How I trace my photo references onto paper (the easy way!)

Hello!

So this is a common question, how do I trace a rough outline of a photo onto Pastelmat? (A very thick drawing paper)

Despite tracing being a sensitive topic in the art world, I find It vital that when I'm doing a commission for somebody, the proportions are perfect, as even being a tiny bit off can ruin the whole drawing! As you can see I only work from a really rough outline. So I guess I just colour it in!

So here is a super short video of me showing you how I do it!

Please like and subscribe if you'd like to see more coloured pencil/pastel related videos!

Lauren x

[ragdoll]

Been using this method all along. It's the best way, quick, accurate and easy.

[wickedflower]

Print the ref photo then use transfer paper to put onto your paper, you can then include as much or as little of the reference that you want. Alternatively use a trace app like gimp to turn photo into a line drawing then do the same.

[SinSister]

I do this sometimes as well, works very well!
Sometimes you can even just trace it right onto the paper you plan on using!!
Thank you for sharing your video!

[arttutorials]

Great idea. I've always saved the picture to my photo editing program, resized it to what I need and printed it out to work from. Silly me I never thought of tracing it off my computer screen. Thanks.

[delila]

LOL I identify with trying and finding paper is doubled ...Thanks for this video. I was trying to figure out HOW to get a line drawing. This may be the best.

[AnnieCarvalho]

Nice video :) I haven't tried this process yet but it's interesting.

[TrenTGaming]

Hahaha I thought I am the only one doing this😂😂😂

[jrz]

I actually made that same mistake. Thanks for sharing.

[GuyArab]

I use a product called Frisk Tracedown, which is available in A4, A3 and also in white. It is easy to use and you can erase too. I have just come across your site, working on the cat and hope for more YouTube videos.

[Spanishwithjackie]

Hi, your pet portraits are pretty good ! by the way, could you share how do you make a living as an artist? because, i want to start with pet portraits shop, but i do not know if this niche it's good enough to make a living.

[CookieCutter]

"Lauren promosed me a cat drawing, Where is my cat drawing!" A message from miss chapman

[rexlaguitan]

You can used it directly on paper just change the dog from realistic into flat lines

[popwwrestling]

In order to protect the screen can't you tilt it a bit put a plastic over it and trace? I tried this and my screen is a concern too.

[gnostie]

I was looking for a UK youtuber to ask this question. Could you please recommend good graphite paper that I can get in the UK? For example, the one you're using in the video seems to give good results.

[Joxmank]

Other options include:

Using a window during the day with a printed copy.

If you have no graphite paper you can rub a soft pencil on the back side of the sheet.

You can get thin acrylic/plexiglass sheets to put over your monitor screen to help protect it.