Sketchbook Drawing of Trese Before & After

Hey everyone! I've been so excited to share the journey of my latest artwork, a Trese drawing that really shows the power of a before and after sketch process. It’s always fascinating to look back at the initial ideas and see how much a piece can evolve, even before it hits the digital stage. For this particular piece, I was inspired by Trese, the character from the amazing Trese after dark series. Her strong presence and iconic look, with that short dark hair and double-breasted jacket, make her such a compelling subject to draw. I wanted to capture her essence, starting purely in my sketchbook. The 'BEFORE' stage is always about raw energy for me. It’s where I let go of perfection and just focus on getting the basic shapes and composition down. I usually start with very light lines, almost like scribbles, to block out the head, body, and general pose. For Trese, this meant figuring out her stance and the flow of her coat. It’s not meant to be neat; it's about exploration and finding the right proportions. This is crucial for any drawing art piece, as a strong foundation makes all the difference. Then comes the 'AFTER' stage, which is where the magic of refinement truly happens in my sketchbook drawing. Once I was happy with the overall structure of the 'before' sketch, I started to clean up the lines. This involves erasing the lighter construction lines and going over the chosen lines with a slightly darker pencil to define the contours. I paid close attention to her facial features, ensuring I captured her stoic expression. Detailing her double-breasted jacket and making her short dark hair look dynamic were key steps in bringing her to life. This refined version really starts to pop off the page. For anyone looking to improve their sketch before and after skills, here are a few tips I've picked up. Firstly, don't be afraid to make mistakes in the 'before' stage. That's what sketchbooks are for! Secondly, use references, especially for complex clothing or character details. Even for a beloved character like Trese, looking at official art helps maintain consistency. Thirdly, take breaks. Sometimes stepping away for a bit allows you to come back with fresh eyes and spot areas for improvement. Lastly, think about value and light. Even in a simple sketch, understanding where shadows and highlights would fall can add so much depth to your before after drawing. Seeing this drawing before and after comparison always motivates me. It highlights the progress and the journey of creation. This sketchbook drawing is a testament to how much a piece can transform with patience and focused effort. While this 'after' is still a traditional sketch, it serves as a solid blueprint for any future digital painting I might do. I hope this peek into my process encourages you to embrace your own drawing evolution and share your fan art journeys too!