Form, Figure and Proportions study

Form, figure and Proportions are very crucial for every object being modeled, whether it may be a character or a basic object such as a glass.

At the beginning of the trimester, we were tested for our speed in modeling, accuracy and proportions. When looking at a reference image, it is vital to carefully study it by blocking out the basic shapes first, then measuring proportions based on elements on the model itself to result in better precision while speed modeling.

However, since I will be modeling the character, understanding form, figure and proportions is extremely important. I have to admit, I am not too good with anatomy but I want to strive to do well. I want to be able to learn in depth how anatomy works so that I could come across a point where I don't need a reference image and can draw as loosely as I can but with accuracy. Gestural drawings are also important when sketching character posing concepts. After all, the way a character is posed tells a lot about their personality traits. Hence, I should be able to give my character EVAA the right pose to express her criminal vibe from first glance.

Character sheet with a basic bio, form and figure, and poses.

Here is a video explaining the importance of gestural drawings and understanding basic forms and proportions when drawing humans.

(moderndayjames, 2018)

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Understanding Form when sculpting in Zbrush

Since I will be sculpting my character in Zbrush, it is important to understand how the UI works with creating forms.

I have been a traditional artist for the most part of my life, but I only specialize in facial portraits. Hence, the transition from traditional painting to digital sculpting is pretty huge, but here is a great informative article describing and explaining how the transitional skills can be a lot easier if basic measures are learnt and practiced.

Form refers to the external shape or overall appearance of an object. In Zbrush sculpting, the form is defined by how well the light is depicted on the surface. Without shadows, midtones and halftones, there is no form. Hence, by increasing the shadows you are developing better form. In order to do this, more mass has to be added to the surface. The texture of the surface depends on what the material looks or feels like, but that is left for the latter part. It is also always advisable to start from building the big prominent shapes, blocking the main areas of depth and then add accurate markings, before going into detail (The Crankshaft Publishing, n.d.).

Proportion refers to the relationship between the "overall size of an object and the relative sizes of its parts" (The Crankshaft Publishing, n.d.). Human Proportions are usually 7.5 heads in height but with any stylistic choices, proportions could differ. Below is my character model sheet with the head counts. It mainly uses realistic human proportions.

Character model sheet with horizontal lines defining the head counts

Completed model and textured on 3Ds mAx.

Therefore, after a series of feedback received from my lecturer, I have been able to accomplish this model with accurate proportions. From facial proportions to body proportions, this character has been throughly checked before completion.

References:

moderndayjames (2018, March 27). Elements of Character: Gesture, Form and Animation [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGhYfLQWbp0

The Crankshaft Publishing (n.d.). Gesture, Form, and Proportion (ZBrush Character Creation) (Sculpting, from Traditional to Digital) Part 2 [article]. Retrieved from http://what-when-how.com/zbrush-character-creation-advanced-digital-sculpting/gesture-form-and-proportion-zbrush-character-creation-sculpting-from-traditional-to-digital-part-2/