Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 11/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: i am trying to use illustrator CS3 to make a vintage toile pattern that's almost like a pencil sketch effect but I am having a hard time. Must it be done on photoshop cs3 only? If so, how?

ANSWER: Hi Angie,

This is something you can start in AI to create the actual repeating pattern, then bring into Photoshop and run one of the sketch filters on. Otherwise you can keep it in AI and run one of the Photoshop Effects in the Effects Menu.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kevin, how do i convert my pencil sketch to vector file? I want the file to look like a sketch (such as shading and details) rather than solid lines. Can i do it on illustrator CS3? I scanned my sketch and opened the file on CS3 but once i do "live trace" , all the details and shadings are gone. What should I do?
thanks!!

Answer
Angie,

If you want to retain the sketch that you scanned, I would just leave it as a Photoshop File. I didn't realize you were using a real pencil sketch, your question stated that you wanted it to look like one.

If you were creating one from scratch, I would use Illustrator to create the pattern then take it into PS to create the sketch look. But since you have the pencil sketch done by hand, Id just scan it and use that. It will be much more realistic than anything created in an app.

Kevin