Trace a Cell in Photoshop ~

Learn These Tools & Concepts:

Pen Tool

Folders

Gradients

Manipulate Lines

• It can be Difficult to portray the minute details of the cell with accuracy while at the same time, making it look artistically appealing.

• Shape Dynamics may be the answer. It is an important part of Photoshop and is good to know.

Other People's Work:

Here are examples of work inspired by this tutorial.

Step #1: Open a Blank Document in Adobe PhotoShop ~

Open PhotoShop & create a new canvas. Hit Cmd+N or go to: File > New …

Make your canvas 800px wide by 600 px tall

It's a good idea to choose Transparent in the Background Contents too.

Step #2: Find an Image ~

Go online and find an image you want to copy on the internet.

Right-Click, copy or save it somewhere you can find it.

Or - if it wont copy - hit Print Screen on the keyboard.

Step #3: Paste it in PhotoShop ~

Paste your screen print into the new canvas.

Go to: Edit > Paste or hit Ctrl+V

Adjust image to fit the canvas. Select the Move Tool

Step #4: Change the Size ~

Now, you may be asking, "How can I make it Bigger or Smaller?"

First you must Zoom Out.

Select the Zoom Tool

Click Zoom Out on the menu bar

Click the image to Zoom Out

Step #5: Transform the Size ~

Hit Ctrl+T

 

Step #6: Folders and Layers ~

Lock the Background layer

Make a New Folder by clicking on

Rename the folder.

Then, make a New Layer.

Name the Layer whatever it is you're going to draw …

 

Step #7: Pen Tool ~

Get the Pen Tool

Select Paths on the Menu Bar.

To make curves using the Pen Tool you must Click-and-Pull.

When you get back to the beginning, you see the Closed Shape icon.

Remember to close the shape by hovering over the starting point and click.

Step #8: Make Selection ~

Right-Click somewhere in the shape & hit Make Selection

Hit New Selection and then OK

Now the selection has marching ants.

Step #7: Select your Colors ~

Double-Click on the Color square in Photoshop

Select your color.

Now do the other side.

Step #8: Fill Your Selection with a Radial Gradient~

Select the Gradient Tool which is behind the Paint Bucket

Select Linear Gradient on the menu bar.

Select your gradient in the Gradient Picker

Drag the Gradient Tool across the selection

Step #9: Bevel and Emboss ~

o to: Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options

Add Bevel and Emboss and Drop Shadow plus any others you want …

Adjust the setting to your liking …

Last Step: Save and Attach ~

Save your work as a .psd file [ your_name.psd]

Attach it & continue working …

---