Dtiys

Hey Lemon8 fam! So, you've probably seen 'DTIYS' popping up everywhere, but what exactly is it? DTIYS stands for 'Draw This In Your Style,' and it's one of the coolest trends for artists online! Basically, an artist shares an original piece, and then invites others to redraw it in their own unique style. It's not about copying, but about interpreting the original artwork through your own artistic lens, using your preferred medium, colors, and techniques. It’s a fantastic way to challenge yourself, explore new styles, and connect with other artists in the community. Plus, it's a great opportunity to get some exposure and practice drawing different character designs! I recently took the plunge and participated in my very first DTIYS challenge, hosted by the super talented @_.king.zing._ on Instagram. Their original piece, a vibrant Y2K art girl, immediately caught my eye! The character had such a distinctive look – I loved her dark skin, long blue hair, and those absolutely sparkling eyes, not to mention the cool crescent moon on her forehead. It was a really fun challenge to translate that digital illustration into my own colored pencil drawing. When I started sketching, I really focused on capturing the essence of the Y2K art girl vibe while still making it feel like my art. I decided to go with a brown-skinned character, giving her wavy white and blue hair to add my personal touch. I kept the sparkling, colorful eyes and the iconic crescent moon, but also added a subtle butterfly tattoo, which I thought would complement the Y2K aesthetic perfectly. Working with colored pencils meant I could build up those vibrant colors gradually, making sure her hair had that dynamic wavy texture. It was a rewarding process, seeing her come to life on the page! If you're thinking of trying a DTIYS, especially one with a specific style like a Y2K drawing, here are a few tips I learned: Don't overthink it: The goal is to have fun and experiment. Choose your medium wisely: I love colored pencils for their blendability and vibrant results, especially for detailed characters. Focus on key elements: Identify what makes the original unique (like the Y2K aesthetic, or specific features like the crescent moon or hair color) and decide how you'll interpret them. Add your signature: Don't be afraid to change proportions, add accessories, or alter the color palette to make it truly yours. Engage with the host: Share your work and tag the original artist! It's all about community. Participating in this DTIYS was such an awesome experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me explore new ways to create a compelling 'art girl'. I highly recommend giving a DTIYS a try if you're looking for a fun creative boost or want to connect with the art community. What kind of Y2K art would you love to draw?