Half Sketch Effect

This tutorial will show you how to make an image look like it’s half-sketched. It’s a really easy effect that I’ve been seeing around lately. Reminds me of that A-Ha video.

We’re obviously going to start with our object. I used another image from PhotoSpin
(PhotoSpin # PS008088).

Select your object and extract it to its own layer with [Ctrl + Shift + J].

Duplicate that layer again with [Ctrl + J].

Go to [Filter > Stylize > Find Edges]. Press [Ctrl + Shift + U] to desaturate the layer.

Bring up the Levels dialog with [Ctrl + L] and adjust the sliders until you get the detail you want.

Add a Layer Mask with the button at the bottom of the Layers palette, or with [Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All]. With the Layer Mask selected, choose the Gradient Tool [G].

Drag the gradient over your image to make some parts of the mask visible.

You can repeat the gradient until you get the effect you want.

That’s about it. You can get creative with the Layer Masks to create some differing effects.