How To Cartoon Yourself

Free websites

Today many websites offer the service of converting your photograph into a similar looking cartoon character for free. There are a host of these sites that allow you to quickly upload your digital photograph and quickly convert it into a caricature in a matter of minutes, often seconds.

- Advantages: These sites are quick to use and allow you to see results in a matter of minutes. Also they are free of charge, so often there is no harm in trying.

- Disadvantages: Results obtained at such sites are often not professional with the cartooned photo looking much like your digital picture. Also, while the photo may be useful as an online avatar, printing the same can be tedious, with limited printing options. Also, the method of printing and quality of the output is totally left on to you.

Hiring Artists

Many freelance artists can be spotted at malls and other places, and are ready to draw a cartoon out of the real you. To avail of this, you need to visit a good artist, wait for your turn and get a real cartooned portrait done. This often takes time and you will need to take out at least an hour of your precious time to avail of this.

- Advantages: The benefit of such a portrait is that you get an original looking cartoon caricature of you, something that free sites cannot offer you.

- Disadvantages: The quality of your portrait is not in your hands and cannot often be altered. Also the process is time taking with you having to wait for your turn. Again, the mediums on which you can print too are limited.

Software tools

Photoshop, Illustrator and many other software tools also allow you to convert photos to cartoon images. To make use of this, either you need to be well-versed with the platforms or need to learn them. While these software can be useful as a starting point, often the quality of image produced is not so great.

- Advantages: Easy to use with the end results being totally in your hands. If you know the software, then the end product comes free of charge.

- Disadvantages: The process is time taking, mediums on which you print are limited and the quality of finish may not be good if you are not a pro.

Cartooning oneself whether it be for online social media avatars or for home/office décor displays is fast catching popularity. If you want a professionally done job, opt for studios that give great results and try to match your preferences. If it is just for fun, do check out the free websites, and watch yourself transform!