Intro

Hello there, this is Tamil. Today I wanted to challenge myself. Winter is coming, and so it will be fun to get creative with clothes that will keep us warm and cozy :)

 

I have a very old OC that I made back in my edgy days. She is sassy and weird looking vampire girl.

I know, SHE IS VERY weird and funny looking. She was one of my first OC’s I ever created and I did not make think through a lot of things when making her. I will go over general ideas and step by step tutorial when recreating her this time.

 

I also recommend watching my youtube video to see the timelapse and more techniques.

Hunt for References

When seeking references, the vast expanse of online images is your canvas. Explore various sources, including your favorite animated shows or Pinterest. Personally, I discovered that the winter episodes of 'Steven Universe' resonated particularly well with the theme I was exploring. If you have not seen the show, I highly recommend it :)

Additionally, you have the opportunity to create your own references. Open your closet and capture some unique shots. This personal touch adds an original and authentic dimension to your collection of reference images.

Beanies and scarves are quintessential winter accessories that immediately come to mind when thinking about cold-weather attire. Explore the diverse range of beanies available online to discover stylish options for keeping warm during the chilly season.

Boots add an extra layer of coolness to winter fashion. Many of these stylish boots feature earthy color tones, creating a captivating palette that adds an exciting dimension to your drawings. The incorporation of materials that can withstand snow and wet conditions adds an element of dynamic realism, making the process of drawing them all the more enjoyable.

Winter jackets are the most crucial winter attire, characterized by their voluminous and puffy nature that demands attention. Their oversized and standout presence makes them a focal point in winter fashion. Drawing these jackets is akin to capturing the essence of clouds.

For an extra dose of inspiration, delve into the realm of your favorite clothing stores. Explore the latest offerings from clothing brands that resonate with your style preferences. Envision a scenario where budget constraints don't apply, allowing you to curate an ideal wardrobe. Engaging in this imaginative exercise transforms window shopping into a thrilling experience, as you contemplate the unique and stylish pieces your character would gravitate towards. This approach not only fuels your creativity but also adds a touch of personal flair to your artistic endeavors.

Start with a base sketch

Commencing your artistic journey with simplicity and a touch of nostalgia can be incredibly liberating. Opting for an old sketchbook and a basic ballpoint pen imparts a raw and authentic quality to your creations. The tactile feel of traditional art offers a unique experience, allowing you to seamlessly transition between the tangible and the digital. Embracing this approach not only provides a sense of freedom but also allows for the flexibility to refine and enhance your sketches later in digital platforms like Clip Studio Paint.

Deciding to sketch oversized, super-puffy boots is my personal preference. The exaggerated size and plush texture add a visually striking element to your artwork, making a powerful fashion statement. Embrace the challenge of playing with proportions, turning a simple subject into a captivating focal point that infuses personality into your drawing.

Completing the sketch proved enjoyable, though I encountered some challenges, particularly with the arms and the jacket—crucial elements in the composition. Tackling these aspects required extra attention, emphasizing their significance in bringing the overall artwork to life.

Following the sketch's completion, I snapped a photo and imported it into Clip Studio Paint. To kick off the digital phase, my initial steps involved flipping the image and utilizing the liquify tool to refine and enhance specific elements. This digital manipulation allowed for a fresh perspective and added flexibility in perfecting the overall composition.

Inking / Design

Following the liquify adjustments, I applied a 50% opacity layer in a neutral color like grey or white. This served as a foundation for further refinement, offering a canvas for corrections and additional drawing. Opting for a basic inking brush within Clip Studio Paint, I kept it simple and practical—no extravagant choices. The brush size was carefully selected for readability.

In my initial pass, I made significant adjustments, such as changing the jacket and refining the arm position for better readability. I intentionally avoid fixating on perfect lines at this stage, opting for a more organic process with the understanding that I can enhance details in subsequent iterations.

Crafting a new clothing set for my original character (OC) has been an exciting venture. Staying true to the character's roots, I've maintained distinctive features like the thick boots, red spiky hair, and big green eyes. The challenge lies in consistent design.

In my second pass, I focus on outlining the outer edges of the character, a step I find immensely enjoyable. Adding this outline not only makes the art pop but also enhances its overall readability. The technique brings a sense of definition to the character, emphasizing their presence in the composition.

 

Following this, I delve into refining specific elements with thicker outlines. Whether it's the boots or a jacket that might blend in, this targeted approach ensures that key features stand out. It's a nuanced process that contributes to the visual hierarchy of the artwork, guiding the viewer's attention to the character's distinctive attributes.

In my comic-style approach, I incorporate heavy shadows strategically to enhance specific areas. This includes shadows under the shoes, behind the jacket, under the neck, and wherever two objects closely interact. These bold shadows not only add depth and dimension but also contribute to the distinctive visual style characteristic of comics. By judiciously applying heavy shadows, I aim to create a dynamic and visually impactful composition.

Coloring

Coloring is, without a doubt, the most enjoyable phase of my drawing process. Given the solidity of my line work, experimenting with colors doesn't risk diminishing the overall quality. To kick things off, I often opt for the therapeutic method of hand-filling. I create a layer underneath the line work and apply a single solid color. Typically, I gravitate towards shades of gray or saturated purples and blues for this initial stage.

Before delving into coloring, it's essential to consider the winter theme. Blues and cyan are classic winter hues that evoke a chilly, atmospheric vibe. However, it's equally crucial to stay true to your OC's color palette. Reflect on your character's established color scheme and contemplate how it can harmonize with the winter aesthetic.

 

In my case, I decided to lean into blues and purples, aligning with the winter theme. To add a touch of uniqueness and tie in with my OC's identity, I introduced a dash of gold, inspired by her jewelry.

Consider the winter impact on your character's appearance. Skin may appear paler with a touch of blue, while rosy cheeks from the cold can add a cool look. Experiment with different makeup and hairstyles for a winter theme. Pay attention to practical details like keeping ears warm. These nuances not only enhance visual storytelling but also provide a realistic portrayal in a winter setting.

When creating your winter-themed artwork, consider adding cool effects like the breath of cold steam when characters speak or placing them against a snowy backdrop. I personally like to add a touch of snow around the character, giving it a realistic feel by blurring it slightly. These effects not only enhance the winter atmosphere but also bring a level of detail that makes the artwork more immersive and visually engaging.

Considering the lighting is crucial when crafting a winter scene. During this season, the light tends to be dim and has a cool, blue tone as the sun appears less frequently. Incorporating this atmospheric lighting into your artwork can significantly enhance the winter mood, creating a realistic and immersive environment. Experiment with the interplay of shadows and highlights to capture the unique quality of winter light in your illustrations.

BONUS TIPS: popular clothes

To familiarize myself with winter fashion, I've personally engaged in sketching various winter outfits, aiming to grasp the textures and forms specific to the season. Breaking down the creative process into distinct steps enables me to share practical insights, offering guidance on capturing the unique qualities of winter clothing, from the comforting textures of sweaters to the distinctive forms of winter boots.

Beginning the creative process with broad strokes and fundamental shapes.

Employing a pencil, I delve into the shading process, adding intricate details. Don't hesitate to apply a similar technique in Clip Studio Paint—the core concept remains consistent.

Consider significant shapes, envisioning elements as boxes and cylinders.

Incorporate an outline to the entire image to establish a distinct silhouette.

Wrapping up by refining details and incorporating shadows.

The end

Thank you for reading; I hope you found valuable insights. If you decide to take on this challenge, please share your creations! Everyone will be excited to see it.

 

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