Graphing Method

I started anime drawing style through graphing.

By Graphing method, it is the application of equal vertical and horizontal lines parallel to each other to form several squares over the image you wish to draw.
I learned graphing from a friend of mine in high school. She has been drawing longer than I have but she still relies on this method rather than depend on her own progress. As for me, I graduated from graphing after 3 months. This I will explain in another time.

To learn the graphing method, you will need the following:

1. picture or image, can be any size
2. transparent ruler
3. pencil
4. eraser
5. drawing paper, or any blank piece of paper
6. sign pen, for when you're finally done

Procedure:
To make it easy for a first time, start with a simple image and easy to the eyes. Make sure the image is something you no longer need or use an extra copy of it since you'll be damaging it with graphs. For the ruler, I prefer using the Orion brand for accurate lines and measurements as well as its stiffness, other transparent rulers tend to bend when I mark for a line.

Measure for the center of the image and draw a horizontal and vertical line all the way to the sides.

Once you've done so, add more lines starting from the center at an even distance.

The gap between lines depend on you. The smaller the gaps the more lines to apply, which also means a lot to erase later. Do the same on the other side.

You'll have an image that will look like this once you're done applying the graph. >>

Count the number of horizontal and vertical lines on the image. Apply the same number of lines on your drawing paper but measure the distance of the lines to size you want to draw.

IMPORTANT: Use pencil when doing the graphs on your drawing paper and do so lightly so as not to leave line marks when its time to erase them. On the image you can use either pencil or pen but be sure that your graphs overlap the image to better see the details in each square.

Working on the drawing:

Before I start, I number the rows of squares -- both on the image and drawing paper -- on each side to avoid confusion.

Start drawing!

Observe your graphed image carefully. Each square has a specific detail. Pinpoint that detail from the number written on the corner -- from above and then sideways. >>

<< Draw the very same details on your graphed drawing paper within the square as is in the image. Use the numbers to locate the square you are to draw in.





Now, do the same on the rest of the squares. You'll see that the details connect at the lines of the graph. If it doesn't it means it was drawn wrong.
Be careful that the numbers themselves don't confuse you. They're supposed to help serve as guides.

It won't be long until you can finish drawing. The faster your progress goes depends on the intricacy of the image you want to do.

----
simple -- common -- detailed

When you've finished you can choose to erase the unused graphs outside the drawn area or go directly to inking. Make sure the ink has dried on the paper before erasing anything or you'll end up dirtying your work.
The excess pencil marks removed, check for finishing touches. You can then proceed to coloring or leave your drawing as it is.

pencil ---> inked ---> colored  = DONE!

Do this method several more times until you get the hang of drawing. Remember to observe the smallest of things: flow of hair, curve of the jaw, length of the neck, shape of the eye, proportion of the body, which anatomy connects where, distance of the nose from the mouth, etc. These kinds of things are important.

This was how I familiarized myself with anime style.

The drawings I used above are my sister's works. Somehow, I turned mine into these:

Take note, however, that the graphing method is also considered tracing. The purpose of the graphing method I posted here is for those who want to learn anime or manga drawing style but have no experience whatsoever in it, not to copy other works. Be original.

*Graphing practice included anime like Sailormon, YuYu Hakusho (Ghostfighter), Gundam Wing, Dragonball Z, Flame of Recca, Rorouni Kenshin (Samurai X), Fushigi Yuugi (Mysterious/Curious Play).