Wayne Gilbert on Posing

A small read but huge in inspiration is Wayne Gilbert's Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation, which, as advertised, does what it says. He provides a visual shorthand for conveying weight, attitude and expression. Below are a few scans from some of the pages. A few of you asked how you should draw for these pose drawings, and look no further...the blow drawings are sparse on detail, but convey exactly what one needs for animation.

This last one is fantastic...even with a stick figure, everything essential can be conveyed.

Notes on Pose Drawing

I found this posted in the 2d lab in Spring semester, and I copied it in my notebook. Worth reading!

1. DON'T DRAW CLEAN, DRAW CLEAR
(Attributed to Ollie Johnston)

We have a tendency to try and cleanup a confusing or weak drawing in order to make it more clear. But if the pose or expression does not work in rough form, it won't be improved by cleaning up. The problem usually is in the conception not in the line quality.

2. DON'T DRAW FORMS, DRAW FORCES
(Attributed to Bill Tytla)

Don't draw the body, draw what the body is doing. The story isn't in the drawing of parts. It's in what the body just did and what it is going to do next. You will always be wrong if you focus on drawing the body just right. Focus on telling the story of the pose, communicating what the character is thinking - what forces are acting on the body and what forces the body is exerting.

3. DON'T CHEAT YOUR AUDIENCE - DON'T GO FOR THE FIRST IDEA
(Attributed to Milt Kahl)

Always push yourself to come up with something special. Thumbnail to find a good idea - it will take lots of time, efforts and searching. If its the first thing you think of - anyone could have thought of it. Search for a better solution.