This time, we're introducing "Tips to Level Up Your Work" in a 3-part series.
The theme of Part 1 is "How to Use More Colors." Let's work on leveling up step by step.
Here is the line art we'll be using this time.
>> Line art of the Butterfly Girl
We offer both a downloadable version you can print and color right away, and a version already printed on paper made especially for coloring. Please check out whichever suits you best.
Now, let's get started!
■ Tips to Level Up Your Work: Basics + Alpha
The key to improving your work is to "add a little extra on top of the basic coloring technique."
There are various patterns for this "extra," but the first one is "adding subtle color variations."
■ Adding Realism with Subtle Color Variations
In the earlier video where we introduced the basics of coloring faces and hair, we chose a main color, then used a slightly lighter and a slightly darker shade than the midtone to create dimension and texture.
In this "extra" step, we add one more color between the midtone and the darker areas.
The more colors you add, the more realistic and deep the result becomes, raising the overall quality.
Adding these subtle color variations creates a more three-dimensional, realistic finish.
■ Adding Decorative Colors
Adding more colors isn't just about realism.
Another reason is to add "decorative colors."
Here's a finished sample of this line art, colored in. Looking closely at the hair, besides the light and dark tones used for dimension, you'll notice colors like light blue and light purple mixed in.
These colors aren't related to dimension at all — they're added purely as a decorative element to make the piece more visually enjoyable.
In addition, the hair on the left side deliberately uses different colors, incorporating accent colors like pink and light blue.
Mixing in a light pink tone even in the bangs adds playfulness and originality, keeping the look lively rather than monotonous.
■ Let's Try Coloring
Now, let's actually try coloring.
Feel free to use your own favorite colors, or try colors close to the sample — either is fine.
Just like the basic technique, start by coloring little by little along the flow of the hair.
Begin with the darker areas, add shadow throughout, then add accent colors to the brighter areas.
The "color" and "amount" of this accent color greatly change the overall impression.
However, be careful — if you focus too much on accents, the piece can end up colorful but lose its sense of dimension and texture.
In my case, I first build dimension and texture with the main color, then layer brighter colors and accent colors onto the areas I left open.
■ This Also Applies to Coloring Faces
The same idea applies when coloring faces.
By starting from the basic technique and adding subtle variation with more midtone colors, you can express softer, more realistic skin and dimension.
Even with a small number of colored pencils, that's okay.
Simply changing the pressure and number of layers lets you express a wide range of colors.
Also, coloring over the lines helps give the whole piece a sense of unity.
■ How to Add Accent Colors to the Face
For facial accents, it's effective to change the color of the eyeliner, eyebrows, or eyelashes, or to add a different color under the cheeks or eyes.
Enjoy it like doing makeup.
However, be careful — using a color that doesn't match the shadow area will make it look out of place.
Layer the skin tone little by little to create a soft, rounded look.
For the sparkle in the eyes, rather than leaving it unfilled, adding it in with a white pen at the end creates a more natural sparkling effect.
■ Tips for a Transparent, Cohesive Look
For motifs like butterfly wings too, layering multiple colors with subtle variation — rather than using just one color — creates a more dreamy, transparent look.
Matching the clothing color with the wings also helps give the whole piece a sense of unity.
When layering colors, coloring randomly rather than always in the same spot creates natural variation and softness.
For areas you want to brighten, layering white on top is also a great idea.
White not only adds brightness, it also has a blending effect that helps colors merge smoothly.
■ Summary
This time, in Part 1 of our "Tips to Level Up Your Work" series,
we introduced tip ①, "adding subtle color variations."
Adding subtle color variations creates a finish that's more realistic and vibrant than the basic technique alone. It might feel a bit tricky at first, but you'll get used to it as you keep coloring.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments — we'll use them as a reference.
■ Next Time's Theme
Next time, we'll cover "How to Color Areas Without Line Art."
For example, areas like clothing that have no lines drawn can leave you unsure how to color them.
Next time, we'll explain the tricks for that.