Beginner’s Guide: How to Draw Dragons from Imagination in 5 Easy Steps
Introduction
When I approach drawing from imagination, one common misconception that I had was that I needed the fundamentals, and I needed to drill those fundamentals into my core. While fundamentals certainly help, this is not the skill that I needed to focus on when it comes to imagination.
What was the focus then? Well, it is studying from life. Drawing animals and everyday items begins to build your visual library, and you are able to build this library up over time. You can get started with this process by visiting our previous post.
Step 1 - Shapes
Abstract 2D shapes are your friend here
What we want to begin doing immediately is exploring the 2D world of shapes. You might say, “Whoah, whoah! Hold up! I want to make cool 3D dragons!"
Well, we need to first explore using that visual library in 2D, and then we can build those fundamental skills we have been over practicing back into the process at a later stage!
Step 2 - Set the Mood
Limiting yourself is always better
You want to get the mood right after you explored the general shapes. This will direct us to a more specific outcome. It is best to break this out into four categories: Functional, Inspirational, Design, and Detail.
It is best to limit yourself to between 7-8 images for each of the categories in order to keep yourself limited. If you want more details about each category, you can check it out on our platform.
Step 3 - Adding Structure
It is coming together
We are now adding back in those fundamentals that we hear so much about! We are going to start by adding the structure back into one of those 2D shapes we really liked.
Pick that thumbnail
This one speaks to me!
You want to grab that thumbnail that you think you will enjoy the most and run with that! You can choose a few you like, but you need to "FEEL IT" because you will be spending quite some time on it!
Add those simple shapes
Look how simple! Flex that spatial awareness!
You will want to spend time here making sure these shapes are reading in space. This is important! If something goes wrong here, then you will potentially waste time. So... Much... Time......
Step 4 - Manipulation for Entertainment
Manipulated.. for YOU!
Remember that one time that we put together a mood board? I think it may have been a few paragraphs above! Well, now is the time to break that out in all its glory! Revel in it! For we shall use these various elements to begin manipulating our form!
But why manipulate the form? For entertainment, obviously! Are you not entertained!!? Erhm… Anyway, it's also to make it more believable unless you are going for a Minecraft dragon made of blocks! Are you?
Step 5 - Adding the "Chef's Kiss"
De-tail, but he still has a tail...
Here is where you grab your favorite tunes, coffee, tea, or sea water and get to the real fun part, for some...
Bruh... INSANE.. Artist: Ognjen
One thing to keep in mind is to, well, mind your mood board. Remember? That thing you took way too long putting together at the beginning? Yeah, you are still thinking about those images here and how to apply them.
Now What??
Great question. Just click the button. Check out the amazing roads we have. You can even do it right there on the homepage without signing up! Let's face it, we both know you are lazy. We’ve got loads coming in the future. JUST DO IT! THIS IS THE WAY!
