how to make a photograph look like a hand drawn cartoon in Photoshop or illustrator?

Hi all-
I'm taking a childrens book writing and illustrating class and my illustrating skills are nil. I want the photos to look like a "Cartoon" and want to create the pictures for the book but not sure which filters work best for this effect.
Would prefer it to look like a child outlined the picture and then colored in between the lines. Picture is of a dog and girl.
Any help is greatly appreciated. I know basics of the filters and don't want to just slap any effect on it.
Thanks so much in advance if anyone has any great ideas.

You could trace the photo with Paths and stroke them with the brush of your choice.

(See, illustration is so easy)

in Photoshop or Illustrator? or both?
Thanks so much for the fast reply!

kristin,

My initial thought would be to take advantage the vector outlines and color fills of Illustrator would make that an easier choice. It's also easier to edit cleanly. Use photos as a template underlay and draw on top of them. But, it'll look too slick.

Or in Photoshop, it's gonna depend upon how well the photographs were taken. I looked at the Fresco, Poster Edges, Sprayed Strokes, and Watercolor, etc., etc. The effects are nice, but, again, way too sophisticated for a child's hand.

Would prefer it to look like a child outlined the picture and then colored in between the lines.

Which brings me to what may be the best choice. Pick up a box of Crayolas and some good vellum paper (from an art supply store) and trace the photo. Outline in black, and color in the rest. Get a child to do it, if you want realism.

Seriously.

Neil

kristin,

I like John's idea.

Or in Photoshop, it's gonna depend upon how well the photographs were taken. I looked at the Fresco, Poster Edges, Sprayed Strokes, and Watercolor, etc., etc. The effects are nice, but, again, way too sophisticated for a child's hand.

Would prefer it to look like a child outlined the picture and then colored in between the lines.

Which brings me to what may be the best choice. Pick up a box of Crayolas and some good vellum paper (from an art supply store) and trace the photo. Outline in black, and color in the rest. Get a child to do it, if you want realism.

Seriously.

Neil

I agree.

Sometimes low-tech is the best tech for the job.

Double-plus extra: It's fun!

Maybe something here will help as well... have fun

< http://mybabyphotos.net/tutorial-photoshop-cartoon-outline-c hild/>

thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions...I think I'm figuring it out. Love your suggestion randalqueen...I think that's what I had in mind.
Cheers everyone!