One of the biggest problems I have with my artwork is having characters that look too “flat:” characters that are standing straight up, either facing the camera or shown at a 3/4 view. This works for some situations, but sometimes feels like I’m overusing it. So here’s an easy trick I’ve learned for drawing characters at some interesting new perspectives. All you need is a reference model to work with. You can buy one of these wooden mannequin thingimajigs, or if you have 3DS Max or a similar program, you can open it up and create a biped. Alternatively, you could also use dolls, action figures, or even people as potential reference models. Position your model into the pose and angle that you want your drawing to be in and take a picture/screen shot.

Good! Now, using this reference, you can create the basic skeleton of your character. Draw a stick-figure matching your reference, putting circles where the shoulders, elbows, hands, knees and feet should be; try to get the circles as close as possible to the size you want to draw the parts they represent. I also have a semi-sphere representing the size and orientation of the hips. It’s okay to trace the stick figure over the reference image if you must. It’s what I do.

Now from here drawing the body should be a simple matter of connecting the dots. Fill in the shape of your character’s body as usual, being sure to consider the perspective as you go (remember, things should look smaller the further away they are! Body parts are no exception). Erase excess lines as you finish with them.

And from here you’re on the home stretch. Just start filling in the rest of your character’s usual details. Give it clothes, hair, facial features and anything else you were planning to. If all went well, you should have a nice-looking character drawing!

Mine was a zombie faerie!

If you have any further questions or extra tips, feel free to post them in the comments. Also feel free to upload your results to Photobucket and share the link.