CHARACTER CONSTRUCTION

ANIMATION
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.
STEP 2:

 Add some simple shapes to the LINE OF ACTION. Think of these shapes as three dimensional, i.e., as FORMS
with depth.
 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.
 STEP 4:
 Create forms around the line of structure for the arms and legs. Most of the time you will be using cylinders.
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
DRAWING WITH BASIC SHAPES
DRAWING WITH BASIC SHAPES
SOME DRAWINGS WITH BASIC SHAPES
 DRAWING A CAT:

 Step 1: Start your drawing with basic shapes & centerlines

STEP 2: THE NEXT STEP IS TO DRAW THE SHAPES OF THE CATS
LEGS.
STEP3: AT THIS POINT WE SKETCH IN THE DETAILS, EYES MOUTH
ETC.
STEP 4: THE LAST STEP IS TO CLEAN UP YOUR CHARACTER ON A
SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER, CAT IS NOW FINISHED.
ACTIVITY 1. LET’S DRAW USING BASIC SHAPES

 Using the steps above, draw a Dolphin with the final image below