- Shaping the Head - 


The head is the beginning point of every character, and the hardest part to perfect. But I'll show you a few things that might help.

Well, lets start off by reviewing the basics.


The Basics 



The Circle

Drawing a circle to begin the head is taught in almost every art book I've ever read. But it is important to remember that the circle is just a rough outline. You should never fully rely on a circle. But it is a good place to start. If for nothing else, it works great to figure out the placement of a head.

Beginners Hint:
Sketch lightly if you plan on erasing the pencil.


The Center Line

This is in fact the most important line. This line will not only help point your character in the right direction, but it will also help you draw in the face evenly.
Draw this line first. It will set you up for the eye line.



The Eye Line

The eye-line is the second most important of the lines.
The eye-line should be placed under the middle of the circle. But this will change as you change the size, and the angle of the head.



The Ear Line

This one is simple enough, though I would not recommend sketching this one in. Its easy enough to imagine in place. As soon as your jaw-line hits the circle's edge it goes upwards.

Beginners Hint:
Remember that the ear is drawn under the eye-line.



The Nose Line

Again, I would not recommend drawing this one in. The nose line will change depending on how your drawing the head, so its better to go without.

Beginners Hint:
If you plan on making the mouthed closed, then try putting the tip of the nose right between the eye line and chin.
If you plan of making the mouth open, then put the tip of the nose a little higher.




Remember to think of the circle as a solid sphere. Always try and 3D it in your mind's eye. You'll get better at it as time goes by.



Drawing a Face 


Step One - Lines

Start off by drawing a circle. Imagining which way your character is looking, draw a center line. Now draw the eye line. You now have your center line and eye line pointing you in the right direction.






Step Two - Face

First make sure you leave enough space to become the forehead, then draw a little inward space for the eyes. This space show be where the eyes are going to be.

Now start drawing outward for the cheek. Gently slope down towards the center line. Unless your going for a perfectly pointed chin, start drawing it a little before the center line.

After you pencil the cheeks and jaw, draw in the nose. I suggest using the eye line as a starting point. Imagine how the mouth will look, and leave space for it.


Step Three - Mouth

The mouth usually sits closer to the nose than to the chin. So that's where we're going to put it. We can achieve this by drawing a simple line.

Drawing a little dimple under the mouth is a nice touch.






Step Four - Eyes

Take into account the space between the eyes. With that in mind, draw the eyes on the eye line.

Beginners Hint:
The inside corner of the eye usually sits over the edge of the nostril. Great hint for estimating.





Step Five - Ears

Imagine the ear line going up from the jaw line. You can just draw a 'C' shape, or draw something more realistic.

Beginners Hint:
The ears sits behind the ear line, and under the eye line.





Final Animation -

Here is an animation that might prove useful. Remember to find a way of drawing that is comfortable for you. And then make it your own.



Creating Characters


You might find it hard to use circles in the beginning. You might even think to yourself, "Gee golly! Circles sure are hard to use. I can't make anything but goofy characters with them." But you can actually use circles with any style you choose to master. Use them for simplistic comedy characters, to the more serious action/adventure character.
Here are some examples.

Remember to think of the circle as a solid sphere. Always try and 3D it in your mind's eye. You'll get better at it as time goes by.

 Bring the jawline close up to the circle for the cute, young, comical, and lovable types of character.

Make a long angular jawline for the more realistic type of character.

Don't feel confined by the circle. You can point the head in any direction using a circle.

 

 Add more wrinkle lines to increase the age of any  character.




 



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