Expert: Amy - 4/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Amy,
I am designing a construction logo in illustrator CS2 (Mac). The customer
wants several graphics which I recreated in illustrator (hammer, saw etc.).
One graphic is a little more detailed and I instead of redrawing it, I found a
photo of it and would like to use that instead. As it looks funny to use line art
and a photo together, I would like to make the photo more like line art.
Please help!

ANSWER: Hi Shelly,

You can either use Live Trace or trace by hand. For Live Trace, you will have to play around with the Tracing Options to get the result you want, then fine-tune the end result using the regular Illustrator tools.

Since there are so many Live Trace tutorials out there, I suggest you follow one of those...

Here's a nice one:
http://www.layersmagazine.com/illustrator-tracing.html

I like it because it mentions what I feel is essential: Cleaning and cropping the image in PhotoShop before the tracing.

Since that image is so simple, though, you might want to consider just tracing it by hand. That is, placing it into Illustrator, locking it, then drawing over it using the pen, pencil, etc., tools.

That way, you can make sure the line weights and drawing style match your hammer and saw.

Good luck!
Amy


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

QUESTION: I decided to take your advice and draw it by hand, though that is a very cool link
you sent me. I might use it in the future. However, I just have one more
question. How do I make the inner circular parts of the tool so that I can see
through it. I tried joining them and it didn't work. You are saving me so much
time! Very much appreciated!

Answer
Hi again Shelly,

You first want to select all the inner parts that you need to see through and group them.

Then, make sure that the newly grouped image is in front of everything else by choosing Object > Arrange > Bring to Front

Then select the grouped innards AND the background shape, and choose Object > Compound Path > Make or hit Ctrl + 8.


-Hope it works for you!
Amy