So, the last post about this new paper doll series was about the inspiration. This one is about the template. Every paper doll I draw is traced from a template that I usually draw on lined paper. It’s cheap, has lines for portions and I don’t feel guilty if I go through like seven or twelves sheets of it. I actually ended up with like fifteen versions of this template before I had one I thought was final.
Rather then sharing all fifteen (because the differences become pretty damn minor at some point), I’m only sharing three. I’d say this was because I think these three most well illustrate my process (and they do do a fairly good job of that), but really it’s because the idea of scanning 15 of basically the same thing was enough to strike fear into my heart. Not that I don’t love to share, but there is a limit.
So, on the left is the first doodle with lots of lines and a rough idea of the size and the pose. I knew I wanted to have the legs together, so she could be easily turned into a mermaid if I wanted too. On the right, is the second stage of the process around midway, I’m a little unsure about the feet though… it does make shoes difficult and I love shoes. I always fret a bit about paper doll poses and I have to think about the type of doll and what I plan on drawing. I never know exactly what I plan on drawing for clothing, so that becomes another issue entirely.
Lastly, here’s the final. She’s not perfect yet- there will be a few more changes when I actually trace her onto sketch book paper. I want to give her larger breasts and a slightly fuller hips. I’m also unsure about her left hand placement. More editing is fairly inevitable.
I know I’ll probably put her into some sort of polka-dotted swimsuit and I think she’ll have wigs which means she’ll need a short hairstyle of some sort to start off with. I’ve only ever done one bald paper doll to give wigs and my friend informed me that she looked like a chemotherapy patient. I never did that one again.
Now that I’m getting ready to really start drawing, I need to make decisions about things like- do I want to work in color? Will I have heavy shadows? what size do I want the paper dolls to be? How many dresses per post? Do I make them mix and match or outfit based? Are they going to be a new doll every post or will I have a set of dolls and just draw new outfits? Is there going to be a theme? Will I step out of the vintage feel for costumes?
Ugh… I hate making decisions. Maybe I’ll have a poll.
I like this pose, it’s very sexy and sassy. Just what you want a pin-up doll to be =)
I like polls!
Whatever you want to do with it is great for me. I like your color, but I know that has a lot of extra time in it for you. I also like your heavy shadows. They are unique. I personally would make a set of dolls and just draw new outfits. That isn’t as time consuming. =]
Just some of my thoughts. I know you are busy, so I picked out the less time consuming ones. =]
Thank you Sara.
Those are all good thoughts Monica. I have a fair bit of time right now, but I need to think longer term since school will start again come fall. I am thinking at the moment that I will likely have some posts which are dolls and some posts which are clothing. I’m leaning towards black and white, but might change my mind. We’ll see.
I like the black and white and shaded versions, only because I like to color them myself. And I REALLY like this body shape as well. Can’t wait to see more.
Thank you Kim. At the moment in my little poll, shadowed and color are tied. I expected color to win by a landslide, so I’m rather enjoying the surprise change of pace.