I’ve noticed that you put a lot of detail into your airplanes, which I really admire!! I’ve been wanting to get more detailed in my airplane sketches too, so I was wondering if you have any tips on really analyzing planes?
My condolences if this is a random question :) 🛩️
hiii sorry this took so long for me to reply work has been kicking my ass lately
I will say if details aren't something you already enjoy drawing it's definitely not a necessity to draw it in plane artwork - a lot of the aero artists I see will simplify 'em. I draw detailed and cartoony planes, depending on how I'm feeling/what I want the piece to convey, e.g. a drawing where the focus is the expression or pose will have less detail than one where I'm just showing off the model.
As for tips, I really just use as many photo references as I can when I draw planes. I didn't used to! A lot of my original drawings of planes were done while I was traveling on planes and didn't have access to the internet, therefore no access to reference images. I think starting off that way made me consider the basic fundamentals of how an aircraft is shaped, before going right into drawing trying to add details from the get-go. Planes are basically just tapered cylinders with crap added to them.
At the end of the day I am drawing characters, so making sure the personality and design of the character is clear before getting crazy with details is also important, finding that balance.
I'll use my QANTAS work as an example, he is my pfp afterall (and has been for what, almost 4 years to the day now? I don't intend on changing it anytime soon.
The drawing below is one I did in 2024 and the one below that is 2022. 2 years and they look totally different, I think it was all just a change of perspective?
Actually giving a toss about what the aircraft model is instead of just making bullshit up. In this case a dreamliner... though in my mind he's a 737 now... watch out) That way I can actually look up images of the specific model and can reference off it. Speaking of perspective that is certainly a handy tool to have in your tool box if you want more detailed planes.
I would also try not to get caught up in all the panels you can see on aircraft, I use panels pretty sparingly to convey form or use as apart of the design and that's it. Unless you're drawing photo realistic planes adding a ton of panels can look odd in my experience.
huge lengthy response and doesn't really get into the meat of it, I think just studying and drawing real planes will give you everything you'd need really!