TECHNIQUES 20 EXPERT TIPS FOR VECTORS
- ADD AGED EFFECTS TO ILLUSTRATIONS
18. PICK THE RIGHT PROGRAM
Even though vector illustrations are quite clean
when they are first created, you can still add a
retro, aged look with various effects in Photoshop,
which can produce a wonderful contrast in styles.
This is something that Stephen Chan applies to
his vector work: “To achieve the aged effect, I used
scans of old papers, converted to black and white,
set to Multiply at a medium opacity. I duplicated
the original illustration twice and applied Filter
Gallery> Texture>Grain using the Regular GrainThroughout this feature we have explored the
different ways of using both Photoshop and
Illustrator to create striking vector-based artworks.
However, the key is in knowing which program to
use and when, rather than throwing everything at
a piece of design. Before you begin a new work,
plan the final look and feel, as this will dictate what
is the right method to follow for your work. “The
process I use to create my illustrations varies from
one piece to another. I will use either Photoshop or
Illustrator more heavily on a specific piece,
depending on the intended overall outcome
desired,” agrees digital artist Sam Moore of Moore
Than Design (www.smooreart.com). “Forsetting and applied Filter
Gallery>Texture>Texturizer using the Canvas
setting. I set both of these layers to Multiply and
start decreasing the Opacity slowly until you feel
that it looks right (usually around 30-40% for a
really subtle look). I felt that my colours started
to look a bit dull, so I added a bright orange Color
Fill layer just above the original. I also added a
Hue/Saturation layer and a Levels layer to really
make the colours pop and look more balanced.”example, if I want the illustration to have a looser
and more natural feel I will use Photoshop almost
entirely, as the options for layering and texture
control are far greater and more useful than in
Illustrator. However, if the end product is going to be
sharper or geometric based, I will use Illustrator for
the majority of the illustration, only bringing the
work into Photoshop for the final touchups. You can
create a very dynamic illustration by using
Photoshop and Illustrator together, if you use each
program for what it is best at. I find that Illustrator is
best suited for complex vector, gradient and 3D
work. Photoshop, on the other hand, excels at
layering, textures and finishing adjustments.”© Stephen Chan / Coke Asia© Sam Moore 2015