Q&A: How to Create Andy Warhol and Photo Mosaic Effects

Laura writes: "After dabbling in film photography for 20 years, I am just getting into digital photography and there are two 'effects' I would like to create with my images. The first is the classic 6 cell 'Andy Warhol' type creation. The other is a composite mosaic. For example, the finished product is a picture of a child. However, when you get closer to the photo, you realize that it is a mosaic, created from two small alternating photos of the parents. Do you know what these effects are called? Is there a particular software program that can help me create them?"

My answer: The Andy Warhol style is characterized by simplified details and large blocks of bright colors. This can be done with the tools in most image editing software, but if you're looking for something more "instant" you can browse the links for Artistic Effects software on this site. The second effect you mention is called a photo mosaic or photo tapestry and this site has a whole section about it.

Here are some resources on this site to help you achieve these effects:

• Artistic and Creative Effects Plugins
• Artistic and Creative Effects Standalone: Win
• Digital Artists' Techniques
• Image Editing & Painting Software
• Photo Mosaic Software & Information
• Sue's Photo Effects Actions for Photoshop

Here are some tutorials from around the Web for creating effects inspired by Andy Warhol:

• Digital Pop Art: Unleash Your Inner Warhol with Photoshop and Illustrator
• Instant Warhol in Photoshop (You'll have to scroll down the left frame to find the link. This site does not allow direct linking to the page.)
• Screen Print a la Warhol in Painter 4