When working on commissioned portraits I use a very elementary system of grid lines. I first print out whatever I’m drawing and than box it out with 1″ squares. If my drawing is a 16″ x 20″ the boxes will be 2″. This ensures that my proportions are correct (or as correct as I can get them). I did this video to show the boxes and how I use them. There are lots of ways of laying out a drawing. This, for me, is the easiest and fastest way. The lines disappear on the charcoal paper I usually draw on, so I did this drawing on regular drawing paper with a 3B drawing pencil. It was a lovely break to get away from the pastel pencils for a few and just draw without blending or worrying about highlights.
If you haven’t yet, please check out my tutorial on this method.