Expand Your Figure Library
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
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.
Share with a friend
