Well here's my method of coming up with new traces. I'll include some tracing tips at the end. Honestly, its really nothing special but for those starting out I think it'll be useful.

As mentioned earlier, I'm not explaining how to do a million cookie cutter traces. I"ll try to help you develop a mentality so you can create your own.

I really don't think this needs any visual aids, but if someone would like me to post an example I will. But the problem with that is it will probably end up being me showing you some traces..which defeats the purpose of this because I want you to make up your own.

First off, just take any basic trace you know. .doesn't matter which

Do the trace VEEERY SLOOWLY. Almost unbearable slow. Watch exactly where the sticks travel over and where those body parts connect to others.

By doing slowly, it allows you see alternate paths to trace. Maybe you trace up the body part instead of down, maybe it zigzags down the body part instead of outlining the body part, maybe you see a spot where the sticks intersect so you can transfer them both into one hand, maybe you can transition to another part of the body, maybe stop in the middle of it and change directions, maybe you can stop in the middle of it and go into a completely different trace. THERE ARE A MILLION MORE POSSIBILITIES.

You have to consciously think, "Ok, what else can I do with this." JUST EXPERIMENT.

Do an entire basic tracing routine VERY SLOWLY. And do each trace a few times. This will allow you to see different ways to transition to other body parts and to other traces. Don't be limited by thinking you have to trace over the entire body part before you move on. For example, trace your left shoulder, then up your head, but you don't
have to finish tracing around the head by going under the chin and back up. Why not trace down the right side and all the way down to your stomach or something?

If you're going to transition the trace to another body part, ALSO DO THAT SLOWLY. This is how your transitions become smooth. Practice this over and over. Gradually increase the speed.

Also, break down body parts into sections. Like the top surface of the leg vs the bottom surface of the leg vs the sides. If you do a trace on one part, then transition to another, it gives your traces a more intricate look.

Sometimes, smaller sections to work with force you to come up with something new because your usual trace design won't fit. Don't be afraid to try odd parts of the body, like your kidney area or even behind your back.

Basically, the way I do it is to make myself bored of doing something so slowly and over and over again. It forces me to come up with something new.

Some general tips for tracing (all my preference, you don't have to do things my way)

I hold the sticks the "paintbrush" way. Hold the sticks loosely at the tip of the stick. For me, it gives good control fo the stick without limiting the rotation of my wrist. It also gives the trace a smoooth effect combined with dragging the sticks.

Again, my preference is to drag the sticks more on the body. So when you are tracing, push down a bit. It gives a more fluid effect.

BUT you don't have to drag them. You can allow them to lightly touch. This means tracing will have more of an outlining effect. It's your preference.

-style2burn

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