Halloween OC tutorial (part 1)

After a hiatus again, I’m back this time with a guide to a portrait but Halloween style. I write some notes but I understand that my handwriting is not the best so I will explain in detail. Also I haven’t done a face and eyes guide yet so wait for that also.

1. I start by drawing a very basic sketch of the face and upper chest area. It might seem correct but you’ll realize that a sketch corrects itself. There are a few mistakes but I don’t sweat it, I take my time and evolve my sketch, fixing them step by step.
2. I add a vague outline that shows the flow and dynamics of the hair. I do that before adding the mouth and eyes because it will determine where they will be drawn (If you have problems drawing eyes that are symmetric and usually you don’t know where to place them start by the hair and follow your guiding lines, I do this often).
3. I start to clear any thick lines and I erase my lines that remained on the face from the first sketch once the eyes and mouth seem in place. I add some stands of hair because I want it to look less flat and it actually gives it movement too.
4. As I noted during this step I noticed that her jaw line seemed a little bit too low on the neck and it actually made the face seem more disproportionate so I corrected it after trying a few lines. I also clear the inside of the eyes and give shape to the outer lines of her lips and eyes. (Also eyebrows)
5. I sharpen my lines and highlight the ones that I find important and clear any remaining dust and smudged lines. You noticed already that I try to clear useless lines in every stage if possible. This is very important because it brings the image closer to what I have in mind.
6. This is my favorite part!!! I love accessories due to my long exposure to xxxHolic (my favorite anime) so I added a hair ornament, a collar and some very cute bows on her sleeve. You can get inspiration for outfits from so many sources. I recommend the xxxHolic mangas, the art is amazing and also very Halloween-y.

Coloring part incoming!