The Vector Look

Convert Anchor Points

Now turn visibility mode of the 'theimage copy' layer back on.

Select the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool and begin wrapping those areas that need curvature to the image.

Make sure the 'Shape 2' layer is selected, in the 'Layers Palette'.

With the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool, I started on the foreground wheel, click the 'Anchor Point', and drag in the direction of my (black) arrow unto it starts fitting the underlying layer.

TIP: 'Convert Anchor Point' creates two bezier handler points, for further curvature control.

Begin to get comfortable with the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool and work your way around the shape path, trying to get a close a wrap as possible.

TIP: After converting some anchor points, you'll realize that some of the original anchor points were not necessary at all. In fact the fewer the anchor points the smoother the curvature! Use the 'Delete Anchor Point' tool to eleiminate unwanted anchors.

Here's my final shape after applying as much of the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool as possible.

We'll use this for the base (darkest under layer).

Next I duplicated the 'Shape 2' layer (to get 'Shape 2 copy') and manipulated its anchor points to wrap the dominant color of the image, primarily the blue (body) of the car. Click on the Thumbnail Preview of that layer to get the 'Color Picker', and change the black to blue #3672BD.

Now this is what the body of the car looks like.

Next lets work on the windows.

Toggle the 'theimage copy' (black one) back on and hide 'Shape 2 copy' layer (the blue one).

Select the 'Pen Tool (P)' again, and up on the 'Options Bar' make sure 'Subtract from area shape(-)' is turned on.(I have outlined in orange)

Hide 'Shape 2 copy' layer in the 'Layers Palette'.

Select 'Shape 2' layer in the 'Layers Palette'.

Then start tracing in the areas of the window that are on the opposite side of the car.

Toggle the 'theimage copy' visibility mode to off, to see whats happening.

Your subtracting from the same shape layer, giving the illusion of transparency.

To apply the same affect on the other two windows without adding a new layer, simply hold Ctrl + Alt, then click and drag that subtraction path to duplicate. (Do this twice.) Then place the duplicate shapes into place.

Use the 'Convert Anchor Point' tool again to define the corners to wrap in the right positions.

Apply the same technique to the 'Shape 2 copy' layer, except trace along the foreground windows to get a final image as I have captured.(All the while, have 'Shape 2' visibility off.)

Now that we have the crust of the vector shape in place, the rest is simply adding new shapes, lines, and some tectures. We'll fill in those windows later!