Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Model sheets are in many ways similar to drafting plans. The character is seen
from different angles in isometric views.
Isometric
means without perspective. In
other words, the view is flat to the viewer, without distortion for distance.
Isometric drawings are more accurate than perspective drawings because the ele-
ments can be plotted directly from view to view.
Drawing a Character Template
A good template starts with a front view of the character. The character should
have its legs separated and its arms out straight. Some modelers prefer to have the
character's arms straight out to the sides like an airplane, but I prefer to have them
down a bit because most of the time a character's arms will be down. Figure 6.1
shows the front view of a character in Corel Painter. Placing the arms out from the
body will make it easier to attach a skeleton to the character for animation.
Figure 6.1
The template starts with a front view.
I like drawing characters in Corel Painter because I can adjust and change things in
the drawing without having to worry about the paper surface when erasing. Figure
6.1 shows a drawing of a pirate girl in Painter. Notice the position of her arms and
legs. Also notice that the flowing part of her sash is out away from the body.
