How to Transfer an Image by Hand

This is a method of image transfer which has been in use since the Renaissance. It is relatively quick way to move an image from one surface to another.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ruler
• Straight edge
• Copy of the image you want to transfer
• Pencil
• Ink pen
• Paper

1. 

   Use your ruler and a pencil to make a straight line just above the image. Make a parallel line of equal length below the image. Connect the upper lines to the lower lines with your ruler and pencil. You should end up with a four sided figure which completely surrounds the drawing.

2. 

   Divide the image into a grid of four equal quadrants. Divide each of those quadrants into four equal quadrants. You should end up with sixteen squares. If your image has a lot of small detail the squares can be divided again for a total of sixty-four squares.

3. 

   Make a four sided figure with the same measurements as your original on another other sheet of paper. Divide the square into four equal quadrants. Divide those quadrants into four equal quadrants.

4. Mark on the second square with your pencil where the lines of your drawing intersect with the lines of the sixteen squares on the original paper. Take your time to ensure that the lines have been transferred correctly. It doesn't have to be perfect but it should look right to your eye.

5. Using the guidelines you transferred from the original drawing as a reference, sketch your drawing on your new, resized sheet.

6. Ink the basic outline of your drawing with a pen or brush.

7. 

   Erase the grid lines and any other pencil lines.

Tips & Warnings

• As a rule of thumb, any shapes on your original drawing should intersect with a line on the grid at some point or you will have trouble placing it on the transfer.
• Ball point pens use an ink which doesn't dry quickly and smudges when erasing. Use an art marker or India ink to finish your drawing.