Best Practice "Creative Copying"

In this issue, we will introduce a recommended practice method using "imitation".

Please try to use this method, as it is not just a copy, but a fun and efficient way to practice.

"Let's do a copy!"

That's what most people who draw say.

But in the end, what is the right way to do it?

I've been copying as I'm told, but I don't feel like I'm growing, and I'm bored!

I'm sure there are some of you out there who are thinking, "I don't feel like I'm growing!

Creative copying" is an efficient and innovative way to practice copying that solves the problems of such people.

Do you ever feel like you are just copying pictures or photos when you are copying, like you are practicing a discipline?

I had that feeling a lot....

I decided that I wanted to mix the practice with practice of original characters and deformation, so I settled on this method of practice.

That is Creative copying.

To put it simply, I only copy the skeleton, pose, and wrinkles, and then I deform and characterize the character on my own.

If you copy a photo, you'll inevitably end up with a realistic body shape, which makes the picture less interesting, so learning how to deform while copying a photo makes it a fun practice and easier to keep up!

Let me explain the steps of creative copying!

1. Find the correct height

If you find the regular part of the object, your copying system will be greatly improved!

Using the image above as an example, this is where the elbows and hands are parallel to each other.

The more details you notice, the more accurate your copying will be!

2. Capture it in silhouette

The second method is to capture the image in a rough silhouette.

By capturing it in geometric form, it is easier to grasp the overall balance.

Once the silhouette is determined, it is recommended to draw a body bite on the inside of the body before proceeding with the drawing, so that the drawing lines will be less confusing!　This method may be recommended for beginners.

3. Be aware of negative shapes

First of all, negative shape refers to the shape or margin around the object you want to draw.

The object is also called positive shape.

(From here on, negative shape = negative, positive shape = positive.)

If you become aware of the positive shape, as well as the negative shape, you will become aware of the entire space and you will be able to create an exact replica!

4. Use grid lines

Grid lines are ruled lines used as a guide.

When it is difficult to capture the negative in a large area, grid lines are recommended because they allow you to see the negative and the positive in a narrower area!

Try measuring the distance between the negative and the positive within the frame of the grid lines with your eyes and then drawing it out.

It will make your copying much easier!

5. Deform and capture the proportions

From here on, we'll start to apply this technique to the reproduction!

This may be a bit more advanced, but I'll explain with examples, so I hope those of you who are just starting out can take a look!

First of all

When I said "deform and capture proportions," it might be more accurate to say "arrange the proportions to your own drawing style.

As a matter of course, if you copy a human body, it will inevitably have a realistic body.　By deforming the body step by step, you can incorporate the knowledge you have gained from the copy into your own picture, so please give it a try!

First, prepare a rough sketch (maybe similar to a croquis) using the method described earlier.

Next, you can add tone to the sketch by shaving the outline, changing the tilt, sharpening the corners, etc. Once you have some idea of the shape, you can add details.

Once you have some shape, draw in the details and you're done!

If you feel that the deformation is not enough, simplify it further!

If you deform it all at once, the shape may be too distorted or cause discomfort...

To avoid this, we recommend you to simplify it little by little by dividing it into stages like this!

Finally.

We have listed several tips and methods for copying, but have you noticed that they all have one thing in common...!

That common denominator is to capture the big picture.

Capturing the overall balance is the priority, and the details take a back seat.

If you are having a hard time making progress with your copying, try chanting this in your head while you draw!

So, to summarize today's article.

Find the right height

Capture the silhouette.

Be aware of negative shapes

One last note on this practice method, don't post the finished illustration with your own remarks!

Remember, it's only a copy, a practice method, and the tracing source is out there!

If you must publish it as a work of art, be sure to clearly state the source of the tracing, or use a photograph that is available for commercial use!

Stay tuned for future posts~!