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GoblinQueeen — Bringing Drawings to Life

Published: 2005-09-04 01:28:15 +0000 UTC; Views: 104095; Favourites: 2775; Downloads: 20883
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Description A tutorial focusing on bringing more life to still works such as character designs, illustrations, and sculptures.
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For a while now I've been wanting to put together another tutorial I thought might be able to help some people. Unfortunately, almost that whole time, I wasn't sure what I could really offer that hadn't been done a hundred times already by people far more qualified than me. Then, in my animation class the other day we were talking about the 12 Principles of Animation and keeping them in mind with our current projects. I was working on some concept development art, not animation, but that's when it hit me, I use those same principles all the time, with illustrations as well as animation.

Well, I figured since I used them all the time, it might be helpful to other people as well who might not have been exposed to the 12 principles, or who just never thought of applying them into their still illustrations. I am by no means a master of these ideas and have never claimed to be. I'm sure someone could go through my gallery and pull up a hundred pieces where I've failed to follow my own advice here. So no, my art is by no means the perfect example, I'm just an artist who wants to share what she can. If you find this useful or informative in any way, then I'll be happy my time was well spent.

As always, if you have questions on something I talked about or want some clarification, by all means, ask and I'll try to answer. Along those same lines, if you want some advice (along the lines of what I've done with the drawings in here) on a specific piece, you can post it in my forum here: [link] but be forewarned, it is for serious critique only.
One last thing, if you are looking for help with any art medium, check out It's a relatively new club bringing together artists of all mediums and skill levels to help each other and give support to those that would like it. Whether you want to give help or get it, everyone is welcome
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Comments: 314

animator [2005-10-21 02:41:24 +0000 UTC]

Way to go! I've always wanted to do something like this, but... time. Meh. :/

'Sides, you've done it perfectly. It must have been hard (or at least bothersome) to make yourself draw 'wrong' for those earlier pics!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to animator [2005-10-21 03:24:48 +0000 UTC]

lol, you have ho idea...I had to redraw that first one 3 or 4 times to get what I was going for

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SecretAgentGirl In reply to ??? [2005-10-18 15:55:06 +0000 UTC]

This is probably one of the best tuts I've seen Particularly near the end where you show the lil' elf progress and change or "come to life" as it were XD! I've not seen a tut done like that before and just thought it was neat. And actually great practice in drawing the same character over for people into comics/animation and the like? When I first started CGing I was so into all my characters that I just dove into trying crazy dynamic poses without much of an idea on anatomy. Feeling a little more comfy with it now and well this just gave me a pang of inspiration. Thanks!

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Chossenji In reply to ??? [2005-10-04 15:48:08 +0000 UTC]

Cheers, this presents some well thought out ideas, that i have taken much of which into consideration. Oh and btw, i love the way the character seems to progress, the way you have presented it is great, as in how you have pointed out what you have altered and why. Nice work

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msclark In reply to ??? [2005-10-02 06:29:50 +0000 UTC]

I read the book and took notes, and in many other things, especially in storytelling, I've taken principles and applied them... but it didn't occur to me the animation principles applied to 2d drawings as well! Thanks for pointing that out, I've saved your tut so I'll remember...

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Idarshu [2005-09-29 23:31:56 +0000 UTC]

That is extremely helpful. This will be just the thing to help my stuff "losen up" a bit. Thank you.

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laelia9 In reply to ??? [2005-09-19 18:27:05 +0000 UTC]

great tutorial! up until now, i haden't seen one with details like examples of drawings with mistakes and the same pic with imporvements... they normally show what not to do or what to do with very brief examples.. it was pretty useful.. thanks a bunch and good job!

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dabean [2005-09-18 19:57:14 +0000 UTC]

Wow, that was awesome! Everything you explained is what I always try to use even while drawing still images, but you explained it in a very eloquent and fun manner ^^ It was good to review them again, since some of the principles I'd forgotten about recently. As you said in a comment somehwere above, certain aspects of drawing you never quite realize, until one day it just clicks! And right now a HUGE lightbulb just went on for me xD

Always look forward to your tutorials! Thanks s'much for it!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

spacerobotfive In reply to ??? [2005-09-16 03:08:40 +0000 UTC]

Ah, excellent.

Thanks for that. Though I have taken a couple of animation courses, I never really thought to apply what I know about animation to my drawing (which will likely end up improving my work as an animator in the end).

This is also particularly timely in that I have taken up a fondness for clay (look! I made Max !). (I found that a lump of clay is more or less an acceptable office desk toy. I have tried to sketch and such at my desk, to unwind from work stress, but it never worked out.. Clay, however... Very satisfying.)

Anyway, I ramble. Thanks for the insight.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

CalenthrellII [2005-09-14 22:55:00 +0000 UTC]

Wonderful. A lot of this explains why I'd be like "well I'm drawing it when I want it to look this way" and everything just looked kind of, well, bad. I think next time these tips/pointers will stick out in my mind clearly. Thanks for sharing ^_^

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gdpr-768469 In reply to ??? [2005-09-11 07:09:40 +0000 UTC]

Very useful, sorry for not posting any crits or somethin but I'm too tired to think.. Aaaanyway, thanks for this tut!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

shinragod [2005-09-11 05:01:49 +0000 UTC]

This is very interesting and informative. Especially toing an archaic version of the character before actually getting down it's own dynamic pose. VERY interesting stuff; and this is definitely something I gotta keep for a reference when I need to draw characters in real dynamic poses. O.o Looks like the elf girl from EverQuest. She seems like a nice model ot use when making sexy princesses in dynamic poses.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

WindyWings [2005-09-10 14:04:45 +0000 UTC]

hey, haven't been in DA for a while.... but nice tutorial! I like how all your tutorials are tutorials not commonly found (the sculpturing one too!)

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Isaia [2005-09-10 07:44:44 +0000 UTC]

Dear GoblinQueen,

I love you and your aura of awesome that shines through the darkness like a beacon of hope and prosperity and joy.

Love,
Isaia.

P.S. Feel free to roll your eyes at me now.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Janeckb In reply to ??? [2005-09-10 06:03:47 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much, I can see this being very useful to me.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

FrozenIceCrystal In reply to ??? [2005-09-10 03:12:06 +0000 UTC]

thank you for the taking the time to do this. ^^ it's really helpful.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

twosilverstars In reply to ??? [2005-09-09 20:57:52 +0000 UTC]

Whoa, i am definitely going to have to save this for future reading/reference. Looks very in depth, thanks for taking the time to do this

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to twosilverstars [2005-09-09 23:24:05 +0000 UTC]

lol, anytime. Like I said, I'm no master, but if I can be of any help to someone, I'm glad to offer it

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

bizarro4 In reply to ??? [2005-09-09 06:30:58 +0000 UTC]

wow, this is an amazing and really well-thought-out tutorial! thanks for making it!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

MOtero In reply to ??? [2005-09-08 22:36:51 +0000 UTC]

neet!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

stuntedsanity In reply to ??? [2005-09-08 15:21:39 +0000 UTC]

Exceelent tutorial. Very useful!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SpyG [2005-09-08 09:45:43 +0000 UTC]

u r superb..... *w* I've been having lots of prob drawing my chars in action.........

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Dadward [2005-09-07 21:49:05 +0000 UTC]

Well done! Very good tutorial.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Illpalazzo-Sama In reply to ??? [2005-09-07 21:00:17 +0000 UTC]

I believe you have archieved your objective, your tutorial is exceptionally well written. One of the most useful i've found, mainly because you deal not with teachings but with the widening of the vision so one can grow by himself, congratulation i've never had before faved a Tutorial but your's really deserve.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

RavenManson [2005-09-07 18:34:09 +0000 UTC]

X333 a tutorial... is great XD

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Araniel In reply to ??? [2005-09-07 16:25:42 +0000 UTC]

this tutorial rocks!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

FriendlyMotherRabbit In reply to ??? [2005-09-07 09:48:38 +0000 UTC]

Quick question... do you ever use photographs of people to draw poses from?
I realise that you're advanced at drawing anatomy, but I still have to use them almost always I find it hard to find photos that aren't just from fashion magazines, and those often lack motion, or don't suit the character I'm attempting to draw.

This tut is really helpful, though

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to FriendlyMotherRabbit [2005-09-07 14:40:18 +0000 UTC]

Oh goodness me, yes I don't always use it, but if it's available, model reference in an incredibly helpful tool. If Degas was not above it, neither am I You are right, though, it's not always an option, but it's really a matter of interpretation. You take what you see visually and move it around to get what you really want. There are also a few good artist's model reference books published. I have three of them. Actually, it was kindof funny because I was looking a piece of Amy Brown art and thinking that there was something really familiar about it, that's when it hit me that the pose was one from one of the books

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

FriendlyMotherRabbit In reply to GoblinQueeen [2005-09-11 11:58:51 +0000 UTC]

Ah, that's good to know I should try and get a hold of some books then. Thanks so much for the help!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to FriendlyMotherRabbit [2005-09-11 20:36:58 +0000 UTC]

anytime I can

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scoots [2005-09-07 01:26:51 +0000 UTC]

This'll definitely help me 2! Thanx so much, GQ!

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indiochink In reply to ??? [2005-09-07 00:30:21 +0000 UTC]

Very useful, you did such a reat job with this

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ColorfulLemonDrops In reply to ??? [2005-09-06 22:33:42 +0000 UTC]

you are such a nice person to be doing this n_______________n;;
usually people get all cocky and hide how they draw so well
but you my friend, are so generous and giving.
thank you. <3

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to ColorfulLemonDrops [2005-09-07 08:30:03 +0000 UTC]

ok, now you're making me blush this horrible shade of red I just try to do what I can. I know I don't have as much to share as some other people, but what I do, I'm happy to give

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

ColorfulLemonDrops In reply to GoblinQueeen [2005-09-14 00:21:50 +0000 UTC]

i completly forgot what i had written before >___<;; but its nice to know i can make you blush! :]]
in case you forgot what you had written too, here it is xD


GoblinQueen: ok, now you're making me blush this horrible shade of red I just try to do what I can. I know I don't have as much to share as some other people, but what I do, I'm happy to give

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

thespaceinvader In reply to ??? [2005-09-06 17:05:15 +0000 UTC]

Fabtastic tutorail, very useful.

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Firretayl In reply to ??? [2005-09-06 11:08:44 +0000 UTC]

This is great. My drawings' stiffness is one of my greatest weaknesses.
Wonderfully detailed explanation.

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JELL-0 In reply to ??? [2005-09-06 05:45:33 +0000 UTC]

Wow really great. I found it interesting and hepful! Thank you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Rebmakash [2005-09-06 03:04:29 +0000 UTC]

A wonderful tutorial! I know some of those things I have issues with, and I'm intigued (though not overly surprised) taht so many principlas of animation apply to drawing still frames.

A must fave!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

fabianfucci [2005-09-06 02:29:13 +0000 UTC]

Nice tutorial. I think the principles may be applied once more to the final stage in order to refine the details.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to fabianfucci [2005-09-06 09:35:31 +0000 UTC]

of course they can, they can always be applied I'd be hard pressed to find any drawing anywhere that I would call perfect In this case, when I go to paint it, I'll be stregthening the connection of the groundplane with the left knee to get a little more weight.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

reed682 [2005-09-05 20:01:12 +0000 UTC]

THIS IS AWESOME!!!! Do you mind if we post this on the =da-mentors site? I know our mentees would love a tutorial. But maybe they have already seen this? I don't know.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to reed682 [2005-09-05 23:28:03 +0000 UTC]

lol, actually, I posted a suggestion in the forum about a possible addition of tutorials to the resources I mean, it's the best way to be able to reach a lot of people at once, though individual help is always the best.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

reed682 In reply to GoblinQueeen [2005-09-06 11:40:23 +0000 UTC]

I totally agree, I was even typing a journal post requesting tutorials... but then I got distracted and forgot . So you don't mind me submitting this? I will, of course, link back to you. I just love the way this works... if you teach a man to fish and all that. I am reading and using the tutorial myself.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

GoblinQueeen In reply to reed682 [2005-09-06 18:09:27 +0000 UTC]

lol, by all means I didn't expect so many people to find this useful, but I'm glad they did. If you like, you can take the maquette sculpting one I did, too. I'd offer the critique one, but you already have several good links in that department

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

reed682 In reply to GoblinQueeen [2005-09-06 18:28:10 +0000 UTC]

Great... *snatches tutorials and runs away*.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Themrock [2005-09-05 18:14:15 +0000 UTC]

thanks for sharing your ways Goblinqueen!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Codollaeytharis In reply to ??? [2005-09-05 14:26:50 +0000 UTC]

Very nice! This is a problem I suffer from (too much face on stuff) as I did costuming for many, many years.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

metalgearray09 [2005-09-05 08:48:19 +0000 UTC]

wow, I really needed this. Question though..would you happen to know how to build the gesture part of the sketch? I try to make dynamic poses, but they turn out all..well..stiff still. I can't seem to capture that fluidity that many artist are so good at (shame too, cause I want to animate sometime).

👍: 0 ⏩: 2

dabean In reply to metalgearray09 [2005-09-18 19:48:50 +0000 UTC]

Yahar! You know, I was about to link this tutorial to you because it is fanTAStic. But I see you beat me to it ^^

👍: 0 ⏩: 1


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