Explaining every step of my drawing's evolution 💡😯
Can you tell that I was trying to draw bocchi? Let me explain every step in my drawing process, so you can try it too!
Step 1: brutal sketch
Can you tell I had no idea how to draw the pose 😂😂😂 I got so mad trying to do body proportions, I ended up zooming and and using a fat pencil to just get SOMETHING on the page
Step 2: Sketch
Went over the brutal sketch with more character details
Step 3: Lineart
I still keep my lineart soft, but needed to do it on a different layer than my sketch because it was still messy
Step 4: Flat colors
I need to find more clip studio hacks to make coloring easier bc this took longer than it should have. flat colors are really easy on Krita.
Step 5: Greyscale
I used a flat angle brush, and tried to follow the 'two color rule' (aka, if I could only have 2 shades of gray, where would I put them? and repeat)
Step 5: Gradient map
I just put a gradient map filter onto the Greyscale. I used clip studio's default sunset gradient map with some minor modifications. This will help me shade with more interesting colors.
Step 6: Multiply
Put the gradient map on multiply blending mode over the flat colors we made earlier
Step 7: Finishing
FINALLY we can do the fun part 😂 Of course I was still too lazy to do details so I hid most of them with the dramatic lighting scheme 😂
... Read moreAfter sharing my step-by-step drawing journey for creating that anime girl with her guitar, I wanted to dive deeper into some questions I often get, especially about tackling tricky poses and making your digital art truly stand out!
Mastering Guitar Poses: Finding Your Perfect Reference
Getting the 'playing guitar pose reference drawing' just right can be a real challenge! When I first started with this 'anime girl playing guitar' piece, finding the right angle for her hands and the guitar itself was crucial. Here’s how I approach it:
Real-Life Observation: If you or a friend play, take photos! This is the best 'guitar drawing reference' you can get. Experiment with different angles and lighting. Pay attention to how clothes wrinkle and drape around the instrument.
Pinterest/Google Image Search: Type in specific terms like "girl playing electric guitar pose," "acoustic guitar player reference," or "band photoshoot." Save a collection of images that inspire you. Don't just pick one; look for commonalities and unique details.
3D Models: Software like Clip Studio Paint has excellent 3D models you can pose. There are also free apps like Magic Poser. These are fantastic for understanding foreshortening and how parts overlap. For that 'holding guitar drawing reference,' I often use 3D models to block out the basic form before refining it in my 'brutal sketch' stage. Remember to adjust the model to fit your character's proportions, especially for an 'anime girl.'
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Digital Painting Skills
My original process touched on 'lineart' and 'greyscale,' but there's always more to explore to enhance your 'digital drawing' skills!
Dynamic Line Art Techniques: While I keep my 'lineart soft,' varying your line weight can add so much life to an 'aesthetic character portrait.' Use thicker lines for areas that are closer or in shadow, and thinner lines for details or highlights. Many digital art programs, including Clip Studio Paint and Krita, have stabilization features that help you get crisp, confident lines. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brushes to find what feels right for your style.
The Power of Greyscale for Mood: My 'greyscale' step is truly foundational. Before even thinking about color, nailing your values (light and darks) ensures your image has strong contrast and depth. Think of it as creating a solid sculpture before painting it. This helps when you introduce a 'gradient map' later, as the values guide where your colors will be applied, especially for creating 'atmospheric' effects.
Dramatic Lighting and Color: The 'dramatic lighting' in my final piece wasn't accidental! Once you have your 'flat colors' and 'greyscale' values, think about your light source. Where is it coming from? How intense is it? That 'multiply mode' layer helps simulate shadows, and then adding highlights on top brings everything to life. For the 'pink hair' and 'black electric guitar,' I made sure the lighting emphasized their textures and forms. Mastering skills like these is a self-study journey, and every drawing is a chance to learn something new.
I hope these extra tips give you a broader perspective and help you on your own 'digital art journey,' whether you're focused on 'girl playing guitar drawing' or exploring other character illustrations!