I have been inspired to improve my skills this summer. It's been going well on the bases of lineart, but coloring doesn't get any better than a toddler who can color within the lines. For reference: http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/156/c/b/cbbbc0270899e5093b881c37efcf8191-d7l6sbm.png

As you can tell, the shading attempt only went ok so far as the hair and some skin. I appreciate any advice given, thankyou guys.

I'd say that it's important to know how folds work, they give the clothing more depth and if you add fold-lines the shading comes with it. There are many good tutorials online here is an example The best way is to draw something from life, because that way you understand how things really look like instead of imagining how they could look like. (:

You should also consider the texture of the fabric, the above link I did find useful, though I think you should try something a bit more basic. I tried a little something you can take a look (sorry it's not very good as I had to use a mouse today) http://imageshack.com/a/img823/4412/a5yo.jpg 1 always consider the shadows stuff like heads can make 2 As you drew a chibi, this will be easy, just imagine the body as a cylinder and shade the main shadow according, though be sure to extend the shadows that are underneath other parts like the skirt which is under the vest 3 the darkest parts should also give a sense of shape or texture, I also like to use other colors (in this case purple) instead of plain old black, it can really liven up the image.

what I ended up with: http://imageshack.com/a/img834/7940/cea5d.jpg

Fabric are composed of 3 characteristics, Thick or thin and loose or tight and flexible or not. If you get that down you can draw any piece of clothing. for example, thin sweaters are thin, tight, and flixible. suits are thick, tight and not flexible.

http://solfieri.deviantart.com/art/Clothing-Folds-Tutorial-194453484 http://janemere.deviantart.com/art/How-to-Draw-Cloth-The-Basics-213019261

these are my personal favs for clothing tutorials.

I almost forgot about this post! Thankyou guys for the help. Clothes don't seem so hard now c: