How I Make Art!

Good day! I would like to show you how I like to make art (my art process). Please enjoy and feel free to follow along!

Remember to make art everyday. Making your art exist, even when it's awful, is better than it not existing at all.

Step One: Picking a Subject

First, let me introduce you to Benny Bear. Benny Bear is my favorite stuffie. He will make an excellent subject!

Your subject can be anything, from a loved one, to your aunt's cat, to your favorite character (#Piccolo).

Step Two: The Sketch

To start the drawing process, I begin by picking out familiar shapes and lines within my reference image. I draw lightly first. It helps to keep your reference image within view while you are drawing, so you don't have to turn away from your sketch constantly!

You can gradually refine your sketch and darken up the lines as you go.

I do my sketches traditionally. When I'm done, I take a picture of my sketch and use Drive to transfer the image to my computer. Skip this step if you're sketching on your computer.

Step Three: Lineart

Next, it's time to start making the lineart. I use Medibang to make my art. You can use any program you are familiar with. A layer system is nearly vital to follow my method (sorry MS Paint, I love you!)

Trace your sketch in a separate layer using the pixel tool (or a brush that is one pixel in size). It can be helpful to use a different color for your line art than for your sketch.

Protect Alpha can be used to change your lineart colors later.

Step Four: Coloring

If you're not making a comic, or even if you are, you'll probably want to add some color. Create another layer and use the Bucket Tool to fill in your lineart with your base colors.

I went a bit overboard with Benny's shirt design. Pixel art doesn't have to be super detailed. On the other hand, you could make your Benny's Shirt even more detailed!

Step Five: Lighting and Shading

Lighting and shading will help Benny pop! Create a layer for "lights" and color in the edges of your art a lighter shade than your base color. It can be helpful to choose a side where the "light" would be coming from, and face your highlights towards that direction.

Create a layer for "shades" and do the opposite; color in the edges of your lines facing away from the "light source".

Step Six: Cleaning Up

The final step includes going over my work and cleaning up any areas where the lineart appears overly messy, or the colors have escaped from their prisons (lines). In Benny's case, I also changed his lineart colors to dark brown, blue, and grey to match his colors.

I also resize the image (usually by 200%) before adding my watermark. I use Protect Alpha on my watermark layer and the eraser tool set at 90% opacity to make it more transparent. After I add my watermark, I resize the image a final time (by an additional 200%).