Drawing from reference

[ic3bug]

Hello!

I'm trying to draw from reference. I try to break the source down into basic shapes, but all my shapes are messed up. Like, when I'm trying to draw something, then move the original picture with half-opacity over my drawing - the position and proportions are way off. Any tips?

Also, could direct tracing of pics and photos helps to draw better in any way?

The program itself is amazing. Thanks.

[TrueKillerBob]

So if you add the ref image as a layer you can bring the opacity down and draw on another layer. I suggest you have a look at the manual...I know its not easy to learn and sooo many hidden features... ive been using it for a year now and still learning new things every day. check out youtube videos...

[@R+5]

like the previous comment, but in more detail. you could make three layers:
one for your picture (and lock it), another one to fill with a solid color like white, grey, black, or even blue or whatever, and then change the opacity so you can see enough of the picture; then after adjusting it to your taste, lock it. then in a third layer above those which you will use to draw and trace over the reference.

and yes, tracing can help you improve drawing. ignore those that tell you otherwise, they are dishonest. tracing is ok, but has obv limitations. still, if you study a bit about "normal rl proportions", you can begin measuring and comparing those with your references, so you become more familiar with them, and then later try to make similar poses without tracing directly. its also valid to create original artwork, as long as you add enough originality to your own design.

imo is absurd and "anti-creative" to portray in a negative light people that "recycle poses" from other artists, because sometimes there are actually few angles or poses that work for a specific scene or setting, and what matters the most imo is character design and storytelling. assuming someone should have the exclusivity of a good pose, is kind of silly (unless you are also "cloning" the character design, and in that case, that could be actually plagiarism).

[Illaoi Bot]

if you are just starting then tracing is actually good it allows you to get a feel for the different brushes and the program in general

you should obviously always note to people that its a traced piece and made for exercise if you post it online

but like i said tracing jumps over the phase where you just hit your head against the wall because art and drawing is such a rich topic and you are overflooded with informations