How I Construct an Image

When drawing an illustration in my own time, I do not give it much thought. I simply imagine what I want the character to look like, then I build up the figure with basic shapes and then flesh it out with the details. If I am using colour in the image, I place colours down and alter them as I see fit until it looks right.

I will use one of my original characters as an example of this process (if you can call it a process). Please note that this is how I produce an image for personal amusement and development. I will detail my construction of a piece of work in a separate post.

First, I sketch out the rough shape of the figure, using simple shapes and then fleshing out the details.

Sketch

Then, I go over the sketch in bold lines to tie the drawing together. This also gives me the chance to correct any annoying mistakes I made with the sketch while still using the sketch as a reference.

Line Art

Finally, if I am using colour, I try different shades of whatever colours I decide to use until I get a result that looks right.

Final Coloured Drawing

I do not always work in colour, but I have been training myself to start using it more often. If I can get used to using colour, as well as improving my sense of anatomy, body language and posture as well as general character design, I will improve my art work drastically.