How do I Draw Cool Faces?

Graphic novelists use dark shading to render dynamic faces.

Drawing human faces can seem challenging to the beginning artist, but with practice, anyone can learn to sketch illustrations of cool and interesting faces.

Identification

Illustrations and cartoons of faces often seem engaging because they are particularly expressive. Eyebrow positioning and facial features are contorted to increase the effect of a particular expression. Illustrations may look cool because they appear to depict an interesting person. Piercings, sunglasses and other accessories add personality to your character.

Procedure

Find reference photographs depicting expressions you would like to reproduce and illustrations in a style you would like to imitate. Note how the artist translates mood through a character's face. Using a pencil, sketch roughly until you are satisfied with the image. Go over your sketch with a pen; then add color using a medium of your choice.

Considerations

Vary the effect of your image by using different media. Try scanning your sketch into a computer and adding color using Adobe Photoshop or another raster-based image editor. For a graphic novel effect, use a black marker to add dramatic shading. Use acrylic paint for a traditional look.

References

• "The Illustrator's Bible"; Rob Howard; 1992