Read on Twitter
HOW TO : Pencil Colors in 7 simple steps! A T H R E A D
DISCLAIMER : I don't receive any formal education on art and color theories and stuff so this thread is just for mere fun and (maybe) it can help a lot of people 
First step is to have a (decent) supplies. I'm using Lyra graduate pencil colors which is very affordable and a simple A5 sketchbook! These are the colors i usually use (i tend to use warm colors, you can use whatever palette you desire ofc)
HACKS : Choose the colors you are going to use beforehand by imagining what base colors you're going to use and what colors you are going to use for the shadows. It helps so much so then you don't waste your time on deciding the colors!
HACKS : Look up a lot of reference from EVERYWHERE to find your own colors! And it's OK to use reference if you are not sure about the values and details :)
I'm using this gorgeous picture of the lovely Elton John!
I'm using this gorgeous picture of the lovely Elton John!
1. Sketch loosely. I'm using red because using regular pencil will get the piece dirty and smudgy after i try coloring the whole piece with pencil colors :( Don't put up too much details because we are going to color it in the end!
HACKS : I never try too hard to match the reference. The key is to find the special features and exaggerate it! Example the eyes & eyebrows! Just have fun!
2. Color the skin with the base color. I'm using regular light flesh. My technique is cross-hatching. Color everything evenly, don't put up too much shadows because it will be orange's job.
3. I used A LOT by that i mean i exaggerated the orange. I put up a lot of details and shadows with orange (i loveeee the warm tones orange gives) and don't forget to cross-hatch!
4. Still with darker orange but i only used a little because we're going to work it on red.
4. Still with darker orange but i only used a little because we're going to work it on red.
5. Put. A lot of. RED! I used red exessively! I put the red on the darkest shadows and cheeks also ears! Basically everywhere!
6. Light brown on for eyes and eyebrows!
6. Light brown on for eyes and eyebrows!
7. I added only a little black on few strands of the eyebrows and eyes (dont use too much black it'll ruin the tones you're trying to build)
Added a little green for the shadows and yellow for the highlight and voila you have the most talented human being on earth sir Elton John! I also did some stuff on procreate and created some variations! 
