How do you use reference images and models to improve your 2D character sketching skills?

1 Why use references?

References are any visual sources that you can use to help you sketch your characters, such as photos, drawings, sculptures, or real-life objects. References can help you with anatomy, proportions, poses, expressions, clothing, accessories, and more. They can also spark your creativity and help you develop your own style. However, references are not meant to be copied exactly or traced, as that would be plagiarism and disrespect the original artists. Instead, you should use references as a tool to enhance your own vision and interpretation of your characters.

2 How to find references?

When looking for references for your character sketching, there are numerous sources to choose from. Online platforms like Pinterest and DeviantArt are great for finding images that match your character's theme, genre, or mood. Art books, comics, and fashion magazines can provide high-quality images and illustrations that can inspire your character's design. Digital models from Sketchfab or Daz Studio can help with perspective, lighting, and posing. Finally, you can observe and sketch from real life or take photos of people, animals, nature, or objects to add realism and diversity to your work.

3 How to use references?

Once you have your references, it's important to use them effectively and ethically for character sketching. To get a more comprehensive and varied view of your character, use multiple references from different sources and angles. When applying the references to your own character, don't copy or trace them; instead, understand the underlying structure, anatomy, and logic, and then add your own flair and personality. Also, if you share your sketches online or in a portfolio, always credit the original sources of your references to show respect and honesty and avoid any legal or ethical issues.

4 How to practice with references?

Using references is not only beneficial for creating your characters, but also for perfecting your sketching skills. To practice with references, try doing quick sketches by setting a timer and attempting to sketch as many references as possible in a short amount of time. Additionally, focus on the movement, flow, and energy of the references with gesture sketches. Moreover, analyze the references in depth and try to replicate them accurately with studies. Lastly, experiment with different styles, techniques, and tools to sketch the same reference for variation. All of these practices can help you with speed, accuracy, confidence, dynamics, expression, fluidity, observation, proportion, anatomy, creativity, versatility, and originality.

5 How to make your own references?

If you can’t find references that suit your character or vision, or if you want to create something more unique and personal, there are several methods you can use to make your own references. Pose in front of a mirror or a camera, or ask someone else to pose for you and use yourself or them as references for your character. You can also dress up yourself or others with clothes and accessories that match your character's style and personality. Additionally, you can combine different images and elements from various sources using collage or sketching apps like Procreate, Photoshop, or Sketchbook. All of these methods will help you with realism, expression, customization, design, detail, color, composition, contrast, and harmony.