Drawing Link from the classic franchise, Zelda, is an art form that few have mastered. To create a striking likeness of the series’ beloved protagonist, you’ll need to have a well-practiced eye and the courage to commit to the task of bringing him to life. But don’t be intimidated – with patience, consistency and confidence, you can create a stunning masterpiece of the elf-like hero in no time!
First and foremost, you must understand that any attempt at accurately portraying Link will never be perfect. The gaming world has seen countless iterations of him over the years, leaving no two drawings alike. As a result, you must come up with your own interpretation of what you believe Link should look like. It’s essential to study various portrayals of Link from artwork, animation and games, to find a look that resonates with you and your artistic style. This can be the most challenging step, but also the most rewarding – make sure to take the necessary time to do adequate research to get an idea of how you want your drawing to turn out.
Once you have a feel for what you’d like to do, it’s time to assemble the necessary materials. Art supplies like pencils, paper and charcoal are the basics you’ll need, but any shade of paint you desire will help in achieving the look you’re going for. Feel free to get creative with the tool set you select – brushes, erasers and a few additional colors of ink are all worthy additions. You’ll also want to have a reference picture nearby to check your progress and make adjustments as you go.
With your gear ready and your inspiration in mind, it’s time to get down to business. Start slowly, sketching out a basic outline for the body before moving on to facial features. Layering the details can help with the subtle nuances of facial expressions as well as help you stay organized throughout the process. As you progress, pay close attention to the curves and shadows that can bring your work to life. Employing shadows to link all the elements together will be key in establishing the appeal of your character.
The next phase is where you get to add in all the smaller details and really show off your artistic style. A few strategic details, including clothing folds, hair strands and the ever-elusive triangle on Link’s hat, can help instill the essence of the character in your work. You can also perform last-minute fine-tuning with variances of shading, highlights and small details that you might’ve otherwise overlooked. With a bit of time and attention, these small additions will add a tremendous amount of detail to your final product.
Beyond that, your composition can benefit from the skillful use of highlights, contrast and added effects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a different color palette or background if the original isn’t quite working. Above all, keep the focal point of your work central to the character rather than cluttered with unnecessary elements. A few added effects and texture can give your drawing a level of depth that can really make it stand out from the rest.
Finally, now all that remains is for you to finalize your masterpiece, sign it and consider adding a watermark if you’re so inclined. Once you’re satisfied with the final product, don’t forget to take photos of your work and share them on social media, showing off your creative skills to the world! Like any skill, practice makes perfect, and with enough time and effort, you too can master the art of drawing Link from your favorite 6-bit console!
First and foremost, you must understand that any attempt at accurately portraying Link will never be perfect. The gaming world has seen countless iterations of him over the years, leaving no two drawings alike. As a result, you must come up with your own interpretation of what you believe Link should look like. It’s essential to study various portrayals of Link from artwork, animation and games, to find a look that resonates with you and your artistic style. This can be the most challenging step, but also the most rewarding – make sure to take the necessary time to do adequate research to get an idea of how you want your drawing to turn out.
Once you have a feel for what you’d like to do, it’s time to assemble the necessary materials. Art supplies like pencils, paper and charcoal are the basics you’ll need, but any shade of paint you desire will help in achieving the look you’re going for. Feel free to get creative with the tool set you select – brushes, erasers and a few additional colors of ink are all worthy additions. You’ll also want to have a reference picture nearby to check your progress and make adjustments as you go.
With your gear ready and your inspiration in mind, it’s time to get down to business. Start slowly, sketching out a basic outline for the body before moving on to facial features. Layering the details can help with the subtle nuances of facial expressions as well as help you stay organized throughout the process. As you progress, pay close attention to the curves and shadows that can bring your work to life. Employing shadows to link all the elements together will be key in establishing the appeal of your character.
The next phase is where you get to add in all the smaller details and really show off your artistic style. A few strategic details, including clothing folds, hair strands and the ever-elusive triangle on Link’s hat, can help instill the essence of the character in your work. You can also perform last-minute fine-tuning with variances of shading, highlights and small details that you might’ve otherwise overlooked. With a bit of time and attention, these small additions will add a tremendous amount of detail to your final product.
Beyond that, your composition can benefit from the skillful use of highlights, contrast and added effects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a different color palette or background if the original isn’t quite working. Above all, keep the focal point of your work central to the character rather than cluttered with unnecessary elements. A few added effects and texture can give your drawing a level of depth that can really make it stand out from the rest.
Finally, now all that remains is for you to finalize your masterpiece, sign it and consider adding a watermark if you’re so inclined. Once you’re satisfied with the final product, don’t forget to take photos of your work and share them on social media, showing off your creative skills to the world! Like any skill, practice makes perfect, and with enough time and effort, you too can master the art of drawing Link from your favorite 6-bit console!
