric creature !
it´s unbelievable, that we can still see it alive.

knex_pls says: Dec 10, 2008. 10:02 AM REPLY

No way, I don't wanna see it alive haha, its like a huge bug:(

Spongeluv11 says: Jul 14, 2007. 1:11 AM REPLY

Is there any way to do that without Photoshop?

madmanmoe64 says: Dec 7, 2008. 3:24 PM REPLY

download, The GIMP. It does everything photoshop can but its freeware.

nak says: Jul 14, 2007. 3:26 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/EOVJWBBBIGEXCFGTU3/
http://www.instructables.com/id/EAARD9BFLNEVYDU7E4/

etc

atari says: Dec 7, 2008. 3:04 AM REPLY

Fanstastic. Woodlice are amazing :D

gothguy says: Dec 6, 2008. 8:09 PM REPLY

If you are going to use the "stencil" multiple times, then I personally print out my layers on an inkjet overhead transparency. A lot heavier than the lamination
idea posted earlier, and then that one less trip u have to make to stinkos (sorry just a personal hatred of that place)

Exitao says: Dec 4, 2008. 10:17 AM REPLY

I know this is not a very new instructable, but if I found it, I'm sure others will.
Just a few comments to various questions and comments.

Instead of laminating, you can use clear 'overhead' sheets. They make them for both laser and inkjet, just make sure you buy the right kind.

If you use and adhesive, you just want to make sure it's a temporary or 'low tac' product.

Re: aligning
Many professional lettering stencils have holes punched, you light pencil or chalk a line and each stencils holes should expose your guide marks. If it's fabric,
you can get tailor's chalk, usually rubs off easy. If you used transparencies, you don't need holes, you can see your guides through the plastic.

Very nice, BTW, you guys are brilliant.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
 Exitao says: Dec 4, 2008. 10:19 AM REPLY
Oh, I forgot, I have to take back the 'brilliant' comment. Everyone knows it's a potato bug. Hellooo?

ansleybleu says: Jul 13, 2007. 5:32 PM REPLY

That pill-bug image rocks!

Searchin4succubi says: Jul 10, 2007. 12:09 PM REPLY

Cool tutorial, but, can you go into your first step a little more thoroughly
Also, i can get this process to work with taken photographs but it doesnt seem to work with drawn or anime type pics, any suggestions?

marcolinux says: Jun 20, 2007. 4:17 PM REPLY

You may like inkScape, a free program.
Try: menu path-> tracebitmap (shift+alt+B) (version 0.45+).
HTH
Marcolinux - Brazil

baronvonbadguy says: Jun 6, 2007. 6:06 PM REPLY

What I use for all my stencils is (manilla) cardstock sheets. They are extremely cheap, and are very sturdy. They are of the same consistency and thickness
of manila folders, but more convenient. And I will print an image on regular paper and use painters tape to adhere the image to the cardstock base. Works
like a charm. Of course I use X-Acto knives to cut it out.

nissanassassins says: May 21, 2007. 8:57 PM REPLY

Hey great job, love the technique, I do it the exact same way, although sometimes, especially for faces, I try to isolate the optical grays by hand. This method
rocks... One tip... After you print out the copies of each layer, go to kinkos and laminate each, before you cut, that way the stencil will last for a really long
time. Again, fantastic work!

DIRTYSHOTZZ says: Jan 12, 2007. 5:06 AM REPLY

wtf my photoshop dosnt have that

hernanai says: Mar 30, 2007. 10:35 AM REPLY

mine does if yours doesn't just either got buy it or download it from limewire... have fun...

StdyingStones says: Mar 9, 2007. 6:14 PM REPLY

your tutorial is the best ive ever seen! i have one question im having trouble making some contrast in my pictures. all of it is black and white which is fine but
theres no detail in it.....which makes it look wierd. any ideas?

MacAttack says: Feb 19, 2007. 2:56 PM REPLY

Nice job on the stencil! The white underspray actually adds a bit or "shine" to it, makes it look like it reflected into a lens or something. When you do your
stencils, do you just stick to using paper, and do you re-use your stencils when finished? Also, what did you use to guide you in aligning? I have found that a
small plus sign or something of the like in opposite corners (outside the desired area, of course) are a big help in aligning multiple layers. Again, nice job! It
looks great!

nak says: Feb 19, 2007. 11:25 PM REPLY

Yes, I have been able to re-use paper stencils. Ive also used manilla folders, they are a little more sturdy.

For aligning... I dont have any special tricks just eye... lift... eye, lift move, eye...

Thanks

Rowen27 says: Dec 25, 2006. 3:30 AM REPLY

this would be pretty nifty to use with the screen printing instructable, maybe make your own Mr. Pillbug T-shirts or something...

awesome instructable!
Jen

juandela says: Feb 3, 2007. 6:09 PM REPLY

exactly what i was thinking.

great tutorial, btw.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Photograph-to-Stencil/
 Crash2108 says: Dec 14, 2006. 2:12 AM REPLY
You could've used a better picture.

grass root says: Dec 14, 2006. 10:50 AM REPLY

Actually, the picture was just fine. It may be small, but size doesn't matter. What's really important is the contrast between highlights and shadows, and
the flash from the camera accomplished that really well thanks to the reflectiveness of the little guy's shell.

Crash2108 says: Dec 14, 2006. 3:44 PM REPLY

What's important is that's fucking gross.

view all 71 comments

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