How to trace/reference an image for guidelines
Step 1:
A good way to learn how to create art is to have a clear idea of the proportions and shapes found in the styles you are interested in. You can do this by drawing guidelines on a piece (on a different layer if it is digital or with tracing papers if it is traditional) and then use these lines to create what you want. Find an image of the character you want in the pose that you are looking for. I liked the proportions and pose of this character from revisions anime, which I don’t watch. Pay attention at all points of this tutorial to how the lines bend. The rest of your head would look down, but the eyes would be looking up.
Step 2:
From the neck to the crotch, draw a line. If the character is facing forwards or backwards, this line should run down the body. Draw a figure to show the neck at top. Below that, draw a figure for the approximate ribcage. (If there are breasts, imagine how they would look flat chested. Draw a line to indicate the areas where the symmetry might be different. Draw a figure for the lower body. Make sure that it isn’t too close to the rib cage.
Step 3:
To represent the shoulders, add shapes. If there are breasts, draw them. Add some detail.
Step 4:
The head. First, the head. Faces can vary greatly between art styles. If you don’t do anime, you might skip some steps. You will need to use your logic. You will need to draw a line from where your scalp is, beginning and ending at the junction between the jawbones and the rest. Connect these by going roughly along each tooth’s top and then continuing on. Draw a line from the top of each eye to the middle of the head. Draw the jawline. To make it 3D, add a shape to one side (inside the lines you have drawn). Draw the outline of your eyes and other facial features.
Step 5:
If they are not visible, draw shapes for the legs, elbows, feet, elbows, hands, and knees. You may need to trace your hands and feet completely because they are complex.
Step 6:
Connect the arms and legs. This will make your individual piece of art look great. However, you should still trace/keep the lower layer visible if you want it to be perfect. Connect without copying the reference if you want to improve drawing accuracy.
Step 7:
This base/set is your guideline. Now you can draw anything! This tutorial teaches you how to properly trace. I couldn’t find a good tutorial, so I made a general tutorial.
