Drawing Figures and Figures in Action

Participants are introduced to the concept of figure drawing by starting with a simple 'stick' figure. They are then taught how to add simple body structure to the stick figure to start developing the basic human proportions.

From here the participants are introduced to the concept of gesture drawing. With gesture drawing the most important element to capture is the line of action, the motion that the character is doing.

They are then shown how, by using overlays, they can then develop a more detailed drawing on top of the gesture drawing.

Participants are also introduced to the concept of how to add musculature to rough drawings to begin to form the body and the appropriate proportions.  

Faces

Participants are taught how to construct a basic human face using anatomical guides. They are taught how to use elements of an object as a measurement tool, such as an eye, to ensure proper placement and proportion of the whole object.

Character Types

Participants are also taught about the basic types of characters and their associated characteristics. One example is the 'cute' character. Cute characters always have large eyes in contrast to their small feet, legs, arms, hands, and nose/mouth. They tend to have round, chubby, bodies to offset the small appendages. All of these characteristics combined result in the 'cute' look. Participants discuss and identify the character types of familiar characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Garfield, Spiderman, and the like. By learning the characteristics associated with the different character types they are better prepared to design characters that will convey the image that they intend.  

Perspective

Participants are introduced to the concept of perspective to help them construct environments for their characters. They learn about vanishing points, horizon lines, and how to draw objects in perspective, from a rectangular room, to everyday objects, such as a tire. They come to understand how perspective can add depth and a sense of realism to their cartoons.

Lighting

Lastly the participants are introduced to the concepts of lighting and shading. By adding these elements to their cartoons they can add interest and help to convey information, such as time of day, or enhance perspectives. They learn how to use the concept of light sources to ensure that they maintain consistency among their use of highlights and shadows. They are also introduced to the various elements of lighting, such as highlight, shadow, cast shadow, and reflected light.