How to Scale Drawings Using the Grid Method: 9 Steps (2024)

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1. 1

   Pick your image. The image this article will be using as an example is this image from a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon. If you're using this method for the first time or you don't have a lot of drawing experience, choosing a simple cartoon image like the one shown is ideal.

2. 2

   Choose your drawing paper. It should be scaled to the size of your original print. The image in this example uses a 1:1 scale drawing (8.5" x 11"/21.4cm x 28cm), meaning that the reference image and the final product will be the same size. However, depending on the size of your image, you may need to scale the size of your drawing up or down accordingly.

   • For example, if you have an image that's 8.5" x 11" (21.4cm x 28cm):
     • To scale the drawing size up 2x, the paper should be 17" X 22" (43cm x 56cm).
     • To scale the drawing size down 0.5x, the drawing paper should be 4.25" x 5.5" (10.7cm x 14cm).

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3. 3

   Mark the edges of the reference picture at equal intervals. The example image uses one-inch (2.5cm) intervals, which is a good size to use, however your intervals may have to be slightly larger or smaller depending on the size of your paper. In the end, you should make sure to have equally spaced marks along the edges of your paper.

   • Note that in the example image, because one-inch markings were used, there is a quarter-inch (0.64cm) marking at both the upper and lower half of the drawing, since the height is 8.5"/21.4 centimeter (8.4in). These two quarter-inch markings account for the extra half-inch. Depending on the size of your paper, you may have to do this as well.
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   Connect the opposing marks with a ruler. These connected lines will form a grid pattern, hence the name "Grid Method".^[1]

5. 5

   Make the same grid pattern on your drawing paper. Mark the edges at equal intervals and connect them using a ruler to create a grid as you did with the original image. However, make sure to only draw the markings and grid lines lightly so that you can erase them later on. In the end, you should have something similar to the image provided.^[2]

   • Whether you need to make your drawing larger or smaller, make sure that the size of the squares of your new grid is proportionate.
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   Number each box on both your reference picture and drawing paper. This will enable you to easily keep track of which box on the original image corresponds with which box on your drawing paper. Start with the top left corner and work down from there, creating what will look like a calendar. Again, remember to press lightly with your pencil on your drawing paper so that you can easily erase the numbers at the end.^[3]

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   See Also

   What Is Grid Method Multiplication? Explained For Primary School Teachers, Parents And PupilsThe Grid Method: Student Paced Mastery LearningWhat is the grid method?Enlarging an Image Using a Grid

   Begin drawing. Look at a box on your reference picture and re-create what's inside of it in the corresponding box on your drawing paper.

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You can begin in whichever box you'd like, but it's helpful to start with the boxes that include the general outline of your image in order to make sure that it will all connect properly. Make sure to use a pencil so that you can easily make adjustments to your drawing.

1. 1

   Add the details. Once you have the outline complete, you can begin to add in smaller details such as eyes, noses, mouths, etc. You don't have to include all of the details that your reference image does - it's up to you to decide how detailed you'd like your picture to be.

2. 2

   Outline your drawing and erase the grid and numbers. Once you've finished the drawing, take a pen or a fineliner and re-trace your drawing with it. After that, use an eraser to get rid of the grid lines and the numbers so that all that remains is your drawing. Make sure to wait until the ink from your pen or fineliner is completely dry before you erase, otherwise you may smudge the ink.

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Community Q&A

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• Take a step back every so often to get a look at "the bigger picture". It can be easy to get lost in the little details while ignoring the more important features of a drawing.

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• Don't shun your ruler! Gentle curves should be drawn by hand, but straight lines (like Calvin's hair or Hobbes's sides in the example image) can be drawn with a ruler.

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• If you need to make even smaller boxes, do it! The smaller the boxes, the more information you have, therefore, the more accurate your representation will be.

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Show More Tips

• An image you want to draw
• Proportionally scaled drawing paper
• A pencil
• An eraser
• A ruler
• A pen or fineliner

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Co-authors: 27

Updated: February 17, 2023

Views:406,481

Categories: Featured Articles | Drawing Styles

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