Character Drawing 101

You will get: A PDF file with all the class videos linked to Google Drive

Class Summary

This course will break down the human body and study it from the ground up. We’ll start with gesture, form, and anatomy. Our focus will be to reach the point where you can confidently draw entire bodies from any angle or pose. Then, we’ll move on to stylization, exaggeration, and appeal. Additionally, throughout the course, we’ll learn how to implement a productive feedback loop so that you can objectively evaluate your art.

Class Takeaways

• Challenge your analytical mind to evaluate your art and self-direct methods for improvement or exploration.
• Learn techniques to study other artists, how to find and utilize references, and methods for teaching yourself after the conclusion of the class.
• Learn techniques to teach yourself, find resources, and have general good art practice.

This Class Is For:

• Beginner to intermediate artists who want to develop foundational drawing skills for capturing the human figure.
• For those who struggle with stiff posing, drawing characters in perspective/foreshortened angles, or drawings that lack energy and punch.

Class Structure:

Chapter 0 - Welcome

1. Meet Your Instructor: Lexin Yuan 02:00

2. Introduction to the Course 03:38

3. Materials and Software 04:10

Chapter 1 - Clip Studio Paint Overview

1. Setting up Your Canvas & Shortcuts 09:43

2. Choosing and Modifying Brushes 05:16

3. Layer Management and Layer Modes 09:32

Chapter 2 - Foundations for Solid Drawing

1. Artistic Mindsets 11:48

2. Line: Draftsmanship and Efficiency 17:32

3. Shapes: Reducing Complexity 13:51

4. Basic Forms: Thinking in 3D on a 2D Plane 22:37

Chapter 3 - Breaking Down the Human Figure

1. Gesture Drawing 42:23

2. Form Drawing 18:15

3. Head and Face Structure 29:58

4. Upper Body Anatomy 27:20

5. Lower Body Anatomy 19:27

Chapter 4 - Understanding Posing Basics

1. Finding Reference and Inspiration for Posing 12:55

2. What Makes a Pose Natural? 17:38

3. Weight and Force 17:49

4. Figures in Perspective 22:55

Chapter 5 - Dynamic Character Art

1. Finding Reference and Inspiration for Dynamic Character Art 03:48

2. What Makes a Drawing Dynamic? 05:52

3. Capturing Motion: Action Lines and Impact 12:20

4. Camera Angles: Framing and Appeal 15:14

5. Motion Blurs & VFX 05:50

Chapter 6 - Character Stylization

1. Finding Reference and Inspiration for Character Stylization 07:39

2. Proportion and Silhouette 15:04

3. Rhythm and Shape Language 10:57

4. Designing With Color 11:53

Chapter 7 - Character Creation

1. Finding Reference and Inspiration for Character Creation 09:02

2. Expressions & Body Language 11:31

3. Clothing, Hair, Accessories 11:43

4. Character Interaction 11:31

Bonus Chapter

1. Warm Ups and Drills 02:55

2. Advice & Thoughts on the Art Journey 32:56