Bland. That’s how I would describe this face. I obvouiusly drew it like that on purpose to make a point. But without really changing the expression of the character, I can easily make it more interesting to look at, by adding some dramatic shadows.
1: Downlit
The safest way to apply shadow, is under all the features of the face that extrude – The chin, the nose, the eyebrows (and in this case, the hair).
Effect: If applied lightly, like shown here, not much. But it DOES make the drawing quicker to read, as the main features stand out.
Pitfalls: Shading under eyes and chinbones can make characters look very old/bony.
2: Uplit
Oooh, spooky! Who hasn’t held a flashlight under their chin to look like this?
Effect: Dramatic, fearful, scary.
Pitfalls: That shadow on the upper lip could easily look like a moustache. Handle with care.
3: Backlit
Another great dramatic shading technique, allowing you to hide facial details = less to draw!
Effect: Makes the character look menacing and/or makes the reader uneasy, because the expression is unreadable.
Pitfalls: Too much black, and you can’t recognize the character. Too little, and it will look like a smear right down the middle of the face.
4: Sidelit
One of the most used ways of shading is the light from one side. It also helps reader navigation, like if you cut between two characters talking – one would be lit from the left, the other from the right.
Effect: I guess you could go Freudian, and imply split personality, but… In reality, it just looks cool.
Pitfalls: Too sharp lines between the light and dark side will make it look like the person put on half a cowl. Put some dark areas on the light side of the face and blend the lines: Problem solved.
5: Double-lit
Almost the same as above, only with a second light source, to make the face seem three-dimensional and add to the atmosphere.
Effect: Makes it look like you are the best artist in the world! Seriously!
Pitfalls: It’s tricky to tackle both light sources at once, so draw the primary shadow first and then apply the secondary light source in highlights after the fact. Here I added a little more dark to widen the distance between the light sources. It’s also a good idea to make one highlight sharp and the lines on the other more fuzzy.
Homework assignment: Print out a bunch of copies of the shadowless, bland face and test your newly achieved skills!
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Great post to quickly reference !
How about making a similar post for the body?
Good idea! Might just do that 🙂
yes I agree., adding consistent shadows through out an entire page is something I am struggling with big time. Thanks for all your tips Palle really appreciate it and helps tremendously.
Hey,
great article! Thanks a lot!
thanks you helped me a lot
it helped me with my water works project im doing on art class so again thanks alot
This is what i needed. Now my shading will be better.
Can i make the script of the first act first and start drawing actual comic pages and after that write act 2 and draw.. Similarly with act3
Hey Dipankar,
I always recommend you do an entire script – beginning, middle, end – before you start drawing. Especially if you’re new to the medium. I understand your eagerness to start drawing, but having a script or at least a detailed outline to work from increases your chances of finishing with like 600%! If you must, do a few random pages just to see and feel what it will look like, then go back and write it out.
Best,
Palle
Simple, clear, and concise. I appreciate how you explained the appearance of light and shadow on the human face. This has helped me very much.
Great work! Thanks!
This really helped me, thank you!
You’re welcome, Eline! Thanks for commentining!
I totally enjoy your instructions. You are a good teacher. Thanks.
Much appreciated, C.S.!