Real Action Pose Books For Artists
Why a Mannequin? EDIT: I’ve had quite a few inquires about whether or not I’ll sell mine, I’m very sorry mine is not for sale. I admit it since I was a kid I have often been tempted to buy one of those wooden artist mannequins. I liked the idea of it, being able to have a little human on hand for all my drawing needs.
Every time I go into a shop to see one in person I immediately remember why it was a terrible idea and I can’t put it down fast enough. They are kinda rubbish and makes you wonder why they are so widely adopted by artists! I’m no anatomy expert, but even I can see they are seriously pointless! It seems a lot of people think that artists can just draw a figure in any pose/facial expression from any angle off the top of their heads, like magic but let me dispel that myth, artists use references. Up until this point I’ve been using mirrors/webcams/cameras, my own hands, image searches, tried a few programs/apps (not to my likely), books and even forced my husband to stand in stupid ways while I take photos. I have done life drawing classes in the past, but it’s unlikely I’d be able to afford for someone to be on hand day & night to pose for me.
Visual Reference for Comic Artists: Vol. 1 is a photo reference pose file on CD-ROM for comic book and manga illustrators, video game designers, and professional graphic designers. Action poses.
Plus there is only so much a normal person can achieve Not everyone can be a natural actor, playing child, martial arts, leaping, magic wielding, flying dancer! Microsoft project professional. I know I definitely can’t, but not for lack of trying!
=P But up until now I’ve got by ok with all these other resources, yet I still felt a physically thing in front of me would vastly help. Figures I Found However I don’t like to admit defeat so I took to the internet in hopes that someone had by now invented a better artists mannequin drawing aid. I found a few fab static models statues that showed more anatomical detail. They really do seem great, but posing was my goal so it was a no go. But thought I’d link some for prosperity: (£60 per figure) – affordable anatomy figures ($400 USD + per figure) – Edging on medical quality. Updated 31/5/2016! 2 possible contenders: Bandai S.H.Figuarts Body-kun (male) or Body-chan (female) – Around $35-55 USD – More realistic shape.
Sticky Bones – frame but could be great for illustration & animation, looks very intresting – currently successfully funded Indiegogo (approx S90 USD), actuall price TBD: After a long search I saw someone suggest a poseable doll SFBT-3 (by M-field). I’d never thought about a “doll” before as a drawing aid!