I pose my figure by prioritizing stability from the ground up. I start by firmly planting the figure's feet and making small adjustments upwards through the legs and hips to achieve balance in the lower half. Maintaining the fixed position of the feet, I then adjust the rest of the pose as needed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Establish a Strong Foundation:
- The feet are crucial. Ensure they are well-positioned and supporting the weight of the figure realistically. This is the foundation of a believable pose.
- Consider the surface the figure is standing on. Is it flat, uneven, or sloped? This will affect how the feet are placed and the overall balance.
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Build Upwards:
- Once the feet are planted, work your way up the legs. Minor adjustments to the knees and hips can significantly impact the figure's balance and posture.
- Think about weight distribution. Where is the figure's center of gravity? Adjust the legs and hips to reflect this.
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Adjust the Torso and Arms:
- With a balanced lower body, you can then refine the pose by adjusting the torso, arms, and head.
- Consider the figure's actions or emotions you want to convey. Are they reaching, pointing, looking in a particular direction? Let these influence the pose.
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Fine-tune for Naturalism:
- Avoid stiff, symmetrical poses. Natural poses often involve slight asymmetry and imbalances that add realism.
- Pay attention to small details like the curve of the spine, the angle of the head, and the position of the hands.
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Pin the Feet (Digitally or Physically):
- While adjusting the upper body, continually check the feet. "Pinning" them, either physically with adhesive or digitally in 3D software, can help maintain stability as you refine the pose.
- This prevents the figure from sliding or losing balance during the posing process.
By following these steps, you can create dynamic and believable poses for your figures.
