Do you want to learn how to draw characters quickly and easily? 
I can show you how by using simple shapes. 
First in a three-part Body Works series and designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this class walks you step-by-step through the character design process, guiding you through every aspect of drawing your own set of circus-inspired characters.
During the classes you can shadow me as I produce a set of characters for a 'real' project – an unpublished YA (young adult) manuscript – and take you through my thinking and design process, giving you tools and tips to apply to your own characters. This class offers drawing demonstrations, worksheets, offering inspiration along the way, giving you every opportunity to draw the best circus act in town!
In this class, you will learn ...
about body proportions: how to draw the ideal body at various ages.
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/f74eacb1b37d9f325109d343019d505e/226f4a1f" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="226f4a1f">
Body Shapes - how and why shape is used when designing character - how a set of characters evolved across time and media - the importance of making a first (and lasting) impression
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/f74eacb1b37d9f325109d343019d505e/5152e2a4" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="5152e2a4">
The Process - how to draw a set of characters from simple shapes to a finished drawing
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You will need ...
<ul><li>Something to draw on. Paper, an art pad or iPad.</li>
<li>Something to draw with. In class, I'll be using my 'Staedtler Mars Technico' clutch pen with refillable blue and carbon (normal pencil) leads. This set also comes with a sharpener. I've had my set for 20 odd years ... so it's well worth the investment. https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil-780BK/dp/B000YQEFGU If you don't want to go to this expense, you can use a blue colored pencil and a 'regular' lead pencil.</li>
</ul><img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/parentClasses/f74eacb1b37d9f325109d343019d505e/fd0e7b6c" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="fd0e7b6c">
Interested in character design? 
Below is my series of Skillshare classes that walk you through the entire process of how to illustrate a character from start to finish. Use this series to either brush-up on a particular skill or work your way through, for a comprehensive guide.
Nina's Skillshare Character Design Series
<ol><li><a href="https://skl.sh/2PLwC06" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Face Facts: Beginners Guide to Drawing a Self Portrait</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/341OZEJ" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Face Shapes: Draw a Series of Character Using Simple Shapes </a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2lI0sCm" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">101 Guide to Drawing Eyes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2IWaqji" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Emoji Me: The art of Facial Expression</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2kUdU9n" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">How to Draw the Head From Every Angle: Part One</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2lubryZ" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">How to Draw the Head From Every Angle: Part Two</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2lwP0tW" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">How to Draw the Head From Every Angle: Part Three</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/31r19W9" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Draw a Circus of Characters: Exploring Body Shape and Proportion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2YtXvMC" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Draw a Circus of Movement: Simple Techniques to Bring Characters to Life</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2u4BC6J" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Draw a Circus of Line &amp; Gesture: Design a Picture Book Character From Start to Finish</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2J16fyV" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Watercolor Magic: One Character Five Ways</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2kUgqvM" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Illustration Masterclass - Exploring Technique and Style</a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/2xLc8ws" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Learn to Use Procreate: Design and Illustrate a Bear Character</a></li>
<li>• NEW • <a href="https://skl.sh/3agPXAJ" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Animal Character Design for Picture Book Illustrators – Techniques and tips for designing characters with a narrative</a></li>
<li></li>
</ol>

Introduction

Understanding the Basics in Body Proportion

Looking at Shape Across Time and Media

Making a Good First Impression

Designing Your Characters Using Shape

Layering-In More Detail

Drawing Character One

Drawing Character Two

Drawing Character Three

Drawing Character Four

Drawing Character Five

BONUS Body Proportion Drawing Demo

To Finish

Body_Proportion_handout.pdf

Body_Proportion_drawing_Sheet.pdf

Body_Nina's Character Drawings.pdf

Draw a Circus of Characters: Exploring Body Shape and Proportion

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Draw a Circus of Characters: Exploring Body Shape and Proportion

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