How to Color Fashion Sketches

Adding color to fashion sketches or costuming plates can be tricky and will take some practice no matter your experience level. Assuming that you already have a finished sketch or costume, here are the basics on how to color fashion sketches.

Things You'll Need

• Tracing paper
• Graphite paper
• Sharp stylus (not too sharp as not to puncture) or Tracing tool
• Watercolors
• Fine tipped black felt maker for tracing
• Other fine tipped markers
• Watercolors (your choice) or water color pencils
• Variety of brushes and sizes
• Small paper plates
• Water
• Patience

Instructions

1. If your sketch is finalized and you are satisfied with the way it looks and feels on your tracing paper, it is always a good idea to make an extra copy of it in case of accident or injury. Taping down your original sketch to the table, place another sheet of tracing paper on top of it. Affix it to the table further from the original sketch and carefully trace your lines over with a sharpened graphite pencil or lead. Once this is complete, decide which one looks cleaner and choose this one. Put the other one in a safe place for later use.

2. Obtain a number of thick particle board pieces approximately 17 1/2 inches by 11 1/2 inches or to taste, preferably with one side as white and the other side with a colored hue to appear more professional. Purchase a roll of graphite paper and return to your work place. If you do not have a drafting table, make sure your board, graphite paper (graphite facing down) and sketch are securely fashioned to your workspace and will not move as this is extremely important.

3. Carefully and with heavy and steady pressure use your stylus or tracing tool to trace the lines on your sketch over exactly the way you have them drawn. This will transfer the outline from the graphite to the final costuming plate so you will not have to try and sketch it again. Trace over your lines a few times and when you are sure you have a good idea of the sketch transfered to your costuming plate, pull up the sketch and graphite paper gently and carefully. Don't worry if there is still some graphite on the board, this will be erased later after the ink is applied.

4. Trace your transferred sketch carefully with thin black ink, going slowly so that you do not smudge or muss your design. After all lines have been properly traced and you are satisfied with the image allow it to dry in open air for at least an hour. After the hour is done, use a simple drafting eraser to carefully remove graphite fragments and blow the eraser shavings and other bits of leftovers instead of wiping them with your hand as this can cause smudging. You can also use a soft brush to brush the bits away but be careful that ink is completely dry.

5. Now that you have a base to start from, refer to your color swatches you chose or have in mind and keep them near to you to refer to the exact color if need be. It is recommended to use a number of paper plates to mix the color exactly right before applying it to the sketch. If you have never used water color before you might want to practice a bit on another piece of paper before you attempt your plate, as it can be a bit tricky. Once you find the largest base color you need very lightly brush the color onto the sketch preferably using the same direction of stroke for large areas.

6. Allow each color to dry completely before attempting another and remember that the water colors will smudge together if you do not use a light touch. For pin stripes, plaid or other fine details, use water color pencils and very lightly go over them with a very fine tipped brush if you so desire. Remember to shade the folds of the fabric with darker hues and add details that will make your sketch stand out. Adding blush, makeup, jewelry and footwear to your sketches are all a part of the process. When in doubt, start with less and add more later. Use patience and make sure you fully allow to dry before making any alterations.

7. When you are finished and satisfied with your plate, spray it with a thin coating of protective lacquer that you can find at any department or art store. This will ensure that your pigments will stay put in transit. Use a couple coats of this just for safe keeping. Keep plates separated from each other with sheets of plastic or large plastic art sleeves as you don't want all your hard work to end up a mess before it's time for the unveiling. Good luck and remember that no one makes a perfect plate the first time, even if they tell you they did.

Tips & Warnings

• Use less water rather than more when mixing paint. Too much water can cause smudging, bubbling or a huge mess.

• Make sure the ink you are tracing your sketch with is waterproof.

• Use crayons, colored pencils, pens, glitter or other artistic items to make your plate stand out, but use these sparingly, the focus should be on your design, not all the glitz.

• If you are done working on your piece for the night, cover it up with a tarp or move it to a safe location. Spills, pets, children, natural disasters or worse can happen when you aren't looking.

• Keep water away from where you are working in case you spill it (accidents happen) and ruin the whole thing.

Resources

• Fashion design and costuming information
• Information about a professional fashion expert
• Great resource for period research
• Another great resource on shading and watercolor plates