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Description
Because the chain is one of my biggest calling cards (I just think they're the most awesome garnish to any illustration. They sort of tie things together), I figured it was high time that I made a quick tutorial on how I do them.

FOLLOW THIS MORE DETAILED TUTORIAL FOR BEST RESULTS:

Step 1: Draw a guiding line, which defines a beginning and ending point. This keeps your chain under your control.

Step 2: Draw the shape of your chain at the beginning of the line (let's just say that your shape can be anything that has a connected point). Note that the center is in the middle. Here are a couple tips: It helps if you draw both sides before you connect the shape. This way symmetry can be made easier than just going all the way through. It also helps if you make this shape small. You'll see why...

Step 3: Draw the next link above the first shape. In a minute, you'll see why we do this before we finish the first link. Note that I drew the next link inside the last one ever so slightly. The second link is twisted to its side, so you only see a side view of it. Also it is overlapping the first. This is another reason you might find it easier to draw both sides of the first one before you connect. You can overlap the two more easily.

Step 4: Now you may fill in the first link. Note that it is under lapped by the second link. Also note that it is usually the same shape only drawn outside the first one. We are almost done!

Step 5: Begin the next link like you began the first. Repeat step 2 except you will substitute "beginning of the line" with "Slightly under the edge of the previous link". That is pretty much true for any kind of chain twisted or otherwise.

Repeat step 3! Make sure you repeat step 3 before completing the third link, so we remain consistent with the first two links. Now that we're done with link 1 and 2 and have 3 and 4 started, we're on our way to being chain link masters!'

Repeat step 4 and then repeat repeat repeat! This get repetitive, but it's quite fun once you got it. DON'T STOP!
Now you are drawing effective, scientifically plausible chain links that are easy on the eyes and the brain. No more staring and confusion! HAVE FUN!

Description
Because the chain is one of my biggest calling cards (I just think they're the most awesome garnish to any illustration. They sort of tie things together), I figured it was high time that I made a quick tutorial on how I do them.

FOLLOW THIS MORE DETAILED TUTORIAL FOR BEST RESULTS:

Step 1: Draw a guiding line, which defines a beginning and ending point. This keeps your chain under your control.

Step 2: Draw the shape of your chain at the beginning of the line (let's just say that your shape can be anything that has a connected point). Note that the center is in the middle. Here are a couple tips: It helps if you draw both sides before you connect the shape. This way symmetry can be made easier than just going all the way through. It also helps if you make this shape small. You'll see why...

Step 3: Draw the next link above the first shape. In a minute, you'll see why we do this before we finish the first link. Note that I drew the next link inside the last one ever so slightly. The second link is twisted to its side, so you only see a side view of it. Also it is overlapping the first. This is another reason you might find it easier to draw both sides of the first one before you connect. You can overlap the two more easily.

Step 4: Now you may fill in the first link. Note that it is under lapped by the second link. Also note that it is usually the same shape only drawn outside the first one. We are almost done!

Step 5: Begin the next link like you began the first. Repeat step 2 except you will substitute "beginning of the line" with "Slightly under the edge of the previous link". That is pretty much true for any kind of chain twisted or otherwise.

Repeat step 3! Make sure you repeat step 3 before completing the third link, so we remain consistent with the first two links. Now that we're done with link 1 and 2 and have 3 and 4 started, we're on our way to being chain link masters!'

Repeat step 4 and then repeat repeat repeat! This get repetitive, but it's quite fun once you got it. DON'T STOP!
Now you are drawing effective, scientifically plausible chain links that are easy on the eyes and the brain. No more staring and confusion! HAVE FUN!