I have been using this comic book style of sketching people for quite some time already but each time it yields different results. The approach was actually introduced to me by a sketcher and illustrator friend of mine quite a while ago but I kept at it and felt that this method keeps me on my toes and steer me away from staying too long in my comfort zone. I would draw each panel different by varying the size of the frame, and the proportion or scale of the figures within each panel, as though I am looking through a camera lens as I sketch. It may seem obvious at first but our minds’ eyes are powerful enough to zoom in and out of what we see with our physical eyes.

When I sketched this way, the frame was done partially first and then I would plan out the composition by imagining a virtual frame or picture plane in front of me, giving myself a ballpark of how much to place inside the panel. Then scaling these down into the panel size on paper. To further the challenge, I would draw direct on the sketchbook without a prior pencil sketch. This forced me to really plan ahead and see the composition first before laying down the first strokes of the pen.

The coffee culture is prevalent here in Singapore too, a fusion of western and eastern coffee connoisseur, sometimes blend with expert opinions of how a country should be run... but in most cases, peaceful savouring of the cafe's finest brew.

Where is the best place to go to if you want to sketch some people. I would recommend you sit in a coffeeshop or more popularly known as kopitiam in Singapore, or go to a food market and food center, order yourself a drink and sketch  away.

Coloured Pencils on sketchbook

People standing in line is my favourite. Everyone stands differently. One may rest his weight on one leg, while another would fold his arms. Everyone is dressed differently too. One great way to find out what's the fashion trend is to observe everyone in the line. I would go to a stall that has the longest line and a slow moving one too. Anyone person would stay in the line for at least 2 minutes, which is long enough to capture the gesture, the stance, the shift of his weight, his clothing, and sometimes his facial expression if you are fast enough. I would keep the facial details to a minimum unless you decide to make a portrait of the person. To do this, you may need to go up close to someone sitting or standing still for a longer period of time.

Apple Pencil on iPad Pro with Procreate

When I sketch with my iPad, I would usually not look suspicious unless someone come over to see what I'm doing. It's quite unlikely that someone would do this. Everyone plays with their iPad or smart devices all the time. Having one does not put you in the spotlight anymore. That said, someone came over when he saw me using the iPad Pro 12.9" and exclaimed loudly to me, "What are you using here? I have never seen a tablet so big before." If you want to prevent that from happening, you may now purchase the iPad Pro 9.7" which is less conspicuous.

I am not totally bought into drawing digitally yet, in contrary to all my friends' presumption. I actually draw more with pen on paper and on my newly bought iPad Pro, which is already about 1.5 months old. However, my time for sketching has been limited these days, as I am currently teaching several classes and 4 days in a work week. I would actually draw a little when I have assigned work to my students. Most of the time I would practice sketching them as they work.

Having fun with Derwent Colorsoft color pencils and test run a newly acquired Muji fountain pen.
Sketched on my Nude Book, 20cm X 20cm