written by David Steffen
I wanted to write a post to draw attention to a service that I am offering that I call “pet cartooning”, converting a photograph of an animal into a cartoon image. This could be a fun surprise present for an animal lover, or a loving tribute to your own pet. Here are a couple of examples of the results of this:
Do you think you might be Interested? Generally, here’s what I’m thinking: For $10 paid via PayPal or check, I will take a clear good-quality photograph of one animal, and will use it as a model for creating a cartoon image like those shown above ($15 for two animals). The result will be cartoon style image modeled the original photo that I will deliver via email. Keep in mind:
–So far I have had good results for SHORT-HAIRED animals, with well-defined lines. I have tried this with my own dogs (two poodles and a papillon), and the result did not work well. Feel free to drop me a line anyway if you’re not sure. The animal doesn’t necessarily need to be a dog–I did the same kind of image of a horse to illustrate Drabblecast #67 “Malish” by Mike Resnick. I’m working on improving my technique so that I can handle longer-haired animals.
–The cartoon animal will be in the same position as in the photograph. I can make small alterations like removing red-eye effect, but the photograph will be acting as the model.
–Don’t expect photo-realism. Some details might be lost, but the result is intended to match the dogs image very closely.
–I’ll do my best to get this done as soon as possible, but this will partially depend on the level of demand. If you think you want to do this, especially if you’d like to try to get something for the holidays, it may be best to contact me sooner than later.
The design itself will cost that flat fee. If you’d like to have something with the image printed on it, like a tote bag, a mug, or a t-shirt, I can upload the image to my CafePress store for further products to be purchased. For an example of this, you can see an example set of products here.
If anyone has any comments, questions, suggestions, or if you decide you are interested, please contact me at:
Hi Dave, interesting idea. As an occasional illustrator, I suggest the eyes are the most important, and perhaps you can do a slightly thicker line around them, or a thin double line? I think it will help add focus to the image. When we draw an image, we naturally make the points of focus bigger and clearer. Photographs don’t “edit” themselves that way, so you may find you need to enhance the parts that you want to attract the eye somehow. Perhaps you can also be very clear with the pupils, too?
Hey, thanks for the suggestions Damon. That’s a good idea to emphasize certain parts of the image. I’ve just been figuring this out as I go, I’ll have to give that a try on an upcoming piece. 🙂
David,
Are you still doing sketches? I love the one of the two dogs here.
I’m looking for an illustrator.