Different Ways to draw your Sketch:
8 Easy Ways to Sketch Your Outlines in your Animal Portraits with Pastels
Have you ever looked at a blank sheet of paper before you start drawing your animal and thought…
Where do I even start?
Getting the outlines right in your animal portraits is often the part that feels the most difficult, and sometimes even a little intimidating. You want your proportions to be correct, your placement to feel right… but your eyes are still learning to see all those details.
Here is the truth:
There isn’t just one way to start your drawing.
There are many different methods you can use to sketch your outlines, from completely freehand drawing to helpful techniques like grids, tracing, and even modern tools like apps and projectors.
Some methods will train your eye, some will save you time, and some will give you more confidence as you grow.
In this post, I’ll show you different ways to transfer and sketch your outlines, so you can find the method that feels best for you and enjoy the process right from the very beginning.
1. FREEHAND
Freehand drawing is one of the best ways to train your eye and improve your overall drawing skills. Instead of relying on tools, you learn to really see shapes, proportions, and distances.
This method works especially well with smaller subjects or simpler compositions. Try to measure distances with your eyes and compare angles and sizes as you draw. If needed, you can lightly use a ruler to check proportions.
It might feel challenging at first, but over time, this is the method that will give you the most confidence and freedom in your drawings.
2. HELPING LINE METHOD
The helping line method is a great balance between freehand drawing and more structured techniques.
Print out your reference photo and use a ruler to draw guiding lines around key areas — for example, where the eyes, nose, or ears are placed. These lines help you understand proportions and placement much better.
On your pastel paper, use a pastel pencil to lightly sketch these lines so they can easily be adjusted or erased. Then start building your sketch step by step using these guiding lines.
This method gives you support without taking away the feeling of drawing freely.
3. GRID METHOD
The grid method is perfect if you want more accuracy and feel unsure about proportions.
Draw a grid over your reference photo and the same grid (in the same proportions) onto your drawing paper. Then focus on one square at a time and transfer what you see into each section.
This breaks down a complex subject into smaller, more manageable parts and makes it much easier to place everything correctly.
Once your outline is finished, gently erase the grid so it doesn’t show through your final drawing.
4. TRACING & TRANSFER PAPER METHOD
If you want to save time or feel stuck with proportions, this method is a very helpful option.
Place tracing paper or transfer paper between your reference (or a printed line drawing) and your pastel paper. Then carefully trace the outlines using a harder pencil, for example a hard graphite pencil.
After transferring the lines, go over them with a pastel pencil so they become more visible and suitable for your drawing process.
This method is especially useful for larger portraits or more complex compositions in your animal art.
5. PASTEL PIGMENT TRANSFER METHOD
This is a lovely, more “painterly” way to transfer your outlines in your pastel portraits.
Apply soft pastel pigment to the back of your printed reference photo. Then place the printout carefully onto your pastel paper. Trace over the lines with a harder pencil — this will transfer the pigment onto your surface.
Afterwards, refine your sketch with a pastel pencil.
This method creates very soft, natural lines and fits beautifully with the pastel medium.
6. DRAW YOUR SKETCH IN 2 OR MORE COLORS
Using more than one color for your sketch can make a big difference.
For example, you can use white for lighter areas and black (or another color) for darker areas or important outlines. This helps you to clearly see the most important parts of your drawing and understand the structure better.
It also prevents your sketch from becoming too flat and gives you a better guide when you start adding color later.
7. TRANSFER APP
Technology can be a wonderful helper in your drawing process.
Apps like the DaVinci Eye App allow you to overlay your reference image onto your drawing surface using your phone or tablet. This makes it much easier to place your outlines accurately.
This method is especially helpful if you enjoy working digitally alongside traditional drawing or want a quick and practical solution.
8. USE A PROJECTOR
Using a projector is one of the fastest ways to transfer your outlines.
You can project your reference image directly onto your drawing surface and trace the main shapes. This saves a lot of time and ensures very accurate proportions.
If you have the budget available, this can be a great tool — especially for larger artworks or commission pieces where precision and efficiency are important.
Final thought:
There is no “right” or “wrong” method.
Some artists love freehand drawing, others prefer grids or tracing , and many use a mix of different techniques depending on the project.
The most important thing is that you find a method that makes you feel confident, relaxed, and excited to start your drawing
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