Help, please: Shading

[Rolland]

I am working on this design for a Spyder knife handle. My problem is I need some help/guidance on shading. I am still learning this craft and sometimes get in a little over my head on design. Any help would be appreciated. or perhaps point me in the right direction to find some information on shading

 

[monk]

one of the best ways to get an appreciation for, as well as a bit of skill for shading is to check out some of the youtube videos. best to start with rather simple design at first. some call it, "baby steps" attempting very complex design, i feel , is counter productive. sam alfano,our landlord, has xcellent videos on the subject. check em all out.

 

[tdelewis]

Print it on paper and try different approaches to shading with a pencil. You will eventually get it to look to your satisfaction.

 

[Grizzland]

While I am far from being an expert, I do have a little background in art and design, which has helped me immensely turning to the engraving world. Although the media is very different then Pen & Ink ( what I still do ) or painting, the principles are the same. Light direction is important in making your shadows look real. tdelewis has it down, draw everything out as if you were sketching an art piece and then apply those principles to designing your engraved surface. Meaning, once you have the areas of shadow worked up in your head and on paper, apply the engraving lines to those areas. You've seen the videos on YouTube, I'm sure.. spacing and consistency are key to engraving shadows.
As Layne Zuelke has said, "don't put a shadow where there shouldn't be one." Less is more.
Hope this helps and didn't confuse you.