Step One: Understand Your Subject
Before drawing anything – Scream or otherwise – it’s important to understand your subject. It may sound like a no-brainer, but the more research you put into it the more accurately your final art piece will portray Scream. Get familiar with the original horror movie and the character design – including their clothing and physical features. Research similar characters in other horror movies and books, such as Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers, to further understand the themes often associated with the horror genre.
Step Two: Sketch Out Your Design
Once you have a good understanding of the character and the things associated with them, it’s time to start drawing. Start out with a few pencil sketches of your design – don’t worry if it’s messy at this stage. You’re just trying to get the general design so you can get an idea of what the final product should look like. Make sure to capture the character’s key features, such as their long white hair, pale complexion, and menacing smile.
Step Three: Finalize Your Sketch
Take your sketches and choose one that is the most accurate representation of your vision. This is the one you are going to finalize and make into the finished art piece. Start by tracing the sketch and making necessary adjustments as you trace. This can be done by using a light box, but if you don’t have one you can use a window or place the sketch underneath a thin sheet of tracing paper.
Step Four: Shade and Color Your Drawing
Now that you have your finalized sketch, it’s time to give it life with color. Use markers, paint, or whatever medium works best for you and fill it in with Scream’s signature pale, ghostly complexion and dark, shapeless clothing. Be sure to include any key details that make Scream unique and eerie. Finally, use lighter shades of color to add shading and depth to the drawing.
Step Five: Add the Finishing Touches
Once you have your main lines and colors in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This can include things like patterns and decorations on Scream’s clothing, additional touches of color on their face, and any other details you think will bring out the picture’s best features. Take some time to step away from the picture, then come back and make any changes you may have noticed when viewing it in a new light.
Step Six: Include a Background
The background of your drawing is just as important as the drawing itself. You can use a variety of mediums to create a unique background, from pencil sketches to digital art. Use the same dark and eerie colors from Scream’s clothing to create the overall atmosphere you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and color palettes to get the exact look you want.
Step Seven: Bring Your Drawing to Life
The final step of the process is to bring your drawing to life! Use any additional techniques you’ve learned throughout the process to make your art as unique and eerie as possible. You can also add any special effects you think would fit the picture best – from smoke and fog to lightening and thunder. When you’re done, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of art that perfectly captures the horror of Scream.
