lichtenstein

Step One: Create a NEW file that is 24x18” (or 18x24”), Resolution 300, white background, Mode: RGB. Go to the VIEW Menu and show your Rulers. Next, drag blue guide lines from the ruler to mark off a 1” border on all sides of your page. (All drawing must remain with the border.)

Step Two: Now, open a photo of yourself and drag it into this new file. Scale the photo so that you take up the majority of the space. (Remember to hold the Shift Key and drag from the corners only). You may wish to lower the opacity on the photo if it seems too bright or dark. Be sure you are large and placed as the center of attention.

Step Three: Add a new layer above the photo of yourself. Begin by drawing your facial features (using pencil and black ink) paying special attention to both outlines and contours. Continue until you have a carefully drawn, accurate drawing of yourself. Turn off the photo layer occasionally to check for accuracy. Show LOTS of detail! Use a variety of brush sizes. You might also try different types of lines for effect. When finished, turn off the photo layer.

Step Four: After you have completed the drawing of yourself, apply a color label to the layers to easily identify them. Turn all these layers off so that your background is white once again. SAVE YOUR WORK.

Step Five: Next, go shopping on the internet and find one or more photographs that you can collage together to create a background. Drag each photo into your file, placing each on a separate layer. Move the photos to the bottom of the layer stack. Turn on the drawing layers of yourself and scale and position the photos in your composition. Pay careful attention to where the drawing of you will be in relationship to the background drawings! Rearrange and reorganize as necessary. Remember that the photo will be gone, so it does not matter if it runs out of the space. Create a new layer and begin drawing! Label your layers along the way to make it easier to find them later.
Step Six: After you have completed your background drawing, label each of the background layers with a different color. Turn off all photo layers. SAVE your finished line drawing 2 more times! (YLNI lichtenstein 1, 2, etc.)
Step Seven: Begin colorizing your work! Begin by returning to the drawing layer and selecting areas with the magic wand. Make a New Layer and fill with a color, gradient or pattern. Each color area should be on a layer that is separate from the line drawing. Label each layer as you go in order to make it easier to find later.
Step Eight: In some areas, use the Halftone Pattern filter to create a “cartoon” look. To apply a halftone dot, select the areas with the Magic Wand. Next, go to FILTER> SKETCH> HALFTONE PATTERN. Adjust the dot size and contrast (try dot size: 3, contrast 25). Change the foreground/ background color for added control.
Step Nine: Create a speech or thought bubble. To do this, use your circular selection tool (or any selection tool for a different shape). Draw your shape and create a new layer. STROKE (EDIT: STROKE) it with a thick line. Continue, placing all bubbles on a separate layer until you have enough. Position where it will not interfere with the drawing. Add text so that it is centered, fills the space and does not touch the line.