CHARACTER CONSTRUCTION

Figure construction using cylinders, circles and lines of action.

Step 1:
First begin with a LINE OF ACTION. The LINE OF ACTION should always be active. Avoid vertical lines — they are still and can make your character wooden. Try a sweeping curve, a diagonal or horizontal LINE OF ACTION.

    Fig : Character construction step 1

Step 2:
Add some simple shapes to the LINE OF ACTION. Think of these shapes as three dimensional, i.e., as FORMS with depth.

     Fig : Character construction step 2

Step 3:
We now need to build some STRUCTURE in our character. Draw simple lines for the structure of the arms and legs.

TIP: The hips are always attached across from each other and they are always opposite each other. If one is forward, the other is back. If one is up, the other is down.

       Fig : Character construction step 3

Step 4:
Create forms around the line of structure for the arms and legs. Most of the time you will be using cylinders.

     Fig : Character construction step 4

TIP:Experiment with different shapes of cylinders. Curved lines against curves or, better yet, curved lines against straight lines form more dynamic and interesting shapes.

Step 5:
Know which direction the cylinders face.

     Fig : Character construction step 5

TIP: The neck is always on the front side of the body and not on the top of the shoulders.

     Fig : Character construction step 6

Step 6:
Finally, hang the clothes over the forms. The details are the last elements you add to a character design.

     Fig : Character construction step 7

TIP: Work RUFF and LOOSE; it will add more action attitude and spontaneity to your designs.

Key Points

• Start with a LINE OF ACTION.
• Add SIMPLE SHAPES.
• Define the character's STRUCTURE.
• Add the FORMS.
• Details are added last.

Character Construction with Line of Action and Silhouette Theory:

    Fig : Image to show Line of Action and Silhouette Theory 1

The concept of line of action and silhouette helps in creating dynamic poses so that animation will look more appealing. Line of action is nothing but the imaginary area that exists in the centre of the character on which the entire character is built. Silhouette concept enhances the animation, to project the action of the particular pose even when there is no light put on the character. Silhouette can be defined as the shadow of the character in the darkness.

     Fig : Image to show Line of Action and Silhouette Theory 2