Saturday, June 5, 2010

How to draw the animated style

Animated heroes (in blue) are less rugged and grungy than those in comic books (in black}. They don't look as though they've been through a war. Although heroines are attractive, they aren't as overtly sexy, because the average animation viewer is younger than the average comic book reader - and the characters must be age-appropriate. Still, animated shows make up for this with clever line-work and imagery. Just look at the impressive design-work in the Batman Beyond series. 

ANIMATION:  AN OPTION FOR YOU?

Industries operate in a cyclical way; when some doors shut others open. Animation provides good opportunities for comic book artists to use their talents and make professional contacts. Plus, animation isn't relegated to television anymore. It includes all sorts of computer and internet applications. It's also a good strategic career move to have several sources of income. Sometimes, the producers of an animated show or webcast will be in a scheduling panic and will pay handsomely to get character designs done quickly. This is because they can't begin production until the characters are locked in place. Often, they'll look to comic book artists to create these designs, hiring animators later on to do the actual animating. These gigs are often short-term but pay quite well.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Male vs. Female eyes



MALE vs. FEMALE EYES.
The male eye is narrower and more rectangular, whereas the female eye is more tear shaped. Draw the male upper eyelid with a heavy line but the lower eyelid with a thin one. Both eyelids on the female eye are drawn with heavy lines. It's sometimes thought - erroneously - that thick eyebrows are only for men. But fuller eyebrows are great for drawing attractive women, too. Some famous models, such as Cindy Crawford and Brooke Shields, have fuller eyebrows, which draw attention to the eyes and can underscore a sultry look. Pencil - thin eyebrows have little impact.



IMPORTANT EYE TIP.
Whether you're drawing men's eyes or women's eyes, the top eyelid should touch or cover part of the iris. Don't leave any white space between the upper eyelid and the iris - unless it's for a specific expression, such as shock or surprise.










FEMALE LASH CONSTRUCTION.
Women's eyelashes are grouped together in a thick line, if you draw each individual lash, the result will look spidery.






P.S. The material is taken from the book "Christopher Hart - Drawing Cutting Edge Anatomy."