Learn Photo Editor Tutorials

Learn How to Create Mixed-Media Art With Our Photo to Art Editor

By Melanie Doncas | Photo Editor Tutorials

You’ve probably seen the same photo editing effects hundreds of times before, but did you know BeFunky has unique Photo to Art effects that you just can’t find anywhere else? Built in-house by our talented graphic designers, these effects work in one swift click to turn your entire photo into a work of art.

digital art effects by BeFunky Photo Editor
woman with hat

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But have you ever wanted to Cartoonize your photo’s subject and keep the background realistic? Or add Artsy effects to the background while keeping the subject looking true-to-life? What seemed previously impossible is now easier than ever, thanks to our A.I.-powered technology – all created right here at BeFunky HQ!

Now when you're adding Artsy effects, you can use this intuitive technology to instantly detect the subject in your photo and apply Artsy effects selectively to only the background or only the subject. It’s photo editing like you’ve never imagined, and we’re revealing everything you need to know below!

Selective Photo to Art Inspiration

Wondering what kinds of wonderful things you can produce with selective Photo to Art effects? Here are some of our favorite ideas to inspire you.

Create a Comic Book Character

Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see themselves as a comic book character? In the Photo Editor, you can use effects such as Cartoonizer or Graphic Novel DLX to turn anyone into a comic book character while keeping the background looking realistic. And if you'd rather have a completely different background (as shown below), pair the selective Artsy effects with our Background Remover and get as creative as you want!

photo to cartoon effects by BeFunky
superhero kids

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This comic book character technique is perfect for creating unique birthday cards, invitations, social media images, and more. You could even create graphics for your very own comic book if you plan out the photo sequence just right! Photo art has never been so fun.

Create Your Own Design Elements

If you’ve ever wanted to create totally unique design elements for your website, branding, or graphic design projects, then you’re in luck. Choose a photo featuring something you’d love to turn into a graphic (like a flower), then remove the background using the Background Remover located in the Cutout tool. Next, apply an Artsy effect to make the flower look illustrated, painted, sketched, or any other effect you desire, while keeping the background transparent.

photo to art cutout

Repeat the process to make as many design elements as you'd like! Then add them to your invitation designs, greeting cards, and any template in our Graphic Designer.

Being able to turn elements of your photo to art will help you make one-of-a-kind graphics in minutes. It couldn't be easier!

photo to art workshop example

Create Mixed-Media Portraits

You don’t need hours of time or experience as a visual artist to turn your portrait photography into a mixed-media work of art. All it takes is one photo of your subject and any of our selective Artsy effects. Now, you can easily create the look of a realistic subject in a cartoonized world, a painted object in a realistic world, and anything in between.

If you want to add Artsy effects to more than just the subject (but not the entire image) our paint brushes in Erase Mode will let you paint them selectively onto anything in your image – whether it be a building, animal, object, or more. Let your imagination run wild! We've got the perfect set of tools to make your creative vision happen.

mixed media art

How to Add Artsy Effects to a Subject

Ready to apply your own selective photo to art effect? Head to the Artsy tab in the Photo Editor and open an image of your choice. Then, just follow the 4 simple steps below.

Step 1: Choose Your Artsy Photo Effect

Within the Artsy tab, you have plenty of effects to choose from – many of which utilize A.I for even greater ease and precision! Click on a category to sample those particular Artsy effects on your own photo. For this tutorial, we’ll be using the Cross Hatch DLX effect.

start with photo in artsy

Step 2: Apply Your Art Effect Selectively

When you’ve decided on what Artsy effect you wish to use, click on the Settings button.

adjust photo to art

To add your selected Artsy effect to just a selected part of your image (such as just the background or foreground, for example), you’ll first need to isolate your subject. To do this, click on the Erase tab in the top-right of your effect. Then, click the Isolate Subject button.

When you click the Isolate Subject button, it will automatically turn your photo’s subject into your desired Artsy effect. If you wish to keep your subject realistic but add the Artsy effect to your background instead, this is easy to do. Just click the Invert Selection button.

isolate subject erase

Step 3: Adjust Your Photo to Art Effect

Toggle back to the Adjust tab at the top of your effect, then use the corresponding sliders to adjust your Artsy effect as desired.

adjust cross hatch

Step 4: Save Your Selective Art Effect Photo

Once you’ve finished making your edits, all that’s left to do is to save your new image. Click Save at the top of the screen, then select your desired save location.

save cross hatch

Final Result: A Mixed Media Portrait That Combines Photography and Art

Wasn’t that easy? Within minutes, you too can create stunning photo to art masterpieces reminiscent of mixed media art.

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photo to art before

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Turn Your Photo to Art in the Click of a Button With A.I.

Along with our unique Artsy effects, our A.I.-powered selective editing features offer a world of possibilities at your fingertips. Why simply edit your photos when you can turn them into mixed-media works of art?

Go on, try out our Artsy effects to see what you can create!

Go From Photo to Art in One Click


Photo Editing. Simplified