DEMONSTRATION
THE REBEL LEADER

The Rebel Leader never asked for this job. She just wanted to keep her head down and stay out of trouble, but the best-laid plans often go awry. Now she’s the head of the underground rebellion, and even though she wasn’t planning on taking part, she’s uniquely suited for the job. She’s a natural: strong, capable and charismatic. The dystopia’s Have-nots have been downtrodden for so long that they’ve started to forget what hope looks like—but with the Rebel Leader carrying the banner, there just might be light at the end of the tunnel.

1 STRIKE A POSE

Start with your sketch. For the Rebel Leader, pick something action-oriented. She’s crouched low to the ground, getting ready to spring up for an attack.

2 FILL IT IN

Clean up the lines in your sketch. Edit the anatomy to suit your character and start adding in the first bits of detail. Also keep an eye out for any changes you can make to improve the anatomy from your initial sketch. In this version, her left leg is a little longer than it was originally.

3 DRESS YOUR CHARACTER

Sketch in the clothes and hair, paying attention to what suits the character’s personality. Her hair is tied back so it won’t get in the way, and she has no loose clothes to get caught in the middle of a fight.

4 ADD DETAIL

Prep your piece for inking by working in more detail. This is a good time to start putting in small touches like the lines on her vest or the texture on the rim of her boots.

She prefers a stealthy combat style, so her weapons should reflect that. Tonfas are small, light and quiet, which is perfect for what she needs.

5 INK IT UP

Go over your piece with ink and finish adding in any other details you want to include. Pay attention to finishing touches such as the little waves in her hair and the stitching and creases in her clothes.

6 ADD COLOR

This palette will change depending on the occasion because it has to suit a variety of situations. If the Rebel Leader wants to be a visible figurehead, it would be a bright, eye-catching palette. When in the field of combat, she probably tends toward the greens and browns of fatigues.

In this particular case, she’s preparing a raid on an urban landscape at night, so the tones are grays and charcoal. In terms of practicality, she should probably be wearing all black to blend into the nighttime urban landscape. However, in a visual medium, it’s OK to take a little artistic license. If you want, add some lightness to prevent a character all in monochrome—just make sure it’s still subdued and fits your stealthy palette.