Neverside

Usually when you vector you use the colour picker tool to choose your colours. This can often result in colours you wouldn't expect to result from the image you are working with, however it does happen quite often when vectoring people. Very small sections are also very easy if you zoom in enough. The only way that you can claim that it is a filter is if you have seen the PSD file and there are no traces what-so-ever of paths...

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http://designerpad.org

The portrait seems to complex. I would suggest instead of creating these shapes that you create layers with blends and gradients that you will create a natural contrast instead of a blocky look.

Here are some examples that will help you understand what I am talking about.

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/5191806/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/5201799/
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/2670494/

Browsed From: http://browse.deviantart.com/indyart/vector/?offset=24

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Content Is King

Have yet to learn the gradient mesh tool. Like I said, it was my first try actually my first anything with illustrator... Guess I have a long way to go...

nice pic. But i dont like the effect, but you have made it good !

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hmm not quite sure *thinks* good first try though ill give yas that

Well if it isnt Flash > Trace Bitmap then its Freehands Trace tool. Or you trace images the EXACT way the above programs do. It just looks to un natural and blocky to me.

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looks way to much like a filter, which i still think it is. I dont know how you can go into that much detail for a first vector? i mean come on.

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Guys, WTF... I told you it's not a friggin filter. I put about 35-40 hours in this project for a class. THERE WERE NO FILTERS USED! ZERO, NADA, NONE.... Why cant you go into that much detail? Rab it's not done with flash, not with freehand... I zoomed in and and just outlined the images that i saw in with the pen tool and filled the shaped in with color.... thats it.