Animation Source Forums

I will add visuals as soon as possible! Until then, I have described each as best as I can -- so be patient, and you'll get some very helpful images!

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PLEASE keep in mind that this is how I draw. You may find a tutorial that works better for you, or develop a technique all your own. Also, I use the Traditional Method. That is, doing everything by hand.

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The Basics.

(* = optional)

Basic Tools:
-Pencils
-Liquid ink pen (or fine-tipped marker) for line art
-Colored Pencils, markers, or paints (I do not recommend crayons!)
-*Brushes (if you use paints)
-*Standard 12" (12 inch) ruler
-Pencil Sharpener with "Bucket" (the little container to catch the shavings)
-Paper! (I prefer mediumweight or printing paper, heavyweight is ideal for sketching and painting)
-Erasers (I suggest block erasers)

*Setting the Mood.
Find a CD or computer collection with a song (or songs) that best sets the "mood" to the picture. Set the volume low, and begin to draw. Obviously this helps you focus on the mood you're trying to depict with the picture, and can put you into that sort of mood to help.

I don't suggest listening to any sort of Radio. Radios have a lot of talking (whether it be the DJs or commercials) and can distract you. Also, they can play different songs that you don't like and will play many songs that don't fit the mood of your picture(s). This, too, can break your focus and you can become frustrated and won't be able to concentrate.

The Right Place and Time.
Find a right place, and time, to draw. Of course, this probably won't be during class at school or at home when the game's on. This way, you're not busy asking people to be quiet or to turn down the TV and you're drawing. Also, it can lower distraction. You also want a well-lit area, so you can see your lines plainly.

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Getting Started!

For a reference, I suggest you have several photographs printed out and on hand. Using photographs will ensure that you have 100% correct anatomy. Be sure not to use artwork or manipulated photographs.

With using artwork, you run the risk of copyright infringment. Of course you run this risk with photographs, too. My note to you: use photographs ONLY as anatomy and detail reference. NOT POSE! To avoid the temptation of drawing the photograph all together, get pictures of various poses with different actions. I suggest using Flickr (a complete photo place, run by Yahoo!). Search for specifics - instead of searching "wolf," search for "wolf running" or "wolf laying." Again, don't reference the picture itself. If you forget to cite (orignal © ...., link), then it counts as theft (more or less) and you could get into legal trouble.

Step One:
I suggest you start with three circles. This will help to make sure you have proper anatomy and proportions. For example - the shoulders, as you can see, will be slightly larger than the head and hips. Each circle, from left to right, symbolizes the head, shoulders, and hips. Connect them with slightly curved lines for the neck and spine.

Step Two:
Now you can start your "structure base." This means, sketching the "general just" of the drawing - with little to no detail. This is the first common base, but I am dissolving them all into "steps." Remember to draw lightly!

Step Three:
Now you can begin making the animal more "fluffy." This means adding the more detail. You're still drawing lightly - you want to easily correct any mistakes you make.

Step Four:
Now you can begin sketching a little darker. This will be your "final sketch." Of course, you can still change any mistakes you happen across. Be sure not to press too hard. You want to apply enough pressure to your pencil that you can clearly see the lines, but not hard enough that you can't erase it properly. This sketch will be messy, but don't worry - you'll be erasing it all later.

Step Five:
Now that you have your sketch ready, grab your inking pen and block eraser (I use Pilot Precise V5 rolling ball, extra fine, (liquid ink) black for my lineart, and a Pink Pearl eraser). Now, use your inking pen and go over what you want to keep on your drawing. Allow a couple of minutes to dry - erasing too soon will make the ink smudge, and you won't get the desired "clean" effect. After you have it inked and it's dried, use your eraser and erase your pencil marks. If done properly, you will have clean, crisp lineart. Don't worry if you mess up a little - everything takes practice and everything has it's own effect. So get to "know" your tools before using them a lot.

Step Six:
After you have satisfactory lineart, you can begin coloring. Set out the colors you will need ahead of time, so you don't have to shift through your material trying to find them. Lightly sketch out the designs (so the sore look of the lineart won't be there, and it looks more "natural"). You can begin from anywhere you want - I normally start with the head, then the back, and work my way down. These will be your "flats."

Step Seven:
Depending on whether or not you'd like to, you can shade your animal. BUT, you must also create your light source. The area that is farthest from the lighting source, or "under" something will be darker -- the areas closest to it will be lighter (but be sure not to make them too light!).

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What are "flats"?
Flats, and artists' term, just means that it's the subject matter (normally the focal point) colored just as it says -- flat. There is no shading, highlights, or "depth." It is very 1-D, like "Family Guy" or "The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack" on television.

Why make line art?
Line art allows you to create a crisp, clean image. Lets say you're coloring an animal that is dominantly white (such as Aniu) -- would you want to see pencil lines on your hard work? I know I, the viewer, wouldn't. It helps professionalism (though line art isn't always used, or is very, very un-noticable), too. I suggest using ultra-fine, liquid ink to line your drawings. Using marker can "bleed," and ballpoint ink smudges terribly.

(If you have any other questions/comments, ask!)

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Helpful Photograph Reference Sites/Search Engines

Monty Sloan's Wolf Photography
Flickr (a Yahoo! Company)
Google Images
Yahoo! Images (be sure to change from "Web" to "Images"!)

nice tut. i learned a few things.

Thank you! I learned alot and the body structure of my dogs are improving ! !!

whew! i needed that! thanks

Question: why don't you like crayons?

They're very, very awkward, and break easily. Plus, a lot of artists build up layers -- you can't do that with crayons. Also, when you get that little shrapnel and try to whipe it away, it makes marks all over the place. I haven't used crayons in years, and I don't intend to any time soon.