Step 2: Sketching

During this phase, we will refine what we have made in the previous step in preparation for the line art phase. Simply reduce the opacity of the previous layer and create a new layer for the sketch. It is in this step that we can begin drawing an outfit for the character, too. We draw the body first, because that will inform how we draw clothing. For example, the fabric of Amos' cloak will curve around his arm at the elbow and drape down from there. This is also an area of tension, meaning that the fabric will overlap here. The topic of clothing folds could easily be its own tutorial, so I will not elaborate much further there. Again, I would recommend using photo reference for this purpose.

At this stage, we can be more detailed, defining more elements like facial features, digits, hair/fur, patterns, accessories, and the like. You can allow yourself to draw loosely here, as the details will be further refined in the line art stage.