In this article, artist Alex Garner will show you the process of creating an illustration of the rebellious princess from our beloved Star Wars.
The creative process begins with searching photos on the Internet. First you need to find a strong and inspiring shot suitable for the magazine cover.
Usually the artist is aware of the composition, title and text of the magazine illustrating comics. But working through constraints to find the perfect layout is like solving a complex riddle. Good composition will make the layout work. And a great one is to sing. Let's try to achieve this together by looking at an example of creating an illustration.
1. Everything is in its place
At the stage when one of the sketches in Photoshop is selected, a perfect sketch is not yet required. All the same, in the end there will be very little left of it. The first sketch is mainly for placing elements on the cover.
2. At gunpoint
Use compositional rhythms to establish the main focus. Here we'll use a simple aiming rhythm with a corridor and laser strikes combined with concentric circles of doors and a planet. The goal is to lead the viewer's gaze to a certain point.
3. Color the scene
The next step is to study the color to make sure that the intensity and color scheme work as a whole. It's easy to get bogged down in details, so you should draw small so you can see the big picture and get a feel for color.
4. Add vital finishing touches
This stage is mainly about detail, structure and regulation. Use vector masks to create clean shapes for drawing. We also added a little noise here to interest the eye and make sure the image doesn't look flat.
5. Ship detailing
Create a simple custom brush made up of scattered squares and simply layer the light squares on top of the dark ones. And the ship will look detailed.
6. Light it up
For lighting, use a standard three-point setup containing a key light, a highlight, and a fill light, along with any indirect lighting created by them. In Photoshop, this can be done by putting a layer for each light on top of a flat spot color.
7. Using a vector mask
Creating vector masks can be a tedious process, but they are very useful with their sharp edges and flexibility to change the shape of elements in a drawing. For example, a chin or leg can be adjusted with absolute precision, even late in the painting process. Once installed, vector masks will become an invaluable time-saving tool for you.
Hello! During the entire existence of our site, we have never touched on the extremely popular topic of Star Wars. And today the day has come when we took on the main character of the whole story - Darth Vader.
Indeed, this is almost the only character who appeared in all episodes of the saga; moreover, in each he was the central figure around whom the narrative unfolded. In the episode “The Phantom Menace” he was completely , and in the final episode “Return of the Jedi” he was already a Sith Lord.
The lesson is not easy, but if you are careful in the first two stages, then the difficulties can only be easily corrected. So let's get started with this tutorial and learn how to draw Darth Vader!
Step 1
Let's start with a stickman - a man made of sticks and circles, which we use to indicate the main proportions of the hero, his pose and position on paper. As we all know from previous lessons of characters with a similar pose and figure (for example), the height of a tall person is equal to the sum of the lengths of his seven - seven and a half heads, of which 4 are on the legs.
The arms, extended in the “at the seams” position, reach approximately the middle of the distance between the belt and the knee (although here they will be a little higher, since they are slightly bent). We also note that men’s shoulders should be wider than the pelvic line (these lines are approximately equal).
Step 2
Let's outline the stickman outlined in the last step with a silhouette and give it volume. Let's draw a neck - a short cylinder on which the head is securely attached, and from it we'll draw two sloping lines to the arms. Using the lines from the previous step, we will outline the hands (from top to bottom) with two cylinders and a square.
The first two cylinders are, respectively, the shoulder and forearm, and the square denotes the fist. Then we denote the torso with a rectangle, the groin area with a triangular figure, and move on to the legs. Yes, we note that this step is very important and here it is necessary to constantly check the markings from the previous step. Now let's move on to the legs. By the way, we note that we don’t have to draw much detail on the limbs, since our hero is dressed from head to toe in a suit that fits very spaciously.
The legs can be divided into three parts - thigh, lower leg and foot. The thighs gradually taper towards the knee; in the shin area there is a characteristic bend of the calf muscle, after which it tapers towards the foot.
Step 3
Details of the Sith Lord's attire that cannot be confused with the attire of other heroes of the Star Wars epic - a helmet and a majestic robe. Let's draw these costume elements right in this step. Just first, let's mark the face with two lines - vertical and horizontal.
The vertical one is slightly shifted to the right; by the way, it denotes facial symmetry (in our case, the symmetry of the mask), and the horizontal one (the line of the eyes) is slightly curved to make it easier to convey a slight tilt of the head. Now about the helmet. We encircle the head with a headband such as in our example (look - it unevenly goes around the head, to the right of us it is a little thicker).
And with the expanding edges of the mask it’s the same story - the one on our right is a little wider than the left. Next is the cape. Let's denote it with smooth lines diverging from the sides downwards. Please note that it lies quite tightly on the shoulders, but then it begins to hang down and spreads out into a wide layer of fabric.
Step 4
By the way, do you know that the sketches of Darth Vader’s costume for the first part of the epic (that is, episode 4) were drawn from the armor?
Immediately below the horizontal line we draw oblong, flattened eye sockets, under them we outline two arcs, one under each eye socket. Then, in the lower part of the oval of the face, we draw an equilateral triangle and connect it with straight lines to the eye sockets, as in our sample.
We also note that a similar costume is found among Sith heroes from the popular game " Star wars the old republic» 
Step 5
Let's erase the extra guide lines from the mask, draw heavy brow ridges on the helmet, and draw a triangle at the very bottom of the mouth. Look, its sides are edged, there are small circles at the tops, and vertical lines in the center. In fact, the mask itself is not very complicated, look at it in close-up and see for yourself.
Here's what it looks like in general terms:
Step 6
As you have already noticed, we started drawing our dark lord from the head. As we continue to draw, we will go down to the legs, and now we will work on the mantle.
To prevent it from looking “wooden” or artificial, we need to work on it, namely, to apply the necessary folds and folds of the fabric.
The actual folds are formed as the cloak falls from the shoulders, they spread out and become more frequent towards the end. By the way, it is better to draw them from top to bottom, pressing the pencil at the beginning and easing the pressure, rising higher, towards the shoulders.
Step 7
Let's outline the folds of fabric on the body, draw the contours of the chest panel. By the way, Darth Vader's suit is not only armor, it is also a complex system of medical devices that support breathing and other vital functions in the mutilated body of the Sith Lord.
An analogy can be drawn with, , whose suit also includes a chest plate with a complex mechanism that supports vital processes.
Step 8
Let's draw the panel located on the body and the large plate on which the panel is attached. Take a closer look at all its elements in close-up:
Under the plate, draw a belt with a massive buckle. Also draw the folds of the fabric that are formed due to the fact that the belt tightens the suit very tightly. Then we draw the part of the armor that covers the groin. In this step there will be another close-up - we need to look at our right hand. Here we see almost the entire hand - the thumb is slightly protruding, and the remaining fingers bend more and more as they approach the little finger. So, close-up:
And here's what it looks like on a general plan:
Step 9
Now let's add the texture of the tight suit on the legs (essentially, just intensely spaced uneven vertical lines and light horizontal strokes).
Just pay attention that we apply the texture of the pants by pressing the pencil very lightly, but the folds that are located under the inguinal sink are indicated by clearer and more noticeable lines. Actually, all that remains is to draw smooth lines on the armor that hides the shins and apply a few folds to the boots in the foot area.
Now he is more machine than man
In this lesson we will learn how to draw Darth Vader. You can already prepare a large blank sheet of paper, pencils, and an eraser. But first, I’ll tell you something that every self-respecting artist who wants to draw Darth Vader simply needs to know:
- This suit is not simple iron armor. The pile of metal helps Vader breathe and replaces his damaged lungs. Well, the powers of the Jedi do not leave the hero for a long time.
- The suit uses a ton of microtechnology: sensors, microcircuits, radiators, generators. And complete control over muscles, breathing, and nerve impulses is ensured. And if you need to strengthen something, then the suit can do that too.
- And the ugly mask has a bunch of needles inside. Don't think that it's just for holding on the face. This is necessary so that there is a good fusion between the head and the mask.
- And even the heart is under the strict control of automated control.
- And if suddenly there is a wound, it is closed by the suit itself.
- In order for all the equipment's gizmos to work, they had to be regularly recharged on board the Star Destroyer.
- In order not to be captured by claustrophobia, Darth Vader begins to meditate.
- Vader also has the steel hand of darkness. Right one, by the way! And she gave and multiplied the supernatural energy of the Sith Order to the hero.
Well? Let's start drawing.
How to draw Darth Vader with a pencil step by step
Step one. Already in the first step we will determine the position of the body of our star hero. This is not as simple as it may seem, but you and I should succeed. A small oval in the center of the sheet, from it down the line of the body, broad shoulders and limbs. We will place knots at the joints for convenience. Vader holds a long sword. True, at this stage this is just a trait. 
Step two. We outline the resulting skeleton to create a powerful male body: with strong legs and a wide chest. We will frame our head in a protective helmet. We'll throw a floor-length flying cape over our shoulders. 
Step three. Let's show the details of Darth Vader's uniform: helmet cutout, belt, armor, like a knight. Let's make the sword wider and draw the arms. At the bottom of the cape there are large wide waves and folds. 
Step four. Draw large eye sockets on the face, and raise the triangle of the future mouth. On his feet are high boots. The cape has longitudinal folds. Please note that some details have appeared on the armor. Try to show them off too. 
Step five. There is a mask on the face. The eye sockets are already there, let's frame them. Let's draw the mouth, and above it a couple of triangles. Draw a small checkered pattern on the arms and legs. This is how we get Darth Vader's robe. Well, I guess it's ready! I also recommend watching how to draw.
Everyone has probably watched the film “Star Wars” and now we will draw one of the main characters of this film, the wise and strong Jedi Yoda, with a pencil step by step.
1. Let's start the lesson of drawing Yoda with the head. Draw the circle and guide curves, then the eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Now let's draw the shape of the head and the left ear, the line covering the chin - this will be the collar. If you are drawing such a complex character, I hope you know that the left ear is on the right hand, because... We sit in front of the monitor. It’s the same thing if we were talking to a person looking at each other, his left side is to our right, I hope you understand, who didn’t know this.
3. Draw the right ear and many wrinkles on the face. Sharpen your pencil well so that the lines are thin.
4. Let's move on to the body. First we will draw the skeleton, then a sketch, no need to draw it yet. At this stage, we form the correct location and scale (body proportions).
5. Now we begin to draw. Let's draw a cape (or what is it he has?). See the next picture for a larger version.
6. Draw the second hand, the right hand, or rather the visible part, the bandage(?) on the waist and pants.
7. We draw the left hand, legs, sword and many characteristic folds on the clothes. With the legs, I think there should be no problems, but to draw a brush, go to the next picture and look at it in more detail.
Good afternoon Today we will draw Darth Maul, a character from the first episode of Star Wars. Darth Maul is a Sith Lord and devoted student of Darth Sidious. Sidious, or the sinister Palpatine, is an emperor who for some time posed as a good-natured pacifist chancellor, trying to end the war as quickly as possible.
But let's return to Darth Maul. He is a true symbol not only of the first episode, but of the entire saga in general. Darth Maul is very memorable, as he has a very bright and characteristic appearance for a villain. He looks like an evil demon and, by the way, like the one depicted by the artist. Darth Maul is also the first Star Wars movie character to wield a double-bladed lightsaber.
Step 1
First, let's draw a stickman. In terms of body proportions, Darth Maul is no different from the usual one. True, the Sith has a muscular and wiry physique, but this would be visible, firstly, in the following stages, and secondly, if we drew him in tight-fitting clothes.
Important details of the pose: Darth Maul stands in a side stance, that is, the body is positioned sideways forward, and the head is turned and looks forward.
Note that the shoulders and pelvis are indicated by sloping, but not parallel, lines. By the way, do not forget that the pelvic line should be significantly shorter than the shoulder line; this is one of the most important differences (where the pelvis and shoulders are almost identical in length) from the male one.
Step 2
Okay, now let's create a silhouette. Let's outline the stickman with simple geometric shapes. We draw circles around the shoulders and connect them to the head with oblique lines. Next is the neck - a short cylinder on which the head is attached. After this, you can draw the body, which is wide at the top and narrows at the bottom. Please note that the side line to our right is shorter than the left due to the fact that it is covered by the hand. By the way, arms are indicated by long, elongated cylinders. Fists are indicated by angular pentagons.
Then we draw the lower part of the body, that is, the groin area. It looks like a triangle with smoothed corners. The triangle is inverted, its base is adjacent to the body, and the sides are the beginning of the legs. The legs are designated by elongated cylinders and circles - the hips taper towards the knees (circles), and the shins have a characteristic bend.
Another important thing is the sword. In this step you need to draw the handle, note that it is long and elongated. By the way, the actor who played Darth Maul asked George Lucas to make the hilt longer than regular swords so that he could perform acrobatic stunts. Here we outline a pair of blades on both sides of the handle.
Step 3
Now let's work on Darth Maul's face. First, let's slightly narrow the cheeks of our hero, making him thinner. To do this, to the right of us, we will correct the outer contour, and to the left of us, we will outline a couple of oblique lines inside the oval of the face. Then, using the facial markings, draw almond-shaped eyes and frowning, arched eyebrows. After this, we will outline a fairly long, straight nose and mouth, which looks like a pair of horizontal lines.
Drawing the ear should not be postponed; it should be drawn immediately after the eye and nose, or between them, which is even more convenient. The fact is that the upper edge of the ear should coincide with the eyebrows, and the lower edge with the tip of the nose. Now all that remains is to outline the folds of the skin and the contours of the small horns, which are located just above the junction of the occipital and parietal bones.
Step 4
Erase the extra lines from the face. Draw the pupils (pay attention to their location inside the contour of the eye). We draw a couple more horns in the area of the junction of the frontal and parietal bones. We finally draw the facial features, inside the ear we outline a smooth, slightly curved line.
Step 5
A very difficult stage in which we will draw Darth Maul tattoos. Of course, this is not as difficult as the mask of another Sith lord, Darth Vader, but you will also have to try. Our hero's tattoos have a special, ritual meaning. However, Maul does not remember the details of their application, since he was kidnapped by Darth Sidious as a child.
Well, tattoos. We draw them using smooth (mainly above the eyes) and angular (mainly under the eyes) lines. In general, tattoos are concentrated, firstly, around the eyes, and secondly, around the mouth. Don’t forget to also outline a figure that looks like a horizontally elongated slit in the area of the vertical line of symmetry above the forehead.
Close-up:
Overall plan:
Step 6
Great, done with the face. Check your drawing again, compare facial features and tattoos with our sample. If there is order there, we continue. In this step we will outline the outlines of Darth Maul's robe. As you know, George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, when developing the appearance of the Jedi, and their concept as a whole, relied on information about the Japanese samurai. The main weapons are long swords, the presence of various rules and codes, the importance of meditation, the presence of student degrees and, of course, clothing. Look at Darth Vader's helmet and compare it to a samurai helmet.
The fabric clothing worn by both the Jedi and many Sith is similar in shape to the kataginu, a Japanese traditional garment that looks like a sleeveless vest that flares out toward the shoulders.
Darth Maul also wears exactly this type of clothing, therefore, we outline a pair of wide layers of fabric that form a triangle with a base parallel to the shoulders (indicated in red). The layers taper towards the waist, and below the waist they turn into loosely hanging material like a skirt. Underneath Darth Maul's katagina is a loose robe, the sleeves of which are most noticeable. Outline their contours, emphasize the spacious style up to the elbow. The forearm and hand are covered in a thick glove, so we leave the contours there as they were.
Without highlighting:
Step 7
Let's outline the contours of the catagina drawn in the previous step. Using light longitudinal lines we outline the folds on two wide layers of fabric located on the body. Using smooth, slightly curving horizontal lines, draw folds on the belt. Then we will draw the garment under the katagina - in the torso area you can see the collar and vertical seam in the shape of the letter Y.
Next are the sleeves. Let's outline the contours of the free part of the sleeves (up to the elbow). Let's outline smooth vertical lines of folds inside. Let's draw the contours of the gloves; they should taper slightly from the elbow to the wrist. And, the hardest part is drawing the hands. To give you a better look at them, we decided to take a couple of close-ups:
Yes, here we outline the lines inside the hilt of the lightsaber.
And here's what it looks like in close-up:
Step 8
Now we will perform the same actions, only on the free part of the kataginu and pants. Pay attention to the folds on the leg to our right - they follow the contours of the leg itself, this is especially noticeable in comparison with the leg to our left. Folds on the catagina must be applied only in its upper part. The folds on the pants should be located close to the boots.
By the way, the boots also have folds. They are located in the ankle joint. Don't forget about the hem that marks the sole.
Step 9
The final step is to apply shadows. But first, let’s paint in a dark color the areas around the eyes, on the sides of the head, as well as a small elongated area just above the forehead. Next, using smooth, light shading, we apply shadows in the area of the shoulders, large folds of fabric, under the head, and also in the area of the gloves.
