Cut Out Photo Collection

Power Ranger Samurai Theme, Phillip's 3rd Birthday

Super Hero Theme, Kenny's Birthday

Under the Sea, Phillip's 2nd Birthday

Easter 2011

These are the cut out photo posters that I've made over the years. Most of these are drawn free hand or referencing a picture I found on google. I always start out with the cut outs, I don't mind my characters having bigger heads and smaller bodies, I find them cuter this way.

Materials:

•  Large cardboard sheet (You can ask local retail stores for their cardboard sheet that's used to cushion between pallets. Costco should have them. My sister's boyfriend works at a newspaper plant and gets it for us. Asking a newspaper plant might be a good idea too. If you can't find any cardboard sheet, plywood will work but you will need to cut the wood using a saw or something.)
• Pencil and eraser
• Photo of the character you want to draw
• Knife/ cardboard cutter/ exactor knife (whatever you have on hand, I've used them all at one time or another, the cardboard cutter might be easiest to work with).
• Paint and paint brushes
• Markers for outlining  

1. Cut out the holes for the faces first. Remember who will be using the cut out board and make the hole big enough for their faces. I usually make the hole bigger because I find that being able to slightly protrude the head out of the cut out hole makes for a more appealing and complete photo. (Look at the Easter photo, the purple and yellow bunny look better than the blue bunny. Don't make the hole too big though, too much of the background will show through the hole.)
2. Sketch out the character
3. Paint! Paint your background first and then the character. I don't usually follow this rule, I always start out with the character because that is the main focus. Starting with the background is a good idea because you can just run through it pretty quickly and not worry about the details too much. And if you get any paint on the character, you're going to paint over it anyway. Whereas starting with the character, if you accidentally mark your character while working on the background you will have to carefully go back and fix it. 
4. Outline with markers. I usually outline with black markers to make the images stand out more.
5. Test out your finished product by taking a photograph. If the picture looks weird, adjust your painting or outline.

It's ok if your cut out board isn't perfect, when you take photos little blemishes won't be visible. Remember, this is suppose to be fun and cartoony so don't worry about it looking perfect or too realistic.