/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>10727612
Unfortunately no, I put together my approach through trial and error mostly. A quick browse on yt shows that there are "fix a patchy beard" tutorials (not necessarily aimed at cosplayers) that are pretty similar to what I do.
My biggest tip would be to mix application methods, you want to avoid either having obvious pencil-lines or too-smooth "hobo clown" flat color. I like to use a makeup wedge and alternate between stippling narrow lines with the corner and laying down darker patches with the flat side, often the makeup will stick to my existing beard hair to make it look thicker. I mix in eyebrow pencil or a fine brush occasionally too. Generally a lighter touch is good but you can always just wash off and try again.
Ultimately it just comes down to practice. Understanding the "grain" of your beard and shape of your cheeks and jaw to know where hair will look natural, studying the character/actor's beard to figure out the details (where does the mustache connect to the beard? how much hair grows on their chin? what edges are trimmed or natural?)... it'll always look kind of artificial in closeup photos but at a distance it's good enough.