Anatomical Proportions and Landmarks of the Human Body

In this tutorial, we will be taking an introductory look at Anatomical Proportions and Landmarks of the Human Body.

The human body is one of the most difficult and complex artistic subjects around. But it doesn't need to be hard. With this tutorial, you will no longer need to guess where something should be but instead, move forward quickly with confidence in your abilities to understand and recreate the human form.

We will be using what is most commonly called the 8-head method. Sometimes referred to as idealistic proportions or the Andrew Loomis system. We will be looking at the differences generally expected between males and females, as well as artistic areas of exaggeration.

This tutorial is stuffed to the brim with helpful information, is very beginner-friendly, and everything is explained from the ground up with no prior knowledge required. Can't wait to have you take a look. I know it will be helpful!

Covered in this In-Depth Tutorial

• Learn the general proportions and landmarks of the human figure.
• Learn detailed information about the proportions and landmarks of the chest and hips.
• Learn proportional differences between males and females.
• Learn tools to make measuring proportions easy.
• Learn how complex areas like the shoulder girdle work in motion.
• Learn the proportions of the hands and other helpful measurements found within the body.

FAQ

1. Is this tutorial beginner-friendly?

Yes, everything is explained from the ground up with no prior knowledge required.

2. Why do you say proportions are an artistic guideline and not a rule?

In art, there are very few hard rules. Proportions of the human figure are not one of those.

The information covered in this tutorial is based on one system of measuring the proportions of the human figure where there are many. Designed to simplify and make this information digestible and memorable. Humans are incredibly complex and differ in a wide variety from person to person. There simply won't be one system that will fit every age, body, or race. What I cover here is an artistic guideline to help us figure out general proportions. And should be used as a guideline for starting out, or used when you are struggling to make certain aspects of your figure align proportionally. I will provide you with a simple measuring system that can be used to get general proportions in the correct location.

3. Where can I get the anatomical 3D model used in this tutorial?

This tutorial uses Ryan Kingslien's Anatomy Model, provided for free with every installation of ZBrush, to demonstrate the information in this tutorial. You can find this model in your ZBrush installation in your Lightbox, under the Tool category. Note that it is not required to have this 3D model to follow along with the information in this tutorial.

4. Where can I get your brushes, etc?

Follygon's Brushes

ModMesh: Heads + ModMesh: Bodies

Sculpting The Planes of the Head | In-Depth Tutorial

Sculpting a Stylized Female Head in ZBrush

5. What software is used in this Tutorial?

This tutorial uses ZBrush to instruct, however, the information and ideas here will be transferable to any 3D software and even traditional real-world mediums.

6. How long is the video tutorial?

30 Minutes