Swords come in many different forms, sizes, designs and materials. Fantasy and science-fiction movies have often depicted some swords that are far more imaginative than anything used in real history. Energy swords are often depicted as powerful weapons with blades of colorful light or "energy." Learn to use a framework that will allow you to draw your image onto and use reference for inspiration and accuracy.
Instructions
Reference, Framework and Sketching
1. Find reference images of swords, both real and those found in both fantasy and science-fiction movies and games. These images will help you design an energy sword that is based in reality and accurate.
2. Break down your sword into basic shapes. Cylinder shapes and rectangle shapes, as well as triangle shapes work well for the hilt of your sword. Long cylinder shapes or rectangular shapes work well for the blade of your sword. A small triangle on the end of the long cylinder or rectangle shape can act as the tip of the blade.
3. Note that energy swords often don't have a physical blade of sorts and instead are made of energy or light. Drawing a field of glowing energy around the blade section of your drawing can help sell the idea that your sword is an energy sword. Lightning coursing its way over the blade can also give the same effect.
4. Lightning is drawn by sketching small angular lines all across the blade that are joined to one another. After this has been done, just make the lines thicker. Energy fields around the blade can be drawn by simply sketching a glow that surrounds the blade. The glow can be simple and rounded, like a lightsaber, or it can be angular and erratic, which gives the impression of raw, uncontrollable power.
5. Build up your sword from the basic shapes by joining the pieces together and adding some details. Padding, ornate carvings and runes are great details to add to energy swords. Refine all your details and clean up your line drawing as you go.
6. Take a fine-line pen and draw over the pencil lines you want to keep. Take care with this step as mistakes cannot be erased. Let the pen ink dry for a few moments before you erase the pencil lines to avoid smudging. You should be left with a clean line drawing.
7. Add some color to your image with good quality marker pens. Use your reference images to help you color in materials such as metal and wood accurately. When it comes to the energy blade, bright and vivid colors work the best.
