Step 1. The Prelim Sketch. I always start by doing a preliminary sketch. Everytime I draw my commisions, I sketch on a piece of small index card; 4 ins. x 8 ins. This will be my guide on everything; from the pose, to the shadows.

I don't really draw the exact details of the entire drawing, this is just a guide and study for the bigger drawing, which is always drawn on 11 ins. x 17 ins. Bristol artboard.

Step 2. Constructing The Figure. This is actually 11 ins. x 17 ins. artboard. Since I didn't like what I've sketched on the index card, I did some changes on the bigger drawing.

As you can see, this is only a very rough drawing. There are thousands of construction lines going on there, which are very confusing when you actually zoom in. I lowered the arm on the left so at least it has a bit of dramatic gesture. I also focused my attention on her face since she's facing directly or unangled, I make sure her face is as symetric as possible. Not very perfect but should be almost perfect.

By the way, I'm actually using a softer lead, which is 2B in a Staedtler clutch pencil. I usually use an HB or F, but it seems our art stores here have ran out of it.

Step 3. Rendering. After finalizing all of my construction lines, I used a Kneaded Eraser to lightly erase the entire drawing. This will leave my construction lines on the paper, so I can still see the lines when I draw everything on "hard pencil". (Hard doesn't mean I'm using a hard lead.)

I always start on the face. I put all my concentration on it, honestly. Giving a character a beautiful facial features will definitely will get the general audience's attention.

If you noticed, I draw the outlines first before I put shadows and line hatchings. I also used rulers and French curves on the swords.

Step 4. Finished Pencils. This is how the pencil looks like. I gave her less rendering on her lower leg just to focus more from the upper knees to the head. Some artists use X's instead of shading everything with pencil. In my case I'd rather see the actual shades so I know if there's something wrong with my shading.

For the big circle, I didn't use any circular templates. I used a compass. I recommend to use a compass that has an adapter for technical pens.

Step 5. Inking with Brushes and Pens. Before I start doing the inks*, I first analize what part of the drawing that I'm going to use brushes, pens, or quills. I often start with pens ruling all straight lines and curves. I also use circular and elliptical templates for round objects.

Then I start on the face, which is the most delicate part of the drawing. I always want to maintain what was drawn on pencil.

*Higgins Black India Ink

Step 6. Filling The Blacks. After rendering everything with pens and brushes, I use another big brush to fill all the black areas. And using a Rotring Tikky eraser to get rid off the excess pencils and to clean up the smudges.

Sometimes the inks I'm using doesn't create crispy black, so I have to manipulate the blacks in Photoshop after scanning.