Steps
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Drawing lightly, make guidelines to help visualize the length, bend and the handle of the sword.
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Make a rough sketch of the sword's shape, handle and the guard (if any).Advertisement
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Create finer details using a sharper tipped pencil or sketching tool.
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Draw the final outline over the sketch.
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Erase and remove the sketch marks to produce a clean outlined drawing.
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Add color or shading to the drawing if needed.
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Drawing lightly, sketch the shape of the sword you have in mind.
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Sketch additional details for the blade handle and guard (if any)
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Create finer details using a sharper tipped pencil or sketching tool.
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Draw the final outline over the sketch.
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Erase and remove the sketch marks to produce a clean outlined drawing.
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Add color or shading to the drawing if needed.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhy is it so complicated?Community AnswerIt really isn't that complex if you go slow. Start with a simple sketch of a long narrow rectangle. Hold your pencil lightly so you can erase easily, then just draw the basic shapes. Once you get these looking the way you want, fill in the details. Practice makes perfect, so keep at it if it doesn't come out right the first time.
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QuestionCan I make one in 3D?Community AnswerYes, you can color and shade it to make it more realistic.
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QuestionWhy do the swords look plain?Community AnswerNot all swords were shiny. A less precious sword may not have been polished. If you can watch the video till the very end, you may have seen that the shine was added.
Video
This video focuses on the trickier aspects of drawing a human hand holding a sword.
Tips
- You could try to base your sword after some type of theme. examples: Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Silver, Gold, Dragons.Thanks
- Try to focus on the shading and the details.Thanks
- You may want to add some background to your sword.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Customize your sword with gems or jewels for added flare.
- Try using Google images for inspiration.
Things You'll Need
- [For print] Paper, Pencil, and an eraser.
- [On a computer] Adobe Illustrator, PhotoShop, or a similar illustration application.
- Sword reference (to sketch while you look at it), typically a a photograph. Or, just draw one you make up.
About This Article
To draw a sword, start by lightly drawing a slightly curved line to help you visualize the length and bend of the sword. Next, draw a small line horizontally across the first one about 1/3 of the way up to mark where the handle stops. Then, sketch in the blade’s shape around the curved line, followed by the outline of a handle at the bottom. Once you’re happy with your drawing, add in details, like designs on the handle, and draw a final outline over the sketched lines. Finally, erase the guidelines and add some color to the drawing. For tips on how to add shading to make a more realistic-looking sword, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "I'm a horrible artist and it's nice to have an easy drawing to help begin learning more and more on drawing." ..." more