5 Steps to Copy a Drawing: Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Learning how to copy a drawing can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. It's a skill that can help you develop your artistic muscles and explore the world of art in a new light. This beginner's guide walks you through five easy-to-follow steps to help you copy a drawing. So, let's dive in and start creating some artistic magic!

1. Choose Your Image

Choosing the right image is the first step in learning how to copy a drawing. It's like picking the right ingredients for a delicious meal. So, how do you do it? Let's break it down.

Research Images

Start by exploring different types of images. From simple cartoon characters to complex landscapes—you can pick anything that catches your eye. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process and learn, so choose an image that you find interesting.

Select an Image

Once you've done a bit of exploration, it's time to select an image. If you're a beginner, it helps to start with something simple. As you get more comfortable with your drawing skills, you can tackle more complex images. The key is to challenge yourself but not to the point where you get overwhelmed.

Analyze the Image

Now that you have your image, take some time to analyze it. Look at the shapes, lines, and shades in the image. Think of it as getting to know the image—just like you'd get to know a new friend. This will help you when you're recreating the image on your canvas.

Choosing the right image is a critical step in learning how to copy a drawing. It sets the foundation for your drawing journey. So, take your time, pick an image you love, and let the fun begin!

2. Set Up Your Workspace

Setting up your workspace is the next step to copy a drawing. Just like a chef needs a well-organized kitchen to cook a delicious meal, you need a comfortable and well-prepared workspace to create your masterpiece.

Gather Materials

First, gather all the materials you'll need. This includes your drawing tools—like pencils, erasers, and paper—as well as your chosen image. Having everything you need at hand will make your drawing process smoother and more enjoyable.

Prepare the Drawing Space

Next, prepare your drawing space. Clean and clear your workspace so you have enough room to work. Make sure you have good lighting—a well-lit workspace can really make a difference when you're drawing. You might also want to have a cup of water and a cloth for cleaning your brushes if you plan to use color.

Ensure Comfort

Finally, ensure you're comfortable. Adjust your chair and desk to the right height, and make sure your posture is good. Drawing can take time, and it's important to be comfortable while you work. Think of it as setting the stage for your creative performance.

Remember, a well-prepared workspace is like a launchpad—it's where you take off on your journey to learn how to copy a drawing. So, take a few minutes to set up your workspace. It can make your drawing experience more enjoyable and help you create a better drawing.

3. Outline the Drawing

Now that your workspace is ready, it's time to get down to the fun part: outlining the drawing. Outlining is the skeleton of your piece—it holds the entire drawing together. So, let's see how to do it right.

Start with Basic Shapes

Begin by breaking down your chosen image into basic shapes. Whether it's a circle for the head or a rectangle for the body, starting with simple shapes can make the process of outlining less overwhelming. Remember, every complex object can be simplified into basic shapes. It's like building with blocks—you start with the simple pieces first.

Add Details

Once you have your basic shapes down, it's time to add in the details. Look closely at your image and start adding the smaller shapes that make up the details. For example, if you're drawing a face, start adding in the shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. But don't worry about making it perfect just yet—these are just the initial details.

Double Check Proportions

The last step in this stage is to double-check your proportions. This is where you ensure that all your shapes are the right size in relation to each other. If something looks off, don't be afraid to make adjustments. Remember, it's easier to correct mistakes at this stage than later on.

Outlining may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, you'll find it becomes second nature. So keep at it and before you know it, you'll know exactly how to copy a drawing and bring your favorite images to life on paper.

4. Shade and Add Texture

With your outline all set, it's time to bring your drawing to life. Shading and texturing are techniques that add depth and dimension to your work. They can make your drawing pop off the page and look almost real. Ready for it? Let's dive in.

Learn about Shading

Shading is what gives your drawing depth. It's all about understanding where the light hits your object and where the shadows fall. Generally, areas closer to the light source will be lighter, while those further away will be darker. By varying the pressure of your pencil, you can create different levels of darkness. Light pressure for light areas, harder pressure for dark areas—pretty straightforward, right?

Practice Texturing

Next, let's talk about texturing. Texture is what gives your drawing a sense of touch. If you're drawing a furry cat, for example, you want to make sure it looks soft and fluffy—not smooth and shiny. The key to texturing is observation: look closely at the object you're drawing and try to replicate its texture on your paper. It might take some practice, but you'll get the hang of it!

Apply Shading and Texturing

Now, apply what you've just learned about shading and texturing to your drawing. Start shading in the areas that need to be darker, and add texture where needed. Remember, it's okay if it's not perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll get at it. And who knows? You might even find you have a knack for it!

Shading and texturing might seem a bit daunting at first, but they're really not that complicated once you understand the basics. And the best part? They make your drawing look much more realistic and three-dimensional. So, when you're asked how to copy a drawing, you can confidently say, "With a good outline, the right shading, and some texture, of course!"

5. Finalize and Refine the Drawing

So you've got your outline, your shading, and your texture. Your drawing is almost ready. But before you call it finished, you'll want to take some time to finalize and refine your work. This is your chance to make any last-minute adjustments, add any final touches, and really make your drawing shine. Ready? Let's wrap this up.

Review Your Work

First things first: take a step back and look at your drawing. Does it look like the image you were trying to copy? Are the proportions right? Is the shading consistent? If something doesn't look quite right, don't be afraid to make adjustments. And remember: art isn't about perfection, it's about expression. So even if it's not an exact copy, if you're happy with it, that's all that matters.

Make Final Touches

Next, make any final touches. This could be anything from adding a bit more shading here, a bit more texture there, to fixing any lines that look out of place. You might even want to add some of your own personal touches—after all, it's your drawing. Just make sure it still resembles the image you were trying to copy.

Sign Your Work

Last but not least, don't forget to sign your work. This is your masterpiece, after all. A simple signature in the corner of your drawing will do. It's a nice way to take ownership of your work and it gives it a professional touch.

And there you have it—how to copy a drawing in five simple steps. It might seem a bit challenging at first, but with a little practice, you'll be copying drawings like a pro in no time. So what are you waiting for? Grab your pencil, find an image you love, and start drawing. You've got this!

If you enjoyed our beginner's guide on copying a drawing and want to take your illustration skills to the next level, don't miss the workshop 'Digitising Handmade Illustrations' by Jola Pictures. This workshop will teach you how to transform your traditional drawings into digital masterpieces, helping you enhance your artwork and expand your creative possibilities.