can I just say something real quick that might cause h8rs and controversy but I will eXPLAIN MYSELF…
tracing can really help you learn
NOW SHHHH CALM DOWN LET ME EXPLAIN MYSELF
I do NOT EVER console the use of tracing in serious works/final products.
I’m saying, I feel like it can be a good tool for practice. And sparingly.
I use it rarely for when I’m trying to get a certain pose or piece of anatomy correct in a practice sketch. None of what I post is traced—barely any of it is even referenced.
Especially with anatomy or style practice, tracing can be really helpful
NOW THIS IS WHAT I MEAN:::::
it’s best with digital art, with the use of layers. a good way for developing a style is finding an example of a style you like, tracing it in the way you’d draw it (whether you use clean lines, messy lines, etc) and then deleting the original. THAT WAY that style is more familiar to you since it’s in your sketch lines. you can now imagine yourself drawing in that style easier than looking at someone else’s finished product. it also helps with flexibility, and you can adapt certain elements of a style while changing it for it to become your own (that’s very important in drawing)
now with anatomy, one could trace a photograph (preferably) or a drawing of an animal or person to better understand where certain things go and how things work on a body. I know I draw a leg 10 times and never have it look right, and once i trace (i usually just reference though, tracing is a desperate last attempt) i can finally get it.
just putting it out there. tracing is not all bad. just don’t ever publish it and claim it as your own—or even when say you traced it. it should only be used as practice!
i wanted to draw the outfit i’ve been wearing all day without it caring about how it turned out. success!
i feel like a new millennium pop star.
