ANATOMY

O F A POSE
FIGURE CONSTRUCTION RULES
FOR FASHION DESIGNERS

By Amiko Simonetti
© 2020
 RU LE #1
SHOULDERS AND HIPS ANGLE IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
The spine is flexible and can twist, contract, and elongate. Like a spring, if one
side compresses, the other side opens. Where the spine opens, the pelvis drops to
compensate for the added length. The result is a counterbalance between the rib
cage and pelvis, creating a subtle “s curve” of the spinal column.
 RU LE #2
PLACE WEIGHT NEAR THE CENTER OF GRAVITY 
The figure’s center of gravity is located between the two largest masses of the body—
the rib cage and pelvis. For the figure to appear balanced, the figure’s weight must
be supported. Either one leg must align with the center of gravity, or two legs must
straddle the center of gravity.
 RU LE #3
THE RIB CAGE, PELVIS, AND SUPPORTING LEG (S) MAKE UP THE
ESSENTIAL STRUCTURE OF THE POSE
Essential structures are highlighted in purple. 
 RU LE #4
NONE ESSENTIAL STRUCTURES ARE FREE TO MOVE!
You can freely move non-weight supporting legs, arms, hands, etc to create new
interesting poses. 
 RU LE #5
STRUCTURES IN THE FOREGROUND OF THE IMAGE, WILL APPEAR
LARGER THAN ONES IN THE BACKGROUND
The side of the figure highlighted in yellow will appear slightly larger.
 The End.

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© Amiko Simonetti 2020