If you want to quickly copy an image, tracing is a fast and easy way to do it.There are several ways to trace, including using tracing paper, transfer paper and a lightbox, each with their own pros and cons.Detailed instructions on each method can be found at Step One.
Step 1: Put your sheets of paper together.
It is easy to see through tracing paper, which is very thin and similar to tissue paper.Place the image on your table and tape the corners down.If you want to secure the corners of the paper, put your tracing paper over the top of it, or leave it free so that you can adjust it as you draw.
Step 2: Pick out your image.
Draw the outlines of your figures with a pencil.Don't worry about adding shading, just draw the outlines of objects.It's important to include any small details in the image.
Step 3: The back of your paper needs to be coated.
When you are done tracing your picture, remove the tape and flip your tracing paper over.If you draw on the other side of the paper, shade the area with a soft pencil.Make sure you add a thick layer of pencil down so that you have enough for the next step.
Step 4: You should adjust your papers again.
Take the paper and tape it to the table.Then, flip your tracing back so that it is right-side up, and tape it in place over the top of the drawing paper.It's a good idea to not rub the tracing paper too much, for fear of damaging it.
Step 5: Make a final outline.
If you want to draw over all of your outlines again, take a very sharp pencil or pen and apply a lot of pressure.Under the pressure of your drawing paper, the graphite you shaded on the underside of the tracing paper will transfer.Work around your picture until you are done with it.
Step 6: You should finish your drawing.
You can reveal your final drawing on the drawing paper below if you remove the top sheet of tracing paper after going over your outline a second time.Add any shading or details from the original image and fill in any missing lines at this point.
Step 7: You have to layer your papers.
Three pieces of paper are needed to trace an image: your image, transfer paper and drawing paper.Place them on your table.Put your drawing paper on the bottom, followed by your transfer paper and your image on top.
Step 8: You should outline your drawing.
Carefully work around the outline of each figure and object in your image with a very sharp pencil or pen.As you apply pressure with your pencil/pen, the transfer paper below will be applied to the drawing paper on the bottom.Make sure you get the details you want in the photo.
Step 9: Make your drawing final.
Remove your image and tracing paper from the bottom of your drawing paper when you are sure you have traced all the major components.Make any changes to the outline that you traced at this point.If you wanted, you could shade or color your image.
Step 10: You need to set up your supplies.
Put your lightbox on your lap or table and put your image over it.You can layer your drawing paper on top of the image by taping the corners down.Turn the light on after securing the drawing paper with tape.You should be able to see the image through your drawing paper.
Step 11: Take a look at the outline of your image.
Use your pencil to outline the major objects and figures in your image.If you want, you can shade in figures in addition to the outlines, because you don't have to remove or transfer any papers other than the one you're drawing on.
Step 12: You should finish your drawing.
If you missed any spots on your drawing, turn the light off.Turn the light back on, fill them in, and finish your outline.With or without the use of the lightbox, you are free to add color, shading, and detail to the image when you have finished tracing it.