Line Tone Art in Photoshop: Recreate the Look of Currency
Transforming Photographs into Line Tone Art
The technique of utilizing line tones to generate visually compelling imagery predates the digital art era, having been employed extensively in traditional printing processes. This article will demonstrate how to replicate this classic aesthetic using Photoshop, specifically avoiding the use of filters.
Understanding Line Tones
Line tones, historically, were created through the physical manipulation of printing plates. They offered a method for achieving depth and texture in images before the advent of digital tools.
Recreating the Effect in Photoshop
It is possible to emulate the look of line tones within Photoshop without relying on pre-set filters. This approach provides greater control over the final result.
The process involves manipulating the image’s tonal values and creating the illusion of closely spaced lines. This can be achieved through a combination of adjustments to levels, curves, and threshold settings.
Step-by-Step Guide (No Filters Used)
The following steps outline how to convert a standard photograph into a line tone style artwork using Photoshop:
- Begin by duplicating the original image layer.
- Adjust the levels to increase contrast, emphasizing the highlights and shadows.
- Utilize the curves tool for further refinement of tonal range.
- Experiment with the threshold setting to create distinct tonal breaks.
- Carefully observe the resulting image, making adjustments as needed to achieve the desired line tone effect.
By carefully applying these techniques, a photograph can be successfully transformed into a piece reminiscent of classic line tone illustrations. The absence of filters allows for a more customized and nuanced outcome.
Photoshop provides a powerful platform for recreating traditional artistic styles, and the line tone effect is a prime example of this capability.
Generating a Line Tone Image from a Photograph
Numerous filters and paid Photoshop plugins are available to produce a line tone effect from an image. However, today we will bypass these options and utilize built-in Photoshop functions instead.
Although the image appears grayscale, it is actually in RGB format. To convert the image to line tone art, we must first navigate to Image > Mode > Grayscale.
If the initial image was in color, it will now be rendered in black and white.
The subsequent step involves returning to Image > Mode and selecting the Bitmap option. This process reduces your grayscale image (8-bit) to a 1-bit color representation. Proceed to the options presented in the following dialog box.
The following two dialog boxes may require some experimentation, so be prepared to undo and redo your selections. The first option determines the output resolution of the file after conversion to 1-bit color. Since reducing from 8-bit to 1-bit color results in significant data loss, Photoshop can often upscale the pixel resolution without compromising the file quality.
Crucially, change the “Method” to “Halftone Screen.” This is essential for converting your image into a line tone effect.
The number of lines per inch is analogous to pixel resolution in the printing world. A setting of 35 lines per inch represents a relatively low resolution, but can yield visually appealing results. The impact of this setting can vary depending on the file's size, both in pixels and inches. Unless you are a graphic artist, extensive concern over these details is unnecessary.
Ensure that the angle is set to either 180 or 0 degrees and that the halftone shape is set to “Line.” Utilizing the line setting is vital to achieve the desired line tone appearance.
Upon clicking OK, the process is complete. This example demonstrates a relatively high lines per inch version of the image of Steve. Note the level of detail in comparison to the original and the image below, which utilizes fewer lines per inch. Higher lines per inch settings often appear less favorable on monitors but print exceptionally well.
For illustrative purposes, a version with a very low lines per inch setting has been created. Detail is sacrificed, but it accurately demonstrates the technique. Experiment with your own settings and images to achieve the optimal balance.
Understanding the Creation of the Dollar Bill Graphic
The process of digitally placing Steve Jobs onto a counterfeit $1000 bill was straightforward. Initially, a source image of a US dollar bill – whether a $1 or $100 note – is obtained through a simple online search.
Subsequently, a masked group is created, as illustrated, to serve as the designated area for the line tone portrait.
Adjusting the Portrait for Seamless Integration
To facilitate manipulation of the line tone portrait, it might be necessary to revert its color mode to either grayscale or RGB.
Color matching is then achieved by utilizing layers configured with "Darken" and "Lighten" blending modes, as demonstrated in the layers panel.
This technique allows for a harmonious blend of the portrait with the underlying currency design.
Further Discussion and Contributions
We welcome your feedback and insights regarding this method. Do you have alternative approaches or more streamlined techniques?
Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section, or directly contact us at ericgoodnight@howtogeek.com. Selected contributions may be featured in future graphics-focused articles.
Image Credit: The 100 Dollar Bill image is in the public domain within the United States. The photomanipulation was created by NoTech4U via Deviantart.
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