Form and Shape

 

During our first week we were asked to consider the forms and shapes that build up characters. This was to help us understand how different characters move and allow us to see how every character is made up from basic shapes. To begin with I drew a variety of basic 3D shapes and how they can be combined to create more complex forms.

I then looked at 3 particular characters’ forms in close detail by drawing them out and breaking them down into basic shapes. In an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ form and movements I tried re-positioning them into different poses.

 

Finn the human 

 

I began with Finn due to his simple form and the fact he is already made up of basic shapes, making him an easy character to start with. I first traced over an image of the character to get an outline. I then began breaking down his form into basic shapes. I also made sure to add lines that show the curvature of the shapes thereby better showing the form and direction of the character. I feel that my repositioning of him (although only a minor change) turned out well and allowed me to try drawing him freehand.

By looking at his form its clear to see that he is made up of cylinders, rectangles and spheres due to his slim body and the cartoon art style he is drawn in. These shapes suit this character’s profile of a young boy who is not overly strong but is quite fast and agile.

 

Bart Simpson

 

I used Bart as my second character as his cartoon style really defines the basic shapes he is made from. It’s clear to see the use of spheres and cylinders in his eyes, arms and legs and even in the roundness of his body. The use of such curves emphasises the idea that the character is a young boy. I found it simple to break down his form into basic shapes and show the direction of his form. However, when repositioning him I struggled to find the flow of his body and head and change the curves according to the new pose.

 

Buggs Bunny

 

Finally, I broke down the form of Buggs Bunny as it is slightly more complicated than the others. His form is interesting as it is a blend of rabbit and human thereby emphasising certain features such as the roundness of his face. He is made up from mainly cylinders which is plainly seen as his whole body and limbs are slim and curved. This fits in with his cartoon animation style as he is normally very bendy during his slapstick comedy. I again tried repositioning the character however I found it hard to not stretch the body.