☆ ASK VICKI ☆: How to draw armor! >:3 (Patreon)

Hello friends! 

We're back with another installment of Ask Vicki! Thank you so much for leaving questions in the last one, they're all wonderful and I really look forward to exploring each one with you. ^w^ In today's post, we'll be tackling a question that a lovely patron Valerie asked:

Q:  How do you begin to tackle "complicated" things like mechanical things, armor, etc, I guess just things with a bunch of detail? 

A: I thought it’d be great to delve deeper into this question because it’s something I struggle with as well, but have found solutions to make the process easier. The biggest issue I had was trying to tackle all of the detail at once, which rightfully so, would give anyone a headache. It’s much more manageable and doable if you think about what you’re trying to draw in terms of basic shapes at the start. So for example, take this piece of armor on Brigitte from Overwatch:

Lots of parts right? Where do you even start with this one? Instead of trying to jump right into the deep end and tackle all the different pieces, I’d break it down like this:

So following this general guideline we can approach the rest of the armor like so:

1. Basic shapes

2. Add more shapes

3. Finishing details!

I don’t know if there’s actually any science behind this, but my brain much prefers looking at this as opposed to looking at this. By using basic shapes like circles, squares, etc. we can see the underlying structure of an object and build up from there, much like how a house needs a foundation before building can take place. Once you’ve established the basic structure it’s much easier to gradually add in details. Think of it as a bottom to top approach. In the same way that many people draw faces and bodies by first drawing a stick figure or gesture sketch, it’s also helpful to think about objects in a similar way and start from the bare bones. 

Also, over time you'll find yourself being able to pick out the basic shapes more easily. In my experience that's how I've been able to best approach drawing armor. See the shapes first and then add the details. Starting from the details right off the top can make the sketch overly complicated and messy. And above all, practice has been my best friend. Armor can be a confusing thing to confront due to all the different working parts. Hopefully this guide can help you see it in a new way! ^-^

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If you have any questions of your own, I'd love for you to comment it on this post and I'll answer in the next roundup! Or if you have any answers of your own to these questions please share your insight as well! I think it's a good opportunity for others to offer their solutions/advice. I believe everyone has something to offer and that we can all learn something from one another. ^u^<3

Vicki