Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🚨Have you ever sketched a seated person and something just feels off, but you can’t quite figure out why? 🤔
Maybe the legs feel too short, the torso feels too long, or the head looks slightly out of proportion?
One simple trick that has helped me improve my figure drawing is using the head as a measuring unit. ✏️
Instead of guessing proportions, I start by drawing a simple shape for the head and use its height and width as my guide. Then I ask myself:
👉🏻 How many heads tall is this figure?
👉🏻 How many heads wide is it?
Rather than creating a full grid, I add just a few small tick marks along the top and side of my sketch. These little guides help me check the placement of important landmarks like the shoulders, hips, knees, and feet.
Once my measurements are in place, I focus on building the figure from large shapes to small details:
1️⃣ Block in the major body masses and silhouette
2️⃣ Check the angles and connections between shapes
3️⃣ Add medium-sized forms such as missing limbs (or break up larger shapes)
4️⃣ Finish with smaller details
For arms and legs, placing simple circles where the joints are (like elbows and knees) can also make a huge difference. They serve as landmarks to avoid making sections too long or too short.
If seated figures have been challenging for you, try this approach in your next sketch. Small changes in your process can lead to much stronger results. ✨
Save this for your next figure drawing session! 🎨
#sketchingpeople #drawingtutorial
🚨Have you ever sketched a seated person and something just feels off, but you can’t quite figure out why? 🤔
Maybe the legs feel too short, the torso feels too long, or the head looks slightly out of proportion?
One simple trick that has helped me improve my figure drawing is using the head as a measuring unit. ✏️
Instead of guessing proportions, I start by drawing a simple shape for the head and use its height and width as my guide. Then I ask myself:
👉🏻 How many heads tall is this figure?
👉🏻 How many heads wide is it?
Rather than creating a full grid, I add just a few small tick marks along the top and side of my sketch. These little guides help me check the placement of important landmarks like the shoulders, hips, knees, and feet.
Once my measurements are in place, I focus on building the figure from large shapes to small details:
1️⃣ Block in the major body masses and silhouette
2️⃣ Check the angles and connections between shapes
3️⃣ Add medium-sized forms such as missing limbs (or break up larger shapes)
4️⃣ Finish with smaller details
For arms and legs, placing simple circles where the joints are (like elbows and knees) can also make a huge difference. They serve as landmarks to avoid making sections too long or too short.
If seated figures have been challenging for you, try this approach in your next sketch. Small changes in your process can lead to much stronger results. ✨
Save this for your next figure drawing session! 🎨
#sketchingpeople #drawingtutorial
