1. i use the symmetry ruler for my first sketch; it just makes things easier :) anyway, this is just a scribbly sketch, things will get better in the next one! 2. so, i add a new layer, turn down the opacity of the first layer, and draw over it. 3. here, i changed lots of little things to make it better. for example, i made the chin narrower, moved the mouth up, and changed the eye shape. i recommend you use a reference when doing this! 4. i start by putting in the flat hair, skin, and beard colors. then, i add in the darkest shadows (around the eyes, cheekbones, under the chin, and sides of the forehead). finally, i add some basic midtones! 5. i don't use a smudging brush for this! i just add in lots of midtones with the same gouache brush, and add in some more detailed shadows under the eyes. i also added some red tones on the cheeks and forehead! 6. i continued to blend everything out and make it more detailed. once i get to this point, it's easier to work with the sketch in my way. 7. as i deepen the shadows, i also try to add in some highlights around the eyes! 8. eyes are my weak point, i'm afraid, but i tried my best :) 9. i used the texture brush 'melody' to do this in the darkest shadows and brightets highlights. also, i softened the cheekbones a little and changed the eyes. 10. i turn on soft light and set the opacity to about abt 50% :) 11. i add red on the cheeks and the temples with an airbrush! then, i add yellow on the corners on the eyes, the bridge of the nose, and the forhead. finally, i add blue around the eyebrows, jaw, and bottom of the nose. if you want to simplify, you can just do blue on the bottom, red in the middle, and yellow on the top! i do that sometimes haha 12. yeaaaa i just do this to add some snazz, it was a little too desaturated w/o them 13. i had them in the sketch, but i forgot to add them earlier! 14. just a couple highlights :) 15. final!!!
teehee the transition changes halfway through i have NO idea why
