How to Draw: A Little Awesome Person

“Little Awesome People” or as I collectively call them “The Itty Bitty Committee”, is a series / style that I have come to use over the past three years. Developing originally from typical Japanese “Chibi”, I have made my own little niche way of drawing simplified portraits of people, which still manage to adequately portray their personalities. After priving immensely popular amongst my friend group, I have been asked to do professional work for clients using this style.

The Cast of “SPRING AWAKENING” (Hull Truck Theatre)
Commissioned by James Ramon-Baker.

Once they had become a bit more popular, I started getting requests to make a tutorial showing how I make them. I thought it would be fun to see other people’s interpretations, so I got to work straight away! The tutorial I did was only very simple. It showed the sketching and outlining process, but not colouring (I figured I could make a separate tutorial on that). It features a basic little male character, which should be easy enough for people to have a go at drawing.

Here are the initial sketches and notes I jotted down in my University sketchbook, before, during, and after creating the video. It just shows my basic planning for the order in which I was going to draw out each section / step. Originally, I was going to draw a portrait of myself, to coincide with it being on my Youtube channel / blog. I decided then to do a non-specific character, just so it would be more simple. The third image below contains the drawing featured in the video tutorial.

There are several examples already, from friends who have watched the video and tried to draw their own little portraits. Each one makes me feel very giddy and proud of what I’ve accomplished since taking on this style! I can’t wait to see any new ones that turn up! Each one I recieve, I print off and stick up on my wall at home.

Drawn by GRACE.

Drawn by JEN & ELI.

Here is the completed video, complete with step by step guidance and music! Please enjoy, and I do hope you give it a go! If you do, please email your drawings to me at:

psychosnake@hotmail.co.uk

This tutorial was done as a gift to several friends, who requested that I make one so they could have a go at trying to draw my little characters. I can’t wait to see what they all come up with!

Because my style borders on Chibi and westernised style, they’re known amongst my peers as “Little Awesome People”.
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MUSIC:

High Heel Sneakers – Cross Section
I’m the Face – The High Numbers

A Discussion with Valen Vain

The wonderful thing about being a freelancer, is the variety of clientel that you come across over the weeks and months. Valen Vain (Alt. Model) is a very fascinating client, in particular.

Image © Valen Vain

Having met a while back through mutual friends of friends, our professional relationship began when he commissioned me for a portrait / tshirt / webpage banner design back in August / September.

Recently, he contacted me again, with the proposition of receiving more paid commission work for the forseeable future. The work he has asked me to do, involves creating a recurring “Mascot” character, to be featured on flyers and posters. These promotional formats will be made to spread the word of a local “fetish Night” which he organises and participates in.

Already having a love for character design and altrnative art themes, this is the perfect brief for me, at this moment in time. It also ties together well with all the client work we have to get involved in this academic year, so I feel incredibly fortunate at this stage.

Here are the notes which I pieced together during our conversation:

I will be documenting this creative venture for my CaTS (Critical and Theoretical Studies) assignment, as we are encouraged to go out and find paid work. I will be uploading concept sketches, any conversations the client and I have, progress videos and so on. This will be used as evidence in my final report. I am looking forward to seeing the process and results of this project!

“Betty” Questions

After deciding on the theme of my documentary animation – an interview with my grandmother, Betty – I came up with a list of potential questions to ask her. Whilst some may be more generic, others will go down more of  specific route. Tales from during the war / about my grandfather / family / family history are to name a few. I intend to have the interview cut into segments, depending on subject. This will keep things quick and interesting for the viewers.

QUESTIONS

1. How are you?
2. How did you meet grandad?
3. What was your first job?
4. Tell us about the German Spy you caught.
5. Tell us about Uncle Len.
6. Tell us about Auntie Clara.
7. What was your first pet?
8. What did you do during the war?
9. What is your favorite TV program?
10. What is your favorite drink?
11. How many grandchildren do you have?
12. What is your favorite film?
13. Who is your favorite musician?
14. What is your favorite book?
15. What was dad like as a child / teenager?

Cat Test – RUN / JUMP

“Here is a quick animation test depicting a cat running and jumping. This was done as a practice piece for a competition entry. I am taking part in an “Anti-Fur” competition, in which we have to create an animated sequence, at least 30 seconds long.”

The inspiration for this short animation test, came after having a look at some observational photo studies by Eadweard Muybridge. He did a series of photographic images, each depicting the individual steps in a sequence, of a cat moving / running / jumping. He has also done this with humans, dogs, horses and more. I simplified down the style of my animation, so that the images were standard ball and stick – not only was this easier and more time efficient on my part, but it will also prove helpful to any others thinking of doing something similar.

Idea #1 – Rough Storyboards

1. Walking towards house (O.T.S.)
2. Rooting around in bag (C.U.)
3. Puts keys in door (Above)
4. Dark hallway, walks in (Long Shot)
5. Walk into kitchen (O.T.S.)
6. Cat silhouette (W.E.V.)
7. Shocked face (Close Up)
8. Skinned cat (Close Up)