I dunno what I'm dooiinngg, also I have been so bored I just need to post, beware this crap is long.

So I mainly draw almost all of my digital art on Autodesk Sketchbook, so when I bring up certain tools or program details, It will be based on that specific program. I hope this is somehow helpful to anyone, though in case anyone's wondering I have all of my tools at the highest opacity, sharpness, etc.

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Step #1 - Sketching

I generally prefer using a mellow color when sketching out a random pose, and also lowering the opacity once it's finished as well. The thing about sketching out a pose is that for any kind of object, human, animal and more, you need to have everything be as shape-like, three-dimensional yet loose as you can. Basically, when sketching, pretend you're creating a sloppy 3D model from scratch. It adds volume, space in areas that wouldn't be there if it was a 2D sketch, and more room to add small details.

Step #2 - Line Art

I am not someone that enjoys drawing with thin, watercolor-like lines, the explanation being in Step #4. I almost always use the standard gel pen tool (since that's what I like using for my traditional art), with the size being large and the opacity up to 100%. I try being as wavy and curvy as possible with my strokes, having everything look like it's moving or in action haha. I also lower the size to add small details, such as freckles, blushing, irises in the eye, and possibly scratches and bruises.

Step #3 - Coloring

I just color everything in like a coloring book, since the 'magic wand' tool this program is supposed to offer is pretty rough to use. Creating a bunch of layers so you can just overlap things makes this step way faster.

Step #4 - Highlighting

I am pretty lazy when it comes to highlighting my line art in particular, and this is mainly a problem that I have. When the lines are too thin or barely connected together, you can't use the "magic wand" tool to select it all like you can on other programs. When the line art is thick/wide while all connected together, I can just select the line art once and then use an air brush tool to highlight a certain color while it's all selected. It's best to do this on a separate layer on top...with it selected. Goodness how does one explain things.

Step #5 - Shading

Create layer, select "multiply" type, choose a light yet dull color and use that. I prefer using the same color as I did the highlighting for my shading.

Step #6 - Adding Details

There are three main methods I use when adding small details:

1. Sprinkle tiny white dots everywhere, especially in glossy or smooth areas. Using darker colored dots is also very useful.

2. Select the airbrush tool, enlarge it, and add a simple colored background around the focal point.

3. Any glow tool plus the "glow" layer option. Make it a vivid color that matches the shading and highlights, it will make everything pop.

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This sucks, but I tried my best ;_;

Video Version: Autodesk Sketchbook

https://www.deviantart.com/fadingsketches/art/How-I-Draw-Step-By-Step-865121711