6 answers
Pearl
Student
India
22
Questions
Asked
774 views
As a 2D artist, how do I draw props (like swords, weapons,tools, magical objects etc.) ?
I’ve never drawn props before, so I’d love to learn the basics. I’d really appreciate any help with this.
6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Pearl !
I am very happy to provide some encouragement to you as you venture into drawing props for your art ! Since you are already an artist, it's just going to be a matter of starting and realizing that you have already accomplished drawing other things that have detail components just like props do !
You can begin by using any object, a piece of fruit or a candle. Use the same technique you use when you draw the other things that you know how to draw. It is a matter of perceiving the object and transferring it to paper. Understand the proportion, dimension and balance of the object, just as you would when you draw other things. You have some particular props that you've mentioned and it may be because you are not familiar with how they look. Do an image search for whatever you want to draw and replicate it in your sketch pad. Label the object so you know that you can return to it when you need to draw it again. Sometimes artists need to do research to know what an object or style looks like and you can always create new images that are completely your own creation. Practice until you feel that you've accomplished your goal for this.
Look over your existing work. You may have drawn objects but since they were incorporated in other images, you may think you can't do a stand-alone prop. Do a search for and look at some Prop Concept Art as that may both inspire and help you. You can also do a search on-line for free or non-free Prop Drawing classes which may also help. But there's one thing to remember: you can do it. All you need to do it start. Don't let it be just a thought - the sooner you begin, the sooner you will see your wonderful creations.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the very best !
I am very happy to provide some encouragement to you as you venture into drawing props for your art ! Since you are already an artist, it's just going to be a matter of starting and realizing that you have already accomplished drawing other things that have detail components just like props do !
You can begin by using any object, a piece of fruit or a candle. Use the same technique you use when you draw the other things that you know how to draw. It is a matter of perceiving the object and transferring it to paper. Understand the proportion, dimension and balance of the object, just as you would when you draw other things. You have some particular props that you've mentioned and it may be because you are not familiar with how they look. Do an image search for whatever you want to draw and replicate it in your sketch pad. Label the object so you know that you can return to it when you need to draw it again. Sometimes artists need to do research to know what an object or style looks like and you can always create new images that are completely your own creation. Practice until you feel that you've accomplished your goal for this.
Look over your existing work. You may have drawn objects but since they were incorporated in other images, you may think you can't do a stand-alone prop. Do a search for and look at some Prop Concept Art as that may both inspire and help you. You can also do a search on-line for free or non-free Prop Drawing classes which may also help. But there's one thing to remember: you can do it. All you need to do it start. Don't let it be just a thought - the sooner you begin, the sooner you will see your wonderful creations.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the very best !
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Pearl
You're welcome, Pearl !
Michelle M.
Mary Patrice Layaoen
Character Modeler/ 3D Artist
43
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hey, Pearl. Drawing props can be a lot of fun to explore! These are some of the concepts and methods that I have learned throughout the years as an artist.
- Start by gathering reference images of the props you want to draw. This will help you understand their shapes, details, and functionality. For example, studying images of a wooden sword versus a metal shield will help you see and capture the differences between these materials in your drawings. Pinterest is a great source to look into.
- After that, sketch the props out and practice with different perspectives to get comfortable with them. Start your sketch by breaking the prop down into basic shapes like cylinders or rectangles. This helps in getting the proportions right and makes the drawing process smoother.
- Working with silhouettes can also be really helpful. By focusing on the overall shape and visual language of the prop, you can make sure that it looks distinct and recognizable even in a simplified form. Many professionals use this method.
- Using grid lines and perspective techniques is another effective way to develop depth in your work, which enhances the sense of realism.
- Once you have the basic structure, you can start adding details and textures that will bring the prop to life. Keep in mind the amount of details added, as this will impact the readability as a whole.
Remember, practice is key. The more you draw different props, the more intuitive it will become. Don’t hesitate to experiment and have fun with it. Don't forget to check out YouTube. There are tons of helpful videos out there! I recommend checking out Proko, David Finch, and BaM Animation on YouTube. Keep honing your skills and stay inspired! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, just let me know!
- Start by gathering reference images of the props you want to draw. This will help you understand their shapes, details, and functionality. For example, studying images of a wooden sword versus a metal shield will help you see and capture the differences between these materials in your drawings. Pinterest is a great source to look into.
- After that, sketch the props out and practice with different perspectives to get comfortable with them. Start your sketch by breaking the prop down into basic shapes like cylinders or rectangles. This helps in getting the proportions right and makes the drawing process smoother.
- Working with silhouettes can also be really helpful. By focusing on the overall shape and visual language of the prop, you can make sure that it looks distinct and recognizable even in a simplified form. Many professionals use this method.
- Using grid lines and perspective techniques is another effective way to develop depth in your work, which enhances the sense of realism.
- Once you have the basic structure, you can start adding details and textures that will bring the prop to life. Keep in mind the amount of details added, as this will impact the readability as a whole.
Remember, practice is key. The more you draw different props, the more intuitive it will become. Don’t hesitate to experiment and have fun with it. Don't forget to check out YouTube. There are tons of helpful videos out there! I recommend checking out Proko, David Finch, and BaM Animation on YouTube. Keep honing your skills and stay inspired! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, just let me know!
Thank you this is the detailed answer I needed. I will checkout the resources you have provided. Again thanks for the help.
Pearl
No problem! I’m always happy to help!
Mary Patrice Layaoen
Erinn McCrary
Substitute teacher
3
Answers
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Updated
Erinn’s Answer
To draw props like swords, weapons, tools, and magical objects as a 2D artist:
1. Research and gather references.
2. Start with rough sketches.
3. Create strong silhouettes and shapes.
4. Consider functionality and practicality.
5. Practice perspective and foreshortening.
6. Add intricate details and textures.
7. Use lighting and shadows for depth.
8. Apply a consistent color palette.
9. Iterate and refine your designs.
Develop your unique style and keep refining your skills to create engaging prop designs.
1. Research and gather references.
2. Start with rough sketches.
3. Create strong silhouettes and shapes.
4. Consider functionality and practicality.
5. Practice perspective and foreshortening.
6. Add intricate details and textures.
7. Use lighting and shadows for depth.
8. Apply a consistent color palette.
9. Iterate and refine your designs.
Develop your unique style and keep refining your skills to create engaging prop designs.
Katy ray Williams
freelance artist
1
Answer
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Katy ray’s Answer
That’s a really good question!
I am a 2D artist who focuses on drawing many different scenes wether that includes magic, nature, props, backround, etc.
some tips I have are:
- make sure you have a few good refrences of the object/prop you want to draw. I encourage looking at 3D models to help you get an understanding of how props are held, how they interact with characters/scenes ,and how they fit in with the surroundings.
-utilize textured brushes when drawing props or anything that has a certain texture to it. This can help your 2D art stand out.
-Vary your brush size when drawing said props and art. This can help add depth and a sense of your props and enviroment interacting with eachother.
I hope this helps at least a little bit!
I am a 2D artist who focuses on drawing many different scenes wether that includes magic, nature, props, backround, etc.
some tips I have are:
- make sure you have a few good refrences of the object/prop you want to draw. I encourage looking at 3D models to help you get an understanding of how props are held, how they interact with characters/scenes ,and how they fit in with the surroundings.
-utilize textured brushes when drawing props or anything that has a certain texture to it. This can help your 2D art stand out.
-Vary your brush size when drawing said props and art. This can help add depth and a sense of your props and enviroment interacting with eachother.
I hope this helps at least a little bit!
Warren Irwin
I am a P.E. teacher who is certified to teach art.
23
Answers
Metairie, Louisiana
Updated
Warren’s Answer
There is an incredibly simple answer to this question. Draw what you see, just like you would draw anything else. For an inanimate object, I find it's better to start from the inside and work your way out to the edges.
Thank you so much, Warren!
Pearl
Victoria Monz
Digital Artist
3
Answers
Milford, Pennsylvania
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi Pearl! My name is Victoria and I am a Concept Artist.
Drawing weapons is easiest in my opinion when you start by blocking out shapes that you want. When drawing you want to think about what the shadow of the object will look like! This is important because it will help you understand how to use shapes to your advantage. Start by studying what you want to draw. Break it apart and analyze each piece of it.
For the magical weapons I recommend using colors that are mystifying such as purples and yellows. Start with a darker purple and make it lighter in the middle and you've created an orb. Take this orb and put it into a staff. Draw a "C" at the end of the staff and now you have yourself a staff with an orb inside. Try making the edges sharp or blunt. This will help with your stylization.
Hope some of this advice is helpful to you! Best of luck!
Drawing weapons is easiest in my opinion when you start by blocking out shapes that you want. When drawing you want to think about what the shadow of the object will look like! This is important because it will help you understand how to use shapes to your advantage. Start by studying what you want to draw. Break it apart and analyze each piece of it.
For the magical weapons I recommend using colors that are mystifying such as purples and yellows. Start with a darker purple and make it lighter in the middle and you've created an orb. Take this orb and put it into a staff. Draw a "C" at the end of the staff and now you have yourself a staff with an orb inside. Try making the edges sharp or blunt. This will help with your stylization.
Hope some of this advice is helpful to you! Best of luck!
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