Character Expressions / Poses

[artbymanti]

Hello:

Does anyone have any tips on drawing expressions...like random expressions to make your character look natural? I've been learning to draw for a while, but just started to learn about how to make comics; of the things I've been trying to teach myself the one thing I realize when I see other stories is that creating expressions is something I've been having a hard time with. Even when I just randomly draw my characters, the expressions are all the time (front view just staring, one arm up, surprised look).

I'm not talking about exaggerated facial expressions, but just everything expressions if you get my meaning; is this something I should just view references for? Maybe through looking at films?

[GothickangelStudios]

I do manga, so I watch alot of anime and read manga. And also research different angles of exmaples others have done for references for artists.

[artbymanti]

I've been looking at other work as reference, but I just wonder how they're able to create those poses; sometimes it feels more like something to learn over time.

[kyupol]

A lot of trial and error. Experimentation. You have no idea how often I erase sketches just to get the expression right lol

Especially when using one eye only...

[VibrantFox]

it's definitely one of those things that comes with practice but when i'm practicing or studying i like to go back to some of those old school drawing meme templates back from deviant art and other newer ones that help with focusing on basic facial expressions or emotions and then branch out from there

like a big classic to me is the "25 essential expressions" one which covers most of the basics from happy to sad to anrgy and scared and so on

from there'd it'd be stuff like the "100 faces meme"

where there's a bit more variety and more exaggerated faces (coz honestly it doesnt hurt to allow yourself range

after that i think i just got into kind of looking at my own faces or actors in tv shows movies or other places; seeing how people emote and trying to replicate it in quick messy sketches, aiming less for 100% accuracy and more just trying to capture the vibe. Observing other artist studies also helped and even going through those youtube art tutorials and "draw with me"s just to see how folks captured body language, facial expressions, movement and so on

but honestly i think you're also always learning. i've been complimented on how i do character expressions and things like that but i also always feel like i can improve more so i'm always practicing

[abigaillmartin]

Have fun with it! Exaggeration! Feel the emotion. Look at people’s faces

[abigaillmartin]

As @VibrantFox it’s also practice. Poses for me have always been difficult.

[DokiDokiTsuna]

is this something I should just view references for? Maybe through looking at films?

That's actually a great idea-- I always look at live action media for inspiration when I feel I need a little variety
Animation gestures are fine to reference when you're learning the ropes, but after a while they can get a little samey, due to how the artform is taught and the limitations of its production. Meanwhile, two actors can go to the same schools and work on the same kinds of films, and still end up with radically different body language and unique mannerisms. You can get a lot of fresh stuff from quality movies and TV series.

But when you need something quick, there's always stock photos:

Just look up stock photos of everyday environments like school, work, and restaurants, and you'll find a treasure trove of ordinary gestures to choose from. Pro Tip: when you're drawing characters in these sorts of poses, focus on the arms and hands, rather than the face. "Everything expressions" are usually pretty neutral, sans the odd head tilt or eyebrow slant...the real points of interest are in the hands. Whether the character is resting their head in their hands, fiddling with something, pointing at someone: that's how you're going to express their personality and make them feel alive, even without any particular strong emotion.