onesheeted

Onesheeted refers to a style of fan art or fiction that originated in the online community, particularly in the realm of Western animation and comics. A onesheet is typically a single sheet of paper, often 18 inches by 24 inches, used as a reference guide for animators to sketch out character designs, scene compositions, and storyboards. Onesheeted art takes inspiration from these reference sheets, often rendering them in a simplified, rough, and hand-drawn style.

Onesheeted art is characteristically sparse, focusing primarily on simple shapes and general proportions. Lines are likely to be loose and sketchy, with minimal detail and refinement. The presentation often exudes a sense of amateurishness, which can be charming and reminiscent of the analog era of illustration. Practitioners of onesheeted art may choose to intentionally leave areas incomplete or roughly sketched, to evoke a sense of intimacy and immediacy in the creative process.

Not limited to Western-style animation, influences of onesheeted art can be seen across various fandoms and art styles. Countless artists have explored this aesthetic, from enthusiasts of anime to comic book illustrators. Onesheeted art distinctly lives in the shadow of official promotional art and its high-polish counterparts. Its authentic idiosyncrasies promise insight into the workflow and thought process of aspiring artists, and its unpretentious spirit fosters an organic, offbeat charm.