Figma Course - Lesson 7: Cutting Out Photos Using Vector Shapes

Introduction

Create a New Frame
- Hold down the space bar and pan to a blank area
- Press F on the keyboard
- Choose the Instagram Post (1080x1080) from the right-hand side
- Rename the new frame to Lesson 7
- Optionally, download a 2021 penny JPEG from Joshua Pomeroy's website under the downloads section
Import the Penny Image
- Download the image and drag-and-drop it into Figma
- Adjust the image size and position within the frame as needed

**Outline the Portrait
- Zoom in on the image
- Press P to select the Pen Tool
- Create a low-polygon shape around the portrait by plotting points
- Use a color for the line stroke that is easy to see (e.g., bright blue)
Adjust the Curves
- Use V to switch back to the selection tool
- Hold Ctrl and adjust the line segments to fit the curves of the portrait
- Make precise adjustments to follow the perimeter closely
Set Up the Mask
- Remove the stroke and add a fill color to the vector shape
- Ensure the vector shape is underneath the photo in the layers panel
- Select both the photo and the vector shape
- Use the 'Use as Mask' button or Ctrl + Alt + M
- Group the image and the vector shape for easier management**

Change Background Color
- Select the frame and change the color fill to highlight the cutout
Duplicate and Transform
- Duplicate the cutout, flip it horizontally (Shift + H), and align as desired

Export the Artwork
- Select the frame
- In the inspector panel, find the export section and click the plus icon
- Choose JPEG and export the file
- View the exported file (e.g., open in Google Chrome)