Sunday, October 26, 2008

A few character studies





Hi everyone! I have to apologize for not posting and commenting earlier. This is such a great idea and a great exercise, but I have been a bit overwhelmed with some other things and have not been able to dedicate myself to giving life to these characters.

One thing I learned already: keeping proportions is hard! The characters worked really nicely on that one illustration, but when I try to sketch them in different poses (and I had done a few a while back for IF) the proportions were not right. That's where I tend to lose the consistency...

I'll be sure to visit everyone's posts and comment. Sorry if I don't finish this project. In about a week, I'm going to Brazil to visit my family, and I still feel I have so much to do!

5 comments:

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

Hi Monica, I sure do understand that struggle with proportions. Sometimes you get one part right and the other wrong or it's the other way around. I have had to work on this as well. I have traced the illustrated character over and over again until I have a since of size and scale. I adore your sketches the looseness is just delicious! Just keep doing it Monica and I promise you will get the proportions rights. It's getting comfortable with the character too. Well, have a wonderful trip home and be safe.

Paula. said...

Lovely

angelic pursuits said...

You've kept these sketches nice and fun, Monica! I have no doubt you'll get it to where you want it, but I also understand your frustration. Good luck with everything and enjoy your vacation!

Linda Kay said...

Monica--I love the looseness, so carefree looking--I think you'll get the same character soon, like Vanessa says, after doing it over & over again. Enjoy visiting your family & be safe!

Anonymous said...

Hope you have a great trip.

Keeping character proportions is one of the reasons for doing this exercise. Not to worry, it really HARD. I have to do it for each new character, every time. I bet a lot of other artists do too. That's why it's so hard to be a picture book illustrator.

That's another reason why art directors look for character sheets in portfolios. They don't want to hire someone who can't keep the character the same from start to finish.

You have a wonderful style, just keep at it! After all - practice makes perfect. :)