Stencil image effect

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a stencil image effect. This produces the results as if the image has been painted over with a cut out design. You need to use the image adjustment tools for this effect, and some knowledge of turning an image black and white is needed for this tutorial.

Stencil image effect

Step 1

Open an image in Photoshop you wish to add the stencil effect to.




Step 2

Remove the background from the image. You can use the extract tool or the eraser tool for this step depending on your image. I have used the eraser tool as there is not much background in the image.




Step 3

Convert your image into black and white by selecting Image > Adjustments > Desaturate. For more methods to turn your image black and white checkout this tutorial.


Step 4

Select Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast and drag the contrast slider to +100, then drag the brightness slider to the right until you are happy with the final result. I have dragged the brightness value to +34. If you want less detail on your stencil effect you can give a higher brightness value, and if you want more detail you can reduce the brightness value.



You should now have a stencil image effect.