Creating a pencil sketch effect in Photoshop involves a series of steps that simulate the look of a hand-drawn pencil sketch. Here’s a step-by-step description of the process:
Step 1: Open Your Image
Step 2: Duplicate the Image Layer
In the Layers panel, right-click on the image layer and select “Duplicate Layer.” This will create a copy of your original image.
Step 3: Hue/Saturation
Pres Ctrl+U for Hue/Saturation and select the Saturation (-100)
With the duplicated layer selected, go to the “Image” menu, then choose “Adjustments,” and finally, “Desaturate.” Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+U (Windows) or Command+Shift+U (Mac) to desaturate the layer, converting it to grayscale.
Step 4: Duplicate the Desaturated Layer
Duplicate the desaturated layer, creating another copy.
Step 5: Invert the Duplicated Desaturated Layer
With the duplicated desaturated layer selected, go to the “Image” menu, choose “Adjustments,” and then select “Invert.” This will create a negative version of the image.
Step 6: Apply the “Overlay” Blending Mode
In the Layers panel, change the blending mode of the inverted layer to “Overlay.” This will increase the contrast and enhance the pencil sketch effect.
Step 7: Adjust Levels (Optional)
You can further enhance the sketch effect by adjusting the levels. Go to the “Image” menu, choose “Adjustments,” and then select “Levels.” Drag the black and white sliders in the Levels dialog to adjust the contrast and overall look of the sketch.
Step 8: Add Gaussian Blur (Optional)
If you want a smoother and more realistic pencil sketch effect, you can apply a Gaussian Blur to the Overlay layer. Select the Overlay layer, go to the “Filter” menu, choose “Blur,” and then select “Gaussian Blur.” Adjust the radius until you achieve the desired level of blurriness.
Step 9: Merge Layers (Optional)
Once you’re satisfied with the sketch effect, you can merge the layers by selecting them and right-clicking, then choose “Merge Layers.”
Step 10: Save Your Sketch
After merging layers (or if you choose not to), save your pencil sketch by going to the “File” menu and selecting “Save As.” Choose a file format (such as JPEG or PNG) and a location to save your sketch.
Remember, the exact settings you use in each step may vary depending on your image and personal preferences. Experimenting with the various adjustments and blending modes will allow you to fine-tune the pencil sketch effect to your liking.