The Importance of Rough Sketches

Even the most intricate drawings start out with a single line, it being a brush stroke, pen or pencil mark doesn't matter. The most important thing that any artist (Professional or Novice) must remember is that you must have an idea/start point planned out first. Most people tend to think that an artist is supposed to magically be able to create a masterpiece out of thin air, although that's not the case. You have to remember that everything starts out with a single Idea. Look at this picture.
The artist (Masashi Kishimoto) had to have gone through several steps to get this final drawing down and finished.

Here is a basic list of steps for any drawing

• Basic Concept Idea
• Rough Sketch
• Finished Line Art
• Inking
• Computer Graphics (Colors, words, effects, and toning)

Now here is the main point I am trying to make here, In order for Masashi Kishimoto to have created that masterpiece he would of had to create a main concept (Rough Sketch) of it first. Rough Sketches are very easy to create and shouldn't take a very long time. They should plan out the finished drawing. There a few different ways to make a rough sketch and no one is better than the other, but the main way is to create a scribbled outline of all the things that will appear in the finished art. Everything thing you draw in this type of sketch should be in the same place and position as of which it will be in the finished art. The next way is very similar as to the fact that your still only doing a scribbled outline, although in this version you are not pre-placing the figures instead you are just drawing out all of the character/objects that will be in the drawing. Also remember that you are not limited to using only one method or only using the methods I give you, try to create your own way of doing rough sketches and it will help you in the long run.

"What type of utensil is best for rough Sketches?"

• Pencils are best for Rough Sketches to help you plan and to be able to erase, although pens are good for those who do not like to go back on your first idea

"Will rough sketches really change the outcome of my final drawing?"

• Yes and No, for those who are used to drawing without rough sketches then it would probably be of no use although those who have a hard time drawing on instinct then try it and it should help tremendously

"Do you do your finished drawing over your rough sketch?"

• I do not suggest this because then you limit yourself on your final art, it is best to just do your rough sketch on a small piece of paper to keep you from turning your sketch into your artwork

"Should I keep my rough sketch after I have finished my final art work?"

• That is entirely up to you, I love to remember what I was thinking before I drew my final artwork .

"How many rough sketches should I create before I know I have enough?"

• This is entirely up to you, I prefer to do at least two so that I may decide on which one I feel is better or has a more professional feel, Also you can make two and then combine both ideas into one piece (but remember to make the final rough sketch on the combination)

Here are a few Rough sketches of Sasuke, Karin, and Jugo from the very popular manga/anime Naruto Shippuden

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