![](https://i0.wp.com/www.helendeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/804F64A2-08AF-432B-9387-55A6647CD8A4-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C2560&ssl=1)
Illustration Process
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.helendeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/804F64A2-08AF-432B-9387-55A6647CD8A4-scaled.jpeg?resize=1100%2C1100&ssl=1)
Illustration Process
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.helendeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1630.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1)
Step 1: The Sketch
I loved rollerskating as a young girl. Ice skating, too. I searched for reference photos of the type of roller skates I had as a girl. I wanted the illustration to be both feminine and tough and ended up with over the knee socks and a bandaged knee to illustrate the fact that girls are resilient.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.helendeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1631.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1)
Step 2: Base Colors
I imported a photo of my sketch into the Procreate app on my iPad and began filling in the large areas with color. I don’t worry about texture at this point. I’m just making sure the colors are right and laying down a foundation.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.helendeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1632.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1)
Step 3: Shading
Next, I add shading. I love using symmetry in Procreate because it’s a time saver. You can see how I used symmetry to shade the roller skates, but the socks and skin were done separately.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.helendeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_1633.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1)
Step 4: Details and Lettering
Finally, I colored in the fun details and hand letter the quote. Bold colors and happy motifs on the skates give the illustration the retro vibe I was going for.