In the steps below, we’ll take a closer look at the various breakdown poses. If your character has distinguishing markings on one side or another that causes him or her to look different from either side, you’ll want to do two side views to illustrate the difference. While we’re looking at this, take a look at those lines that are behind each view. You’ll notice that save for minute shifts due to pose, those lines join corresponding places on each pose: the top of the head, the waist/elbows, fingertips, pelvis, knees, shoulders. After drawing the first view, it’s usually a good idea to pick your major points and use a ruler to draw lines from those major points and across the entire sheet, before sketching over them for the other views. This way you’ll have reference to make sure that you’re drawing everything to scale. Along with the 3/4 shot, you should also draw some action shots – various poses caught mid-motion, detailing how clothing or hair might move. You’ll see that the various key reference points don’t perfectly line up with the guidelines anymore, because of the angle. Instead, they should cross right at the midsection of the point being measured. For instance, the one shoulder would be above the line marking the default height for them, while the other shoulder would be below. The hollow of the throat, a midpoint for the shoulders, should rest almost exactly on the guideline. There are only two facial expressions drawn here for this example, but you should draw at least ten of the most common expressions for your character – whether he or she is generally smug, fearful, excited, happy, angry, etc. Keep drawing until you think you’ve covered their entire range of emotions.
