Pixel tutorial: How to make an isometric pencil drawn sprite (female)

I am a pixel artist in my spare time :3. So I would like to share my secrets and tutorials with you all :3. I am a really big fan of isometric rpgs and mmos. I have attempted making an isometric rpg of my own many times in the past, however, I lack the ability to program xD (I can program a little bit, but not much :p). So, let's get to it.

A. Firstly, alot of high-quality and old fashion rpgs (like ragnarok online and final fantasy) Used a similar method to create these sprites. So if you wanna learn how to make a tall isometric sprite, keep reading :p. Here's what you'll need first of all:

1) A computer, ofcourse :3.
2)Some graph paper, pencils and ink pens
3)A scanner
4)A paint program with layering capabilities: Photoshop, Gimp, GraphicsGale etc.
5)Imagination and artist skills :3


B.

[Firstly, what you're gonna want to do is start drawing character in full size on a sheet of graph paper in pencil. (You don't have to make it too big, because you're gonna end up shrinking later anyway :p.) When you have finished penciling the outline of your character, take out your inking pen (This can be a regular pen too) And begin tracing over the penciled portion. Then you can scan and open it up in the editing program of your choice. I recommend the ones listed above.


C.The program I have chosen is Photoshop. Now you must resize. This one is at 164x236. You can adjust the size to which ever one you'd like, just so long as it is in proportion :3. Now that it is shrunken, you can begin to adjust the color balance and darkness of the outline (You can do this in Gimp and Pixia. The adjustments are usually found in the image section of the program. Options like color adjustment, brightness, contrast etc. Don't make too many adjustments, I would concentrate on brightening the image and eliminating the pencil marks, as well as making the outline darker (can be easily done in the brightening and contras option). When you are satisfied, your sprite is now ready to be colored in :3.



D.


You can begin layering the base colors, which is the skin and the top. You should make separate layers for both of these, so that it doesn't interfere with the colors colliding :3. The layering method can be found in Photoshop, Pixia, gimp as well as graphicsgale.



E.

This step is pretty self explanatory :3. While layering, you should start off with light colors first, then work your way to dark shading.



F.Getting the hang of the shading yet? Don't forget to start new layers for the shading :3. And remember, keep practicing till you get it the way you want it ^^.




G.

And here is the finished product with hair. I will be posting up a hair tutorial in the near future, as well as regular sprites, clothing, and much more :3 I hope this Tutorial was helpful ^^.