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.
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
- 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
Great articles and information on mosaics.
However, I ran into many problems trying to create my own mosaic and trying to find a place to print it at the size I wanted for a cheap price – 3feetx2feet. After a full month of sub-par results and spending almost $100 in printing fees at a local print vendor, I decided to break down and purchase a custom photo mosaic.
And let me just tell you I could not be more happy with my purchase. The mosaic currently hangs in my great room and is usually a hot topic during parties. The photo mosaic company I went with after doing my research was Picture Mosaics which I also linked above, because they also have some really good information on how to create photo mosaics on their technology page.
-Bill