Deconstructing a Human Figure

Product Design Sketching

Figures in Product Sketching

As with human hands, figures are also widely used in product sketching to illustrate the scale, size and operation of a product, as well as its relationship with the user.

Types of Figures in Rendering

Human figures in a rendering should harmonize with the style and level of details of the rest of the picture.

Sometimes realistic, carefully-drawn figures are necessary for a finely detailed rendering.

But in most cases, casual drawing with a certain level of detail as an indication is adequate for illustration purpose

Skeletal Figure Drawing

First of all, it is important to understand the anatomy of a human figure, i.e. its skeletal structure, proportions, contours and operation angle of individual joints

With that, you may construct different gestures with single-line wire frame drawing

Human Proportion

The average human is 7.5 heads high.

Most illustrators render it at 8 heads for more appealing proportions

Fashion illustrators even push the limit to 9 heads.

8 heads is easiest to work with

Skeletal Figure Drawing

For side and ¾ views of people, identify natural skeletal contours, e.g. raised upper chest, curves of the spine and lower limbs, abdomen curving in, etc.

Identify centre of gravity of the body

For men, the pectoral girdle is wider than the pelvic girdle. As for women, the two are similar in width

Length of human arms normally extends to ½ of the upper thigh

Starting with the Basic Form

Basic Form

The basic form is adjusted to differentiate between men and women.

Building on Geometries

As most other familiar objects, human figures can also be simplified into simpler geometric forms

Now you may give mass to the wire frame drawing with the volumetric forms

Apply natural body curves to the trunk and limbs

Figures in Design Sketches