The relative sizes between areas in your study are correct

It may be helpful to measure areas in relationship to other areas. (How many X is the size of Y) A popular unit of measurement is “heads”

The relative slopes of the lines in your study are correct.

This is why drafting is done first with straight lines, because it is hard to tell the slope of a curved line.

It may be helpful to measure slope in relationship to the vertical or the horizontal.

The relative length of the lines in your study are correct

Just like the size measurement, it’s helpful to think of it in relative terms. When measuring lengths on the outside, it’s helpful to think of their distance to the edge of the picture frame.

To find a picture at your perfect level: try to draw the picture again from memory 15 minutes after you studied it. Can you still remember it? If you can remember with ease, then pick something more complex. If you can’t remember it at all, then you should pick something easier.

On the checking step, try to figure out where you are failing. (perhaps you always draw the head too big, or the legs too short) When you realize where you are failing, next time, try to over-compensate in the other direction.

Building a visual library

While the above exercise focuses on precision and attention to detail, you can try this second exercise to improve your recall! By attempting to draw something, tracing a niji picture, and then attempting it again yourself, you can build your visual library for freehanding objects from imagination.

The goal here is not to be accurate, as much as it is to leave an impression in your head of the thing you have traced

However, if you find that the subject is not sticking around in your head, you should try an easier subject, rather than forcing it.

Do not draw something that that takes you more than 1 hour. Individual exercises will vary in duration, but more than one hour will make you sick.

Do not attempt to build a world and improve your drawing skill at the same time. It does not end well. (We will talk about concept development later)

Do not start drawing without a reference.

Do not reference a picture you are not interested in. Don’t draw apples and jars if you have no interest in apples and jars. Use niji to find something that speaks to you before you start.