Figure Drawing for Concept Artists

by Kan Muftic, 3dTotal Publishing (Editor)

Figure Drawing for Concept Artists is an essential primer that aims to bring traditional figure drawing techniques and knowledge to every concept artist's skill set. Accessibly written and lavishly illustrated by Kan Muftic, a professional concept artist and respected industry practitioner, this book celebrates the common ground between traditional life drawing and the fast-paced world of the concept art industry. When drawing from life, an artist learns how to capture dynamic figures, diverse bodies, and challenging poses in a timed, live setting—skills that can be translated perfectly to the fast, intensive approach needed by contemporary concept artists. This book is an invaluable resource for digital artists wanting to ground their work in classical art skills, and traditional artists wanting to find their way into the concept art industry. Learn about the materials, tools, and observational skills needed to make successful life drawings, how to capture the forms of the human body on paper, and how to improve your character and concept art with a dynamic approach to figures and anatomy. Clean, readable, minimalist pages and stunning, insightful drawings make this book easy to follow and learn from, as well as inspiring to browse through at your leisure. Figure Drawing for Concept Artists offers a unique, up-to-date perspective on classical skills, with the contemporary practitioner in mind.

Genres: Art, Drawing

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2017

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly insightful, and filled with techniques and advice presented in an approachable manner. My one complaint is that the book briefly (so briefly) mentions the Reilly method, but never actually explains what that method is in a satisfactory way. As someone who is largely self-taught, I was extremely frustrated by this. Everything I can find about the Reilly method online tells me it's the MOST useful method for figure drawing, but no one seems to have created any sort of how-to or tutorial on the subject. Thus, I am left with only the vaguest of ideas.

That said, this book is meant for concept artists already working in the industry, and I imagine the majority of them have trained in college and beyond, and likely understand this technique. Kan Muftic makes it clear on numerous occasions that this book is meant, again, for working concept artists, so I want to be fair and take that into consideration. I just feel, though, that it was an oversight and a missed opportunity. The entire concept of figure drawing is something already familiar to most concept artists, so I don't think including an explanation of the Reilly method would be any more of a retread than the rest of the book.

(Side note: if anyone reading this does know of a good resource for learning the Reilly method, please let me know!)

This one oversight is the main reason I can't give the book 5 stars, but I want to emphasize that I did really enjoy the book, and found it to be otherwise extremely useful. As someone aspiring to improve her art, I really value the glimpse into the practice methods of a professional (and quite prolific!) artist such as Muftic. He includes a good amount of practice sketches, and even includes examples from some unsuccessful/unproductive sessions. It's always comforting to remember that even professionals have hurdles to overcome, and practice is required for all skill levels.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an intermediate artist, very little of the concepts in this book are new to me, but it's a good synthesis of the basics that I go back to again and again.

One reason is that the author includes pieces of Reilly's method, my favorite system of drawing. The vast majority of it resonates with me. Because of that, so do the pieces in this book. I can easily follow the step-by-steps, and I agree with what the author's key points about drawing.

I've already used this book to help me with life drawing, and I'm sure I'll go back to it again.

[Taufan Fardianzah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thing is Kan Muftic gave you brief insight on what you have suppose to do and what is not.

But, this book is hard to swallow for beginner Figure Drawing Artist, because you have to search by yourself how to establish the lines using Reilly's Method at the first place.

[Lowbrow]

Beautiful examples that are valuable in their own right, but you’ll have to look elsewhere for a beginner’s breakdown of technique