How to Transfer an Image

There are several ways to transfer an image from one paper to another. You may need to transfer your work if you created an initial sketch that needs to go on another type of paper for the finished art.


TRACING PAPER

The least expensive but probably most time-consuming method is using traditional tracing paper.

• Anchor the original drawing to a solid surface (such as a table top) with masking tape.

• Place a piece of tracing paper on top of the drawing. Tape the tracing paper to the drawing surface.

• Trace over your original drawing in pencil.

• Remove the tracing paper and flip it over. With a soft pencil, scribble over the area covered by the image.

• To make sure it’s covered with the graphite, smudge over the pencil marks with a piece of paper towel.

• Turn the tracing paper right-side up and place it on the paper for your final art.

• Again, tape three corners of the tracing paper to the drawing surface (or table top).

• Now, using a sharp pencil, go over the lines of your drawing again. You can look underneath the fourth corner to check on your transferred image.

• When you’re finished tracing, remove the tracing paper with the image. The same image should now be on your final art paper.


TRANSFER PAPER

Another way to transfer an image is to use transfer paper. Transfer paper has one surface already coated with graphite.

• Begin by placing your final art paper on your drawing surface. Then place the transfer paper on top of it, graphite side down. Finally, place the drawing that you are transferring on the top. The transfer paper is now between the final art paper and the original drawing.

• Use masking tape to ensure the final art paper and your original drawing are secured to the drawing surface.

• Trace over your original drawing. The transferred image will appear on your final art paper.


LIGHT BOX

One of the simplest ways for re-tracing is to use a light box.

• Sketch your original design in dark lines. I will often go over my drawing with a pen or marker.

• Place the original drawing on the light box. Secure it with masking tape.

• Place your final art paper on top of the original drawing. When you turn on the light, you’ll be able to see the original and trace it onto your final paper.

• Although this method provides a quick way to transfer an image, it doesn’t work well with thicker papers. The thicker the paper, the harder it is to see your original drawing. Depending on what your final piece of art will be, you may need to try a different method.

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