Create a mosaic effect
In this tutorial you will learn how to create a mosaic based on an image, using the Create Object Mosaic and Stylize Tools. Believe me, there's nothing overly complicated. Let's strike a match!
Follow along via the short YouTube clip or at your own rhythm by following the steps below.
Step 1
Create a new project and insert/paste your desired image.
Step 2
Select your image and in the drop-down menu bar, navigate to "Object" and select "Create Object Mosaic...". A window will pop-up as shown below.
Step 3
Change the "Tile Spacing" to 1 pixel by 1 pixel and the "Number of Tiles" to a number relative to your image/canvas and hit "OK".
Step 4
While having you mosaic selected, navigate to the drop-down menu bar and under "Effect"→(Illustrator Effects) "Stylize" → "Round Corners...". The window below will pop-up and hit "OK".
Step 5
Select the Rectangle Tool (M) and cover your image. Send the shape backwards one position(Right Click → Arrange → Send Backward) or (Ctrl + [).
Step 6
Select the Eyedropper Tool (I) and choose a color from your mosaic to use as a background.
You're done!