Start with simple shapes for the head (oval) and jaw (slight taper)
Sketch construction lines for the face (center line and eye line)
Block in the eye positions with simple almond shapes
Add upper and lower eyelids with light guidelines for eyelid thickness
Place irises and pupils; add highlights
Draw the nose with a minimal guide (small line or tiny shape)
Draw the mouth with a simple curve; add lip thickness lightly
Sketch hair as large blocks first, then add strands only after the outline
Add hair volume by following the head shape and flow direction
Draw eyebrows above the eyes with clean, confident strokes
Refine face features by erasing construction lines
Establish head proportions (larger eyes, smaller nose/mouth as needed)
Draw the neck with a simple trapezoid or cylinder shape
Sketch the shoulders and collarbone using basic angled forms
Block in the torso with a ribcage shape and pelvis/waist shape
Add arm guides (cylinders) and elbow/knee bend points
Add hand and finger guides (simple shapes first)
Block in legs with cylinder shapes and clear knee/ankle placement
Use gesture drawing for pose (quick lines for spine tilt and limb direction)
Refine the body outline using the guides as reference
Define clothing silhouettes with simple layers and folds
Add clothing details (collars, seams, cuffs, belts) after the silhouette
Clean line art over the rough sketch
Use consistent line weight (thicker for outer contours, thinner for details)
Add shading with cel style or soft gradients
Place shadows using a clear light direction
Shade hair in sections (base shadow, midtones, highlights)
Add cast shadows under hair, clothing folds, and under-chin/neck areas
Add highlights (small bright shapes) and rim light if desired
Erase remaining sketch lines after inking
Color with flat base tones first, then shadows, then highlights
Finalize with line refinement and small details (freckles, texture, sparkle in eyes)