Step by Step
How to draw a Shadow? How does Drawing a Shadow Work? Where do we start, and what can you expect? On this page, I will guide you step by step. But drawing a Shadow involves so much more, more attention, more patience, more love than I can explain in just five steps.
Step 1
I give you the space to share your wishes and ideas, but most importantly, your feelings. What does your heart tell you? Did your loved one have a particular way of walking or a distinct style of clothing? If your loved one passed away at a very young age, you may not know these details.
Have you ever dreamed of your child, or perhaps seen them walking down the street in a vision? How did they behave while still in your womb? Everything you share, I will write down.
You may feel like you’re speaking in riddles and have no idea what your wishes are, but often, you know more than you think. I collect all these puzzle pieces and turn them into a clear list of wishes. If you truly have no idea or find it too difficult to talk about, we can set it aside for the moment.
Step by Step
Step 2
During this time, I study the ergonomics of your Shadow’s age. By ergonomics, I mean that the body proportions must match the Shadow’s age. For example, girls experience growth spurts earlier than boys, and only much later does a girl develop into a young woman.
I also look at known statistics. Very young children can often kneel but not sit properly on their bottoms. Teen boys often struggle to squat temporarily during puberty. A child under six years old wouldn’t sit on a high tree stump without support, a mother’s hand just visible at the edge of the Shadow can make the difference between safety and risk.
These special, meaningful details complete the drawing for me. But don’t worry, you can leave this step entirely to me.
Step 2
During this time, I study the ergonomics of your Shadow’s age. By ergonomics, I mean that the body proportions must match the Shadow’s age. For example, girls experience growth spurts earlier than boys, and only much later does a girl develop into a young woman.
I also look at known statistics. Very young children can often kneel but not sit properly on their bottoms. Teen boys often struggle to squat temporarily during puberty. A child under six years old wouldn’t sit on a high tree stump without support, a mother’s hand just visible at the edge of the Shadow can make the difference between safety and risk.
These special, meaningful details complete the drawing for me. But don’t worry, you can leave this step entirely to me.
Step 3
This step takes place during your photoshoot. During the shoot, everyone has their own place, including your (yet to be drawn) Shadow. By already considering the new dynamics of your family, the final result becomes even more beautiful. That’s why it’s essential to communicate your wishes clearly with me and your chosen photographer beforehand.
Through the photos, I also learn a lot about your body shape and external features. Are you tall or compact? Flexible or a little stiff? Do you have curls or long, straight hair? I also get a sense of your personality, are you more formal in posture, or do you prefer warm hugs? All these elements influence how I draw your loved one.
Important to know! The cost of your photoshoot are not included in the design and drawing of your personal Shadow.
Step 4
By now, the ideas from step 1 have settled in, and I’ve gotten to know you better, both in appearance and personality. Now it’s time to go over the details from step 1 again.
First, we discuss the clothing down to the smallest detail. Then we dive deeper into specifics. Does Dad have larger, round ears while Mom has small, straight ears? What kind of ears should your Shadow have? We go through every detail, and I try to incorporate a little bit of everyone into your Shadow.
If you’re unsure, I will guide you. If you feel emotionally stuck, we can pause for a week or longer, whatever you need. No rush.
Step 4
By now, the ideas from step 1 have settled in, and I’ve gotten to know you better, both in appearance and personality. Now it’s time to go over the details from step 1 again.
First, we discuss the clothing down to the smallest detail. Then we dive deeper into specifics. Does Dad have larger, round ears while Mom has small, straight ears? What kind of ears should your Shadow have? We go through every detail, and I try to incorporate a little bit of everyone into your Shadow.
If you’re unsure, I will guide you. If you feel emotionally stuck, we can pause for a week or longer, whatever you need. No rush.
Step 5
Now, I begin the actual drawing. Over the course of several days, sometimes weeks, I will spend about 4 to 6 hours creating your personal Shadow. Sometimes even longer. The moment I feel, Yes, this is right, this feels good, I will call you.
After our call, I’ll send you an email with the completed Shadow image. Sometimes, you may want small adjustments, perhaps making it slightly lower or slimmer. You decide what feels right.
It also happens that someone calls me within ten minutes, overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, the Shadow is perfect and complete. Goosebumps.
A Shadow full of love and Memories
The most beautiful compliment is when someone says the Shadow reminds them of a niece, nephew, uncle, or aunt, a loved one I’ve never met. This means I’ve captured enough external traits and personality details to make it feel truly familiar. That’s amazing!
What Would Your Shadow Look Like?
Sweet or tough? Wearing cool pants or a delicate dress?
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
With love, Dasja