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vr7 In reply to Seraphiczero [2009-12-18 18:30:39 +0000 UTC]

Not quite sure how to explain this one.

Characters should be loose and fluid when in action. If they look stiff and wooden, the eye will not be able to follow them properly. There is a concept known as line of action, which is an imaginary line the eye follows when figures are in motion.

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In terms of balance, it is a given a person does not stand straight up. However, the body will subconsciously (or consciously) adjust itself to maintain its own center of gravity. Even if a character leans to say, the right, her body may smoothly curve to the left, applying weight and preventing herself from falling over to the right.

It's easier to visually represent than it is to describe.

I usually never do this, but one way of checking for a character's balance is to hold the front side of a drawing to a light, and look through the back. If it looks awkward, then she is probably leaning to the side too much.

Note that balance does not apply if a character is deliberately leaning over, or if the intention is to depict a character who is about to fall or stumble. This also does not apply to Michael Jackson's anti-gravity lean.

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Seraphiczero In reply to vr7 [2009-12-19 05:35:00 +0000 UTC]

I'm gonna have a hard time looking at my paper through the light, 'cause this bristol paper is really thick. Thanks for the guidance.

And of course! Everybody knows that physics doesn't apply to Michael Jackson.

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