Here we go! This was requested by Zelda_story_teller and it's a good idea, so here we are. I drew the classic Link since I couldn't think of anything else to draw and he's simple enough for these purposes.

1. Start with the outline, and then the flat colors.

This makes the base that will be shaded.

2. Outline where you're going to shade.

It looks bad at first, but it looks normal once you start filling it. I tend to do a lot of shading on the skin and hair, but those are both up to what the artist wants to do.

3. Add lighting if desired.

I use the air brush in the program I use. I simply overlay it on top of the other layers.

4. Shading the eyes.

Similar to the rest, I just outline the bottom and then fill in the top later. Of course, other people have different eye styles, but I'm showing my own for completion sake.

I do put some shading inside the eyes as well, just to add depth.

Here's the finished result. I hope this is useful. Please ask if you have any questions, and I will try to respond as best I can.