I was just working on this fun piece the other day and saved each step of my process, so I thought, why not share it! For reference, I used the free art program Firealpaca to make this. 1) Very Rough Sketch - This is the very basic sketch where I just map out the pose and fix some proportions. It's not supposed to be neat; the first sketch is all about getting my idea down on the canvas. 2) Clean Sketch - This is the second sketch where I basically clean up the previous sketch into something that I'll be able to use for Lineart. Here I fix up some wonky proportions or positions and clean up the lines somewhat. 3) Lineart - This phase is the first that will contribute to the final piece. I trace over the clean sketch, and try not to change anything too major. 4) Coloring - For coloring, I usually use the bucket tool and then go in to fill in the rest. Clipping Masks and Protect Alpha are literally my saviors. I also use multiple layers while coloring, and then combine them all when I'm done. After this stage I'm left with a lineart layer and color layer. 5) Shading and Lighting - After this, I go on to shading and lighting. I create new layers and use Clipping Masks. Shading is definitely easier, because I always know exactly where I need to shade (some of the most common spots are under the neck, hair, any hat, or any limp that crosses over the body). Lighting's a bit trickier, and I'm still working on it. It helps to look at references and being able to picture where your lightsource is. 6) Background - This is the final stage. By using a reference, I observe and then I try to mimic photographs in a style that's my own. After around a year of practicing backgrounds, I've gotten much better. I also add some other effects, like a ray of sunshine or shadows (and in other cases, wind, blurriness, smoke, etc.). If you would like advice, or if you have any advice, please share! I'm always looking to improve and help others do so too. Song: Around the World by A Touch of Class (the song I was listening to while making this piece hehe)
