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Correct answer barbara_a7746676

The effect is called engraving. There is a tutorial at https://www.retrosupply.co/blogs/tutorials/how-to-create-an-engraved-illustration-effect-in-illustrator

4 replies

Doug A Roberts
Community Expert
March 4, 2019

I think it'd be quicker to make an actual etching than reproduce something that complex in Illustrator.

KShinabery212
Community Expert
March 4, 2019

Maybe.  But not everyone can do etchings well. So to me Illustrator would be easier for those who might not have etching tools at home.

I think doing it Illustrator allows for etching noobs like myself to have more control over it. 

But to those who actually do etching that is an amazing art form!  Like I said... I am just not talented in that area... so I totally respect it when people can.

Inspiring
March 3, 2019

Interesting plug-in tools that work great on that tutorial's simple "eye" illustration.  But the example given would take years to do using those.  It would go quicker in Photoshop using something like Andromeda "Artistic Screening Tools".  Their software plug-ins for Photoshop convert grayscale images into line etch illustrations.  Only drawback is the artwork is bitmap, not vector.  Checkout www.andromedasoftware.com .

barbara_a7746676
barbara_a7746676Correct answer
Community Expert
March 3, 2019
KShinabery212
Community Expert
March 4, 2019

Very nice tutorial.

I think doing it by hand and using multi-line brushes is probably best.  I would never trust a filter/plug-in to do something like this.  To me it is one that you really should spend the time to get the lines the way you want them.  So this tutorial is great!

I even saved the tutorial as a PDF !!!!!!!!  And I am old hat at Illustrator!

JETalmage
Inspiring
March 3, 2019

What effect?

JET

New Participant
March 3, 2019

The sort of scribbling