There are a lot of pieces to the human body. It’s pretty easy to get lost and put things in the wrong place – or make them the wrong size.

Here are 2 methods you can use to check your proportions.

Proportions – Head Method

This is the common method most internet tutorials teach.

The amount of head heights determine what kind of character people will see.

Less head heights (6 or less) = cuter / younger

7 head heights = average adult

More heads heights (8 or more) = stronger or taller

For instance, children are around 4 head heights, while a comic book superhero may be 10 head heights.

Proportions – Quadrant Method

This is my method.

I don’t like having to count and measure everything in heads – so I usually just use this quadrant method to plot anatomy.

General landmarks within quadrants:

• Top Half 1 – Mid point is the clavicle (also top of shoulders)
• Top Half 2 – Mid point is belly button (also mid point of arms)
• Bottom Half 1 – Mid point is about 2/3 down the thighs
• Bottom Half 2 – Mid point is just below mid-shin

Notes

These are just guidelines – It’s better to think in terms of areas rather than “strict” measurements. Every body is different. You don’t have to be exact, just use general landmarks.

Female bodies are the same – Female bodies have the same landmarks and measurements. What makes a body look feminine are other cues. (I’ll make a guide for masculine vs feminine features at some point)

You can use both systems – I think the head system is a little tedious, so I like to start with the quadrants to quickly plot things out. I then use the head measurements to double-check everything.

As the proverb goes, “Measure twice, cut once”

Cool, that’s it ✌️