learning to draw but hates proportions?

Question

i draw from time to time, just as a stress reliever and a hobby. i'm into very basic sketches, nothing to crazy honestly, but i always shied away from drawing people because i get intimidated. i don't want to commit myself to drawing because i do it for fun, but when it comes to people, I really don't like the proportion lines??? Like the lines that you draw first, and then you draw the person it and then erase it. I just find it very messy and frustrating especially because I'm not serious about drawing. But I would love to simple sketches of people. Has any felt the same way, and if so, any tips?

Answer 1

The thing with drawing people is that you really do need those proportion and sketch lines. Without them, you're just jumping in blindly, and everything is gonna go sideways (literally).

I would look at some of Andrew Loomis' techniques. Currently, that's what my seqa professor is teaching my class and it's making a world of difference. I would also suggest looking at thumbnail drawings and undersketches from comic illustrators to to see how they rough out their characters in early stages. Jen Bartel in particular is a great reference to look at there.

People can certainly be difficult to properly capture in drawings. But with the right techniques, it'll get much easier!