Style & Artistic Effects

 
An Italian town with a water view with a colored pencil look.
 

Creativity Unleashed!

Stylized Photographs Defined

Stylizing Your Photos is where your creativity can truly run wild! Whether you want your photo to look like a watercolor painting, a vintage film still, or a pop art poster, both Apple and Android phones offer built-in tools and apps that let you transform your image into something totally unique. On iPhones, try playing with artistic filters in the Photos app or explore apps like Photo Booth or Prisma. On Android, Samsung’s Art Filter, or apps like Snapseed and Photo Lab, can give your photos a dreamy, painterly vibe.

These tools go beyond basic editing—they completely reimagine your photo. Try turning a simple flower shot into a soft watercolor or give a cityscape an oil painting effect. The possibilities are endless—but remember: always save a copy before applying these effects, because stylizing can significantly change the original. Don’t be afraid to explore—you might just create something frame-worthy!

🎭 Style / Artistic Effects Apple vs. Android

Icon: Paint palette or brush
Use: Change your photo to look like a sketch, cartoon, or painting
Apple: Not built-in
Android (Samsung):

  • Edit > Style

  • Choose from Comic, Oil Painting, etc.


Before & After

 
An Italian town on a lake
 

In the image above, you see the original scene as it was captured. The version below shows that same moment transformed into a bright, bold pop art style. There are endless styles to choose from—and the best part? On both Apple and Android, you can often adjust the intensity of the effect if the automatic version feels a little too dramatic. So whether you want just a hint of artistic flair or full-on comic book energy, you’re in control!

 
An Italian town on a lake with a pop art effect.
 

Varenna, Italy: As you arrive at the charming port of Varenna, Italy, you're welcomed by a timeless and colorful view. The vibrant buildings are stunning on their own—but they also make the perfect subject for artistic photo effects like the ones shown above.

Whether you love line art, pop art, or watercolor, the right image can truly come to life with a little creative editing. Let the scene inspire your style!


Artistic Photo Styles Default Options

iPhone (Apple) Native Camera & Photos App

Apple does not include sketch, pop art, or similar artistic styles by default.
➡️ These effects require third-party apps (like Prisma, Photo Lab, or Clips).

Verdict:
No built-in sketch, pop art, or painting styles on iPhone by default.

Android (Samsung Galaxy) Native Camera & Gallery

Samsung offers limited default art-style filters, depending on the model and software version. Look for these in the Gallery app under Edit > Filters or Effects:

Cartoon / Sketch – Simplifies image with line-art or cartoon-like outlines
Oil Painting / Watercolor – Smooth, brushstroke textures for a painted look
Pop Color – Muted background with bold, colorful subject (similar to pop art)
Art Filter / Style Filter – Available on some Galaxy models; mimics digital art styles

Where to Find It (Samsung):

  • Open a photo in Gallery

  • Tap Edit (pencil icon)

  • Tap Filters or Effects

  • Scroll for artistic styles (name varies by model)


Creative Previews

Starting with the original jellyfish image below, let’s see how we can view some creative options before we commit to any final version.

 
A jellyfish
 

🎨Whether you're using your phone’s built-in tools or a creative app like Prisma or Picsart, exploring photo styles is like flipping through an art gallery made just for your image! Simply swipe or tap through the style options—your photo will instantly preview each one in real time.

A jellyfish is a comic style
A jellyfish in a pastel style

The name of the effect (like "Comic" or "Pastel") usually appears just above or below the preview strip, so you’ll always know what you’re trying out. In the image above, the jellyfish gets a makeover in both styles. Once you find the perfect effect, just save a copy—or hit cancel if you want to keep things original.

Montreal Ferris wheel in a Comic Style
Montreal Ferris Wheel in a color pencil style
 

🎨 Popular Apps for Cool, Creative Effects

These apps focus on artistic styles, overlays, filters, and full transformations.

1. Picsart

Platform: iOS & Android
Best for: Artistic filters and photo collages
Effects include:

  • Glitch, neon, dispersion

  • AI filters (sketch, cartoon, pop art)

  • Light leaks and stickers
    🛍️ Free with in-app upgrades
    🌟 Why it's popular: Combines filters, drawing, and collage tools

2. Prequel

📱 Platform: iOS & Android
🎨 Best for: Trendy filters, vintage looks, and AI effects
Effects include:

  • VHS, film grain, sparkle, retro

  • AI-generated cartoon/anime faces
    🛍️ Free with premium subscription
    🌟 Why it's popular: Gorgeous, cinematic vibe with bold filters

3. Snapseed (by Google)

📱 Platform: iOS & Android
🎨 Best for: Pro-level editing with precise tools
Effects include:

  • Selective edits, healing brush

  • Glamour Glow, Drama, Noir
    🛍️ Totally free
    🌟 Why it's popular: One of the most powerful and free editing tools

4. VSCO

📱 Platform: iOS & Android
🎨 Best for: Aesthetic filters and film-style color grading
Effects include:

  • Clean, moody presets

  • Skin-tone conscious filters
    🛍️ Free + VSCO X subscription for full filter library
    🌟 Why it's popular: Professional tone edits with minimal effort

5. Photo Lab Picture Editor

📱 Platform: iOS & Android
🎨 Best for: Fun, surreal, and artistic transformations
Effects include:

  • Face montages, double exposure

  • Art filters and frames
    🛍️ Free with ads or premium upgrade
    🌟 Why it's popular: Creative AI art styles and funny face effects

6. Prisma Photo Editor

🎨 Platform: iOS & Android
🖼️ Best for: Turning your photos into painted works of art
Effects include:
Van Gogh, Picasso, and Munch-inspired art filters
Oil painting, sketch, and comic book styles
🛍️ Free with optional premium upgrade
🌟 Why it's popular: Stunning artistic filters that make your images look like museum-worthy masterpieces with a single tap.

 
A cat in a pastel style
 

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The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
— H. Jackson Brown Jr.