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How to Add Color to Fashion Illustrations

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Some fashion illustrators utilize a wide array of styles and colors to emphasize the dramatic impact of their art and to give a more clear picture of what fashion illustration can be. The use of color in fashion illustration is a largely individual choice. Using color can create rich, in-depth drawings that make an impact on a viewer. Learn to add color to fashion illustrations and enhance overall quality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Draw the initial drawing with a soft led pencil, ink or marker to visualize what the overall drawing will look like. Utilize influences from fashion magazines or your own imagination to create a unique look. Don't shy away from a sense of drama and style which will aid the impact of your illustration.

  2. Step 2

    Go over your drawing with black ink or a dark marker after making the initial sketch. It will make your lines be more solid and give you a border to work within when coloring your illustration. Be expressive with your strokes. Try a sketch technique even with the marker or ink to give your drawing more dimension and a more professional feel.

  3. Step 3

    Pick a basic color palette to work from. Use your creativity to envision the outfit of the model in the illustration. Choose colors that are complimentary in nature to show that you are aware of how important color is in fashion. Colored pencils, markers or even paint are used in fashion illustration, so pick the medium that fits you best.

  4. Step 4

    Indicate general blocking areas of color in your drawing by filling in various parts of the clothing with that color. Don't be concerned with coloring every space of white in with the color you choose. Nonetheless, just give a general idea of the colors you want to use.

  5. Step 5

    Select a skin tone for your model especially if skin is a big element in the outfit of the illustration. However it is not necessary to indicate skin tone in fashion illustration.

  6. Step 6

    Add some color to the background that compliments the colors in the outfit to give the illustration a more artistic flair. Limit the colors of your outfit to 3 to 5 complementary colors. Indicate clothing folds and shadows by utilizing a lighter and darker shade of a particular color. For example, when using light blue and dark blue for denim, the darker blue indicates a fold.

Tips & Warnings
  • When indicating a pattern on a fashion illustration, just sketch a general idea of what the pattern will look like; don't be concerned with drawing each individual pattern.
  • Colored pencils are an excellent way to maintain control over the color aspect of the drawing and are relatively easy to use.
  • When using colored pencils, rub a piece of paper over the completed general illustration. It will create a more matte and smooth look that fashion illustration is known for.
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