Create a line-based vector portrait using Illustrator

In this tutorial we will create a series of vector shapes through line-manipulation, building up a portrait in the style of Joy Division's cult album, Unknown Pleasures.

I'll show you how to create shapes from flowing linework, and how to use curving gradients to create atmosphere and a sense of movement in your work. You don't have to stick with two or three-coloured gradients, as used here - feel free to experiment with more complex arrangements. You could also add some radial fills for an even more striking image.

• Software Illustrator CS3 or later
• Time needed 5-6 hours
• Skills Add movement through linework and gradientsCreate new brushesExport vector into raster

Step 01

Use a photograph as your base. This is an original photo of a girl, taken with an ordinary 8-megapixel camera. Take as many pictures as possible, from different angles, and play with different poses.

Step 02

In Illustrator, using the Layers panel create a new layer and fix your chosen photo onto it. Create another layer above it - this is what we will be drawing on. Draw a horizontal line across your whole image with the Line Segment tool.

Step 03

Now we will create a base consisting of a row of straight lines. Select your line, press Alt/Opt+Shift, and copy it, moving the copy a little above the original line. With both selected, press Ctrl/Cmd+D and duplicate them until you've filled the image.

Step 04

Starting near the bottom, create points along each line - along the borders of each main shape - using the Pen Tool (Ctrl/Cmd+P). To smooth them, select the points and select 'Convert selected anchor points to smooth' on the top panel. The border between the shape and the background will be fixed with the anchor points, which we are not going to touch. The background will be smooth.

Step 05

Now we begin to edit the shape of each line. Move the points upwards using the Direct Selection tool, making sure you represent key features in your model that break the horizontal flow of the line. You'll almost need to use sculpting skills for this.

Step 06

When the base line for a key feature is finished, move up to the next line and edit it in the same orientation, following the shape. In those places where you need a clearly defined shape, the points must be located as closely to each other as possible.

Step 07

Edit the thickness of the lines using the Stroke options. Use a range of sizes - each individual line should have a different weight. By using a range of thick and thin lines, you'll be able to add extra dynamics to the image. Of course, it'll take some time, but stick with it and the result will be impressive.

Step 08

When your line image is ready, copy it and hide the copy in a new layer - you will need a duplicate later. Now it's time for experimentation. Select your image and go to Object>Expand. This will turn your lines into Contiguous objects. Now go to Pathfinder>Add To Shape Area>Expand.

Step 09

Next we select the borders of our image. Draw a rectangle with a solid colour above it. Select all, and go to Pathfinder>Exclude Overlapping Shape Areas>Expand. Next, click Release Compound Path.

Step 10

Now we have a sort of a cast. Remove all unnecessary elements so that only your shapes are left, ready for a colour fill. You might choose only one gradient, or a variety of colours - but use specific shades for specific objects.

Step 11

First create a background. An appropriately chosen gradient will help to create the illusion of material. You can create your own gradient, or go to Window>Swatch Libraries>Gradients and choose one of the existing gradients.

Step 12

Select your image and go to View>Hide Edges (Ctrl/Cmd+H) for the easier Fill set-up. Now we can edit the gradient with no visual obstacles: move the slider bars on the Gradient slider, choose different Angle options, and experiment with the colours.

Step 13

When contrasts face each other head-on, it can lead to striking results. To create interesting effects, let's export the image as a GIF. Choose No Dither for the dither algorithm, set Lossy at a number greater than zero, and experiment with the other parameters. The result will be an interesting destructive effect - almost as though our image has been caught up in a pixel storm.

Step 14

Let's now explore the options for how you can use your line image. Open your prepared duplicate. Create a vector object and use it to create a new scatter brush. A window will appear where you can choose the brush size and its other parameters. We will use this brush to treat our lines.

Step 15

Copy the image and then experiment with different brushes, changing the size values and colours as you prefer.

Words: Ruslan Khasanov