A keyline is an outline of a shape in a drawing or illustration, used to indicate the placement of details within the shape. It is usually a thin, black line, but can be any color that contrasts with the color of the object it is outlining.
Lines are often thought of as simple tools for artists – a way to create borders or outlines. However, lines can be so much more! In fact, lines are one of the most important tools in an artist’s toolkit.
Lines can be used to create various effects in an illustration. They can be used to create texture, shading, and depth.
In addition to their aesthetic purposes, lines can also be used to convey meaning and emotion. Lines can be used to express energy, passion, and movement. They can also be used to convey calm, serenity, and peace.
The purpose of a keyline is to help the artist place details accurately within the shape. It is also used to create a sense of depth and dimension in a drawing. When multiple keylines are used to outline different objects in a drawing, they can create a sense of movement and dynamics.
In digital illustration, a keyline can be used as a mask to isolate a certain area of an image. This is especially useful when working with complex images that have many different colors and tones. By using a keyline to mask out the area around the object you want to isolate, you can more easily select and manipulate the object without affecting the rest of the image.
Keylines are extremely important when it comes to creating lines for illustrations. They help to create a sense of depth and dimension, as well as guide the eye in a certain direction. Without keylines, illustrations would appear two-dimensional and flat. In addition, keylines can help to add interest and drama to an illustration.