How can I get good vector art from photos?

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VaderSpade
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:48 am
Model of CNC Machine: Tormach 1100

How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by VaderSpade »

I mostly engrave small images into aluminum (2" X 2"). There are lots of nice images out there to work with but once in a while I need to use a photo because there is really nothing else to work with.

Right now I need to get a simple line engraving from a photo of Chief Joesph.

Image

[EDITED BY ADMIN to remove copyrighted image]

Like I said it will only be 2" X 2" so I don't need too much detail, I just need to to be recognizable.

Are there any simple tricks? Any one know of an artist that can do black and white simple line caricatures from photos?

Some of my other work.
Image
Image
Image

graffix11
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 186
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Model of CNC Machine: Two machines, CRP 48x96 and a xylotex

Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by graffix11 »

I could try, I'm at work for another 6-7hrs though. I would do it by selecting the bitmap, turning down the fading of the unselected bitmap. Then simply drawing polylines over the image and adjusting them with the node edit option. You just need lines for engraving correct, and not closed vectors for creating shapes right? If you don't get it by the time I get home I'll give it a whirl.

VaderSpade
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:48 am
Model of CNC Machine: Tormach 1100

Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by VaderSpade »

Yes, just lines for engraving.

Thanks, I'll play with the tips you gave.

dond52
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Location: Templeton. PA. 16259

Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by dond52 »

Hello VaderSpade, Would something like this be of any help to you?
Attachments
Chief Joseph 4.jpg

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Ms Wolffie
Vectric Wizard
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Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by Ms Wolffie »

I have only done a quick sketch but is this some what you are after?
Joseph_Old-NezperceLineDrawing.png
Cheers
Wolffie
Cheers
Wolffie

Whatshammacallit
Cut3D, VCarvePro 6.5, Aspire4, PhotoVCarve, Corel Graphics Suite X6

VaderSpade
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:48 am
Model of CNC Machine: Tormach 1100

Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by VaderSpade »

Thanks guys, both of those are better than what I've been able to do so far.

Wolffie, I think that line drawing is something I can work with. I'm new at all this but learning fast.

You guys are great, Thanks again

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Ms Wolffie
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Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by Ms Wolffie »

You are very welcome

Cheers
Wolffie
Cheers
Wolffie

Whatshammacallit
Cut3D, VCarvePro 6.5, Aspire4, PhotoVCarve, Corel Graphics Suite X6

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sawmiller
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Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by sawmiller »

might try inkscape
i think it has several modes that might reduce the drawing down to line art or close
woodmizer sawmill and joe's hybrid cnc, a good combination
In the heart of Tn

dlgabry
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Re: How can I get good vector art from photos?

Post by dlgabry »

It's fairly easy with Gimp's edge detection difference-of-gaussian and the threshold tool, but you may have to play with them to get what you want. I used the lasso tool to remove the background, the difference-of-gaussians filter (radius1=15 & radius2=2), then adjusted with the threshold tool to get this one.

Dave
Attachments
Joseph_Old-Nezperce GIMP.jpg

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