Shape Design /// Part 2 : The Envelope Technique
Added 2025-04-24 19:33:43 +0000 UTCThe start of a figure drawing is often the most intimidating part!
In this video, I demonstrate the Envelope Technique—a method that helps you cut through the complexity of the figure and go straight to the big, abstract shape that contains your subject. From there, it's just a matter of carving out progressively smaller shapes.
I don’t use this exact approach for every drawing, but I do often project these shapes in my mind.
It’s a great tool to add to your belt—simple, dependable, and surprisingly effective!
Comments
I suggest using any references you like. I don't own the copyright to these images, as they're from various sources. Most are sets from the Artstation marketplace: https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/game-dev/resources/photography/reference/humans?section=top_rated https://www.proko.com/browse/tools and NewsMastersAcademy.com are also great sources. I plan to make a more organized compilation of my favorite reference sources in the near future.
Lane.Draws
2025-09-23 02:36:13 +0000 UTCHi Lane. Sorry to keep asking logistical questions, but are the reference photos you're drawing in your instructional videos available to us to download and use, or are we supposed to find our own and follow along with your instruction? I'm not sure how this is supposed to work in patreon. Please let me know. Thanks.
Tdiz1
2025-09-23 01:14:34 +0000 UTCAlthough I didn't show it in the video, it's probably a good idea to work from big to small shapes, both positive and negative. By placing the largest shapes first it should help to reduce that sort of issue. Also note that each pose presents a unique challenge in this regard. For some i need to spend a lot more time plotting/measuring my shapes than others. I'm glad you brought this up. I'll make note to address that more effectively!
Lane.Draws
2025-05-18 21:34:13 +0000 UTCJust an observation- tried this exercise with traditional media (newsprint and charcoal pencil) MY GOD is it hard get the proportions of the figure inside the evelope correct once you've drawn it. I find I can get the shape down but when I start filling in the negative shapes I've somehow done the entire figure in half the space or vice versa - much more challenging that it looks
Artsy lurker
2025-05-18 19:46:24 +0000 UTC
