How to Create Vector Graphics Superhero Characters in Illustrator
- 1). Click the paintbrush icon on the tool palette to enter painting mode. Drag on the canvas to draw a network of connected rectangles representing these parts of a human figure: rib cage, midsection, pelvis, upper legs, lower legs, feet, upper arms, lower arms, hands, neck and head. For this and the remaining instructions in this article, use an anatomical reference, such as Gray's Anatomy. Also, use the following guidelines as reference. Draw your figure in active poses that use lots of diagonal lines, as these suggest movement, drama and tension. Draw male figures with large muscles and no fat. Male and female figures should have bodies measuring eight heads high. Make the distance from the waist to the top of the head four heads. Make arms, including fingertips, reach down to mid thigh. Draw upper arms at the same length as lower arms. Do the same with legs. Draw female superheroes with thin waists. Clearly outline the front and undersides of breasts, but do not make these parts large.
- 2). Use an anatomy reference such as the one suggested in step one to draw muscle contours and other non-facial details onto the figure. For example, draw horizontal arcs on the rib cage, halfway between that part's top and bottom edges, to represent pectoral muscles.
- 3). Use the "Paintbrush" tool to draw facial features, using your anatomy reference and the following guidelines: for females, make jaws and facial features smooth and round. Draw ample lips but small noses. For males, make large, square jaws and deep set eyes. Click the "Line" tool, whose icon is shaped like a straight line, then drag on the canvas draw the nose and other features.
- 4). Click the paint bucket icon from the tool palette to run the "Live paint" tool, then click a color from the leftmost drop down control above the canvas. Click one of the shapes you drew to color the shape. Click vibrant colors such as red, green, blue or yellow, for shapes with costuming.
- 5). Use the "Paintbrush" tool to paint vehicles, props and environments that show the superhero in appropriate situations. For example, show figures lifting heavy objects like cars, or deflecting bullets.
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