Expand Your Figure Library

Sheri Kennedy • Jul 01, 2023

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking

The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 4 No. 12 June 30, 2023

Simple Summer - Figures

With all the increase in activity that seems to accompany summer (at least in concept if not always in practice!), I find myself sketching people in a variety of poses. To continue our Simple Summer offerings, here are a few ideas for ways in which you can join me in expanding your library of figures.

First, if you're feeling a bit of reluctance, trust me, this will only take 10 minutes or less… unless you get pulled in and really enjoy hanging out with these cutie people drawings and decide to keep going. If you do, that's on you :-)

Why?

Second, if you are wondering why expand your figure library? Here are just a few reasons.

Differentiate people from one group to another
(teams, divisions, families)
Show diversity
Show hierarchy within organization
Draw people doing fun stuff
Add variety to your characters

person peering over a tall bookcase with multicolored figures

How?

How do I branch out from my go-to people style? Start with the body type. Here are 10 simple examples, each with endless variations. Try one of each, or pick one or two and see how many variations you can come up with.

Spiral people – spirals for each segment let your figure bend and sway into action
Blobs – any shape goes, and these are easily gender neutral
Triangles – make it tall, short, wide, skinny, point up and add a circle on top
O-U – "O" for the head, small upside-down "U" for the body
Star – pop a head on top of a 4-pointed star
Salt shaker – this is a fun shape with a subtle 3D feel to it
Stick figures – simple can still be effective
Elongated star – stretch and curve the 4-pointed star for a dynamic look
Geometric shapes – create variety in a group by using multiple shapes
Carrot – invert the triangle point-down and fill it in for a simple, solid body

Click to download the 10 Simple Figures handout to get started.

What next?

If you have a minute or two more, add stick or double-line arms and legs.
Add an object in your figure's hands or have them interact with it in some way.
Add a shadow (see our previous blog Easy Shadows - 3 Ways).
Add a context for your figure, like a simple horizon line, door or window frame.
Play around with simple facial expressions. Two eyes and a mouth are enough.