Whether you're going crazy for a perfect design, or just want to quickly copy an image, tracing one is a quick and easy way to get a "carbon copy" of it. The tracing techniques are different, for example you can use tracing paper, autographic paper, or a light table, each of which has pros and cons. Read on to learn the details of each method.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Tracing Paper
Step 1. Arrange the sheets of paper
Tracing paper is a low-opacity type of paper, which allows you to look through it. Arrange the image you want to copy on the table and block the corners with tape. Place a sheet of tracing paper over the image; if you wish, you can also stop the corners of this sheet, or leave it free to be able to move it more easily according to your needs while drawing.
Step 2. Trace the contours of the image
Carefully, trace the outlines of all the figures in the image with a pencil. Don't worry about the shadow shades, just focus on the outlines. Make sure you have copied all the details, even the smallest ones.
Step 3. Sprinkle some graphite on the back of the tracing paper sheet
When you're done tracing, remove the masking tape from the corners of the paper and turn it upside down. With a soft-tipped pencil (a 6B or an 8B) blend the area around all the lines you drew. Leave a thick layer of graphite, enough to complete the next step.
Step 4. Arrange the sheets again
Take the sheet you want to transfer the image to and attach it to the table surface. Then overlap the sheet of tracing paper on it, arranging it in the right direction (ie with the graphite layer down and the traced edges up). Be careful not to rub the tracing paper too much, so as not to leave streaks of graphite on the sheet underneath.
Step 5. Create the final design
Take a very sharp pencil or pen and apply firm pressure to trace all the contours again. In this way, the graphite that you distributed earlier on the back of the paper, under the effect of the pressure, will deposit on the underlying drawing sheet.
Step 6. Complete the drawing
After tracing the edges again, you can remove the tracing paper and uncover the sheet underneath. At this point, add any missing strokes, shades or details from the original image.
Method 2 of 3: Using Carbon Paper
Step 1. Overlap the various sheets
To copy an image using carbon paper, you need three sheets: the image, the carbon paper and the drawing pad. Arrange them neatly on the table and stop them. Place the drawing pad (the one you want to copy the image onto) on the bottom, then the carbon paper (with the graphite layer down) and finally the image on top.
Step 2. Trace the drawing
Using a very sharp pencil or pen, carefully trace all the outlines of the figures in the image. The pressure you exert to trace causes the graphite on the back of the carbon paper to deposit on the drawing sheet it rests on. Make sure you haven't left out any details and don't add shades.
Step 3. Finish the drawing
If you are sure that you have traced the outlines of all the main parts of your chosen image, move the original sheet and carbon paper from the drawing pad to the bottom. At this point, make any changes or enhancements you want to the drawn outlines. You can shade or color the design if you wish.
Method 3 of 3: Use a light table
Step 1. Fix what you need
Place the light viewer on the table and place the image to be copied on top, securing the corners with adhesive tape. Place the drawing pad on top of it. Also block the corners of this sheet with masking tape and turn on the light. If your drawing pad isn't too thick, you should be able to see the image below.
Step 2. Trace the outlines of the figure
Work carefully on the drawing, tracing the outlines of all the main elements with the pencil. Since you don't use any other sheets apart from the one you're drawing on, you can blend the strokes and add shadows if you want.
Step 3. Finish the drawing
Turn off the light on the light viewer to check if you have forgotten any strokes in the drawing (in which case, turn the light back on and complete the missing parts). When you are done tracing, you can add colors, shades and details with or without the help of the light table.
Advice
- Using carbon paper is the cheapest method, but also the most difficult and laborious.
- If you don't have a light table, tape the image and drawing pad onto a window pane on a sunny day with duct tape for a similar effect.
