How to Make Thin Line Art
- 1). Draw a rough sketch of your picture using a pencil. Press lightly and work quickly, mapping out the basic forms of your subjects with broad strokes. If you are drawing using a reference picture, review the picture regularly to help map out the objects within your piece.
- 2). Solidify the rough sketch by sharpening your line art with a pencil. Trace over the forms and characters found in your piece, using smooth strokes to create defined outlines. Do not shade in any part of your picture; focus on creating smooth, organic outlines of each object. Erase any extra markings left by your rough sketch.
- 3). Review your line art and adjust any mistakes you find, such as proportions of characters, poses and areas that are still undefined. Darken your entire picture by tracing over your lines with pencil. Keep your line art thin and smooth, using the fewest strokes possible while darkening. Avoid adding too many details, such as hair strands and clothing texture. Focus on using smooth, confident strokes to develop the outline of each object.
- 4). Erase any extra markings or smudges on your picture. Ink your drawing by tracing over your lines with a black pen. Hold your pen close to its tip while inking, and trace over the outlines with smooth strokes. Keep your line art thin by pressing lightly with your pen, and avoid retracing over your inked outlines. Work slowly, and correct any mistakes before tracing over it with a pen.
- 5). Review your drawing and fill in areas of your line art that are solid black, such as pupils of eyes or black clothing. Erase all of your pencil markings for a professional look. Ink over any areas of your picture that you missed.
- 6). Smooth out rigid parts by retracing over them with your pen. Add a sense of depth to your drawing by thickening the outlines of the forms in the foreground and middle ground. Add any final touches you desire, such as accessories to characters and folds in clothing, to complete your picture.
