Moho Forum

I've studied some example characters and also got a copy of 6Rs Learn to Draw in AS Pro 1 and 2 (both very good).
However, I am still struggling to create human cartoon characters to a standard I am happy with. I appreciate hard work, skill, perseverence, studying etc come into it and I have an OK tablet and can draw OK on paper and raster.
I know 6R planned a third Learn To Draw especially for hints+tips on drawing people so, I guess, there are some out there.
Anybody?

You didn't specify which part of "drawing a human character" is difficult for you. Is it the sheer use of AS' tools? Is it the art of vector drawing in general? Or is it the difficult job of creating a human character who looks really human and believable?

I say cheat. That's right I said it, I'm not ashamed, CHEAT. Use the background image feature or just bring that image of Angelina Jolie into a layer and trace over it using the Add-Point tool. Don't use any other tool, other then Translation for moving points than the Add-Point tool for creating your vector drawings, it is the most accurate and you won't end up with fifty gazillion points and wiggley curves.

Look at any "how-to" by ANY movie poster artist like Struzan and you'll learn that they get good photos and trace the line drawing from them. They don't try to draw from their mind.

And before anyone stabs me with an emoticon knife, I'm not saying he shouldn't work his drawing skills. He should, draw from life, learn the human form, draw draw draw. But for fast accurate results...trace.

Oh, and for cartoon purposes, you will probably need to exaggerate the form, subtly doesn't work for toons, even "realistic" toons. Check out these artists:

http://www.shaneglines.net/
http://www.cagedbeagle.com/

Word of warning--trace the overall form but don't copy someone's copyrighted work straight out.

Thanks for the responses.

I really like AS Vector draw tools and have used tracing which has helped a lot.
I'm going pure cartoon (think retro, Atomic Betty, Kim Possible type).

I bought a Cartoon Solution character to see how they did it and was amazed at how many points were used. Currently, I know I am using too few points BUT I get close to what I want to achieve then spend ages reordering points, layers, adding points, deforming etc to get that final 5-10%.

http://my.smithmicro.com/tutorials/2281.html is pretty much where I am at the moment which (imo) isn't bad.

As mentioned I am sure I just need to persevere, take more time and make more effort BUT, considering the simple/useful tips in 6Rs documents, I can't help feeling I am missing something.

I'm going to try again and add more points to the freehand tool or use add points more as suggested.

Thanks again...
p.s. I am definately one of those people who should learn to 'just do it' rather than strive for perfection. I have been watching 'Gotham Girls' and it's staggering how much is 'fudged' without being noticed unless you really look for it.