When making sketch-style 3D models in Maya, the best tools are Paint Effects, Artisan Sculpting Brushes, and Toon Shader—they help replicate hand-drawn or sketchy looks effectively.
Paint Effects lets you draw 3D strokes that turn into geometry, ideal for creating sketchy lines or basic shapes.
Artisan Sculpting Brushes enable organic, sketch-like sculpting, great for adding texture or uneven edges to mimic hand-drawn details.
Toon Shader adds outlines or cel-shading, which mimic the crisp lines of traditional sketches and give your model a hand-drawn feel.
For beginners, start with Toon Shader—its presets are easy to adjust and help you quickly see how sketch lines work with your model’s shape.