THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY - LESSON TWELVE: A VISUAL GUIDE FOR ART

For some of you, I’m sure this won’t come as a big surprise. But for others, yeah, I’m sure it will. So get ready, folks, because what I’m about to share with you will explain why most artists use photographic references! Well, in the past, an artist would normally get away with drawing something from memory alone. Now though, no, unfortunately not, because the Industry has grown increasingly demanding, particularly within the realm of the superhero genre, and that is why a visual reference is always a good idea, even when it comes down to drawing a manga comic book or a jovial cartoon.





By and large, some sort of ocular example is commonly used to help put things in perspective, just so an artist can make sure a character has the correct anatomy or if a scene is in the correct proportions. After all, it’s all about structure, reinterpretation, and definition, along with the style you wish to use to follow these artistic principles.

One of the main problems many artists encounter, however, has to do with them being consistent with their work. I mean, how can you draw the same character over and over again, all from different angles, tones, and hues, and each time make sure that the end result looks exactly the same? Heck, most professionals have a pretty tough time dealing with this one, and that’s most probably why some hire models to pose for them, while others take pictures to use as a visual guide. Either way, at the end of the day, a reference inevitably helps create a scene in a professional and accurate manner, keeping in mind that they both aid when defining numerous forms, shapes, perspectives, lights, and obviously, shadows.

Another little tip I would like to share with you revolves around tracing a photo. Please don’t do this, not if it can be helped, because copying a photo can sometimes make your characters appear stiff and lifeless, and as dynamic as a blank piece of paper. You also have to remember that a certain level of experience is typically required to be able to create a character that looks alive and moving in a scene! So the quality of your line work will only show when you use a reference and actually build a character from the ground up (all by yourself)! Seriously, use references for everything, absolutely everything, for backgrounds, vehicles, animals, shoes, lamps, characters, clothing etc, etc, etc.

Now if you need any more help, then please download some of my tools right here for free! With more than 20 poses specially created for comic book artists, including facial expressions, hands, feet, anatomy, plus much much more, I’m fairly confident that this will assist you in your artistic endeavors, especially if you want to...

• Learn how to draw.
• Require a reference specially created for comic book artists.
• Create characters with consistency. 
• Draw real shadows, real people, as well as superheroes. 

This article was brought to you by Brazilian born, Rod Rodollfo from Alpha Brain Art Studio. Please feel free to follow him on his website, twitter, and facebook pages.