ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

Drawing the male body

Objectives: At the end of this lesson, students shall be able to:

1) Enumerate the characteristics of a typical Western superhero male body;
2) Understand the process of drawing the male body in front view; and
3) Apply concepts and principles by drawing the front view body of an original male character.

The Male Body

 Introduction
o In this lesson, the male body that shall be drawn is based on Western superhero characters
(DC, Marvel, etc.)
 It is important to note that there are many styles on how to draw the human body (realistic,
semi-realistic, cartoony, Japanese animation, etc.)
 Chosen because it has a number of exaggerations (necessary for animation) yet it also
closely follows the proportions and construction of a realistic human body
 It is important to learn first the rules of how to draw a human body before deviating or
breaking the rules
 Measurements
o Main measurement: head (height)
 Other measurements can be the width of the head or the circle used to draw the head
o Total height: 8 heads
 Total height (realistic): 7 ½ heads
 There is no difference from the male and female heights in this lesson to maintain
consistency on proportions
 But typically, it is seen that the male is drawn with a taller height than females
o Other measurements:
 Torso with head, legs: 4 heads
 Arms, torso without head: around 3 heads
 Thighs, lower legs: 2 heads
 Chest, waist, hips, forearm: 1 head
 Shoulder width: 2 heads or 3 circles used to draw the head
 Construction
o Torso
 There are three main parts of the torso: shoulders, waist, and hips
 The shape of the male torso is a V-shape or inverted triangle shape
- The shoulder width should be the widest; waist and hips are around the same width
o Legs
 There are two main divisions: thighs and lower leg
 Thighs are drawn with rounded rectangles with not much fat or muscle
- Muscles may be added in the rendering, but not necessary
 The lower leg gives emphasis on the calves
- Calves are drawn with oblongs, while the ankles are thinner
o Arms
 There are two main divisions: upper arm and forearm
 Construction of the arms is quite similar to the legs
 The upper arm is drawn with rounded rectangles with not much fat or muscle
- Muscles are usually added during the rendering process
 The forearm has a noticeable muscle near the elbow, but not as emphasized just like the
calves

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 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

Setting Up the Page

1. Set the boundaries for the 2. Divide the space into two 3. Divide the two spaces into
male character by drawing equal parts, again marking it two again, making sure that
horizontal lines to mark them. with a horizontal line. they are equal in distance and
Leave some space at the top are marked with a horizontal
and a significant amount of line. There should be four
space at the bottom. spaces total.

4. Divide the spaces once 5. For symmetry, draw a vertical

more into two equal parts. By line along the center of the
now, there should be eight page. It is only necessary for
spaces, representing the size of the first four spaces.
the head.

Page 2 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

Steps in Drawing the Male Body (Front) – Proportions and Basic Shapes
6. Using the first space, draw 7. Draw the basic shape of the 8. For the shoulders, copy the
the entirety of the head. Do this neck. The height of that is circles used to draw the head
by dividing the space into around 1/3 of the space on the left and right sides. The
three, then using the 2/3 to created. circle doesn’t have to be
draw the circle. Ensure that the perfect; just the same size.
middle of the head is at the
vertical line.

9. Use the sides of the created 10. Draw a horizontal line from 11. From the base of the neck,
circles to bring the the base of the circle from the mark one head tall, landing it
measurement down. This shall ends of the circles. This shall around 1/3s down the third
be the width of the shoulders. serve as the shoulders. space.

Page 3 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

12. Using the shoulders and the 13. From the base of the chest, 14. Using that measurement,
marking, draw a semi-circle. draw another marking which is draw a circle. Make sure that
This shall serve as the chest of one head tall, landing it around the width of the circle is the
the male body. 1/3s of the fourth space. same as the height. This shall
serve as the waist of the male
body.

15. Divide the height of the 16. Divide the circle (waist) into 17. From the armpits, draw a
chest into two equal parts, and two equal parts by drawing a slightly curved diagonal line
make marks only on the sides. horizontal line along it. This is connecting it to the waist. Do it
This shall serve as the armpits the start of the waist. on both sides and make sure
and precursor to the arms. that they are symmetrical to
each other.

Page 4 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

18. From the waistline, draw 19. Divide the space between 20. From the waist, draw slightly
vertical lines until the base of the base of the circle (waist) curved diagonal lines towards
the circle. Close it off by until the start of the fifth line into the created mark. This shall
drawing a horizontal line at the two equal parts. Create a small serve as the hips.
base of the circle. mark or a horizontal line.

21. Make sure that the created 22. Close the shape by drawing 23. Mark the center of the
hips are slightly wider than the two diagonal lines connecting diagonal lines that were just
waist, but not too wide. From a it to the center, just above the created. This will be the start of
farther distance, it should still fifth space. In the end, a the skeleton of the legs.
look like they are of the same reverse pentagon shape is
size. created for the hips and
crotch.

Page 5 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

24. Draw diagonal lines from 25. Draw the thigh. Start from 26. Replicate the same shape
the markings created, which the side of the pentagon and on the other thigh. Close off by
will serve as the skeleton for the create a rounded rectangle. drawing a curved line. Take
legs. Take note that the legs Take note that the width should note that they are both the
should be at an angle where get slightly thinner towards the same width, and that its center
the feet are apart but not too end, but not too much. From is the line created.
far apart. afar, it should look the same.

26. Draw the knees by drawing 27. Divide the rest of the space 28. From the top of the knee
circles. The width should be the into two equal parts to create (circle), draw an oblong taking
same as the thighs and that it the placement of the calf. up the upper space. Make sure
should be inside the thigh. Place a marking. that the thickness is just as thick
Divide into two parts as a mark. as the end of the thighs.

Page 6 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

29. Draw the rest of the lower 30. Replicate the same shape 31. Draw circles at the bottom
leg by creating two inner on the other side – making sure of the lower leg to serve as the
curved lines – the end of the that the skeleton is at the ankles.
leg becoming slightly thinner center of the basic shape.
than the width of the knees.

32. For the feet, from the inside 33. The outside of the feet is 34. Close off the shape by
part of the lower leg (near the done by drawing diagonal lines drawing a line to connect the
center of the body), draw a around the same length as the two previous lines. The length of
diagonal line. The length of this previous line. Take note that this new line is around 1 ½ of
line is twice the diameter of the the width at the ankle should the diameter of the circle.
circle used to draw the ankle. be smaller than the one for the
toes and feet.

Page 7 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

35. Finish off the feet by 36. The height of the triangle 37. Going back to the arms,
drawing the toes. This is done should be near the center of draw two circles from the top
by drawing a triangle with the the body – depicting the big of the shoulders to the armpits.
height of around ¾ of the toe. This shall serve as the rotator
diameter of the circle for the cuff. Note that the circle is half
ankle. inside the torso.

38. From the center of the 39. The length of the arms 40. Drawing the upper arm is
created circles, draw one long should reach around the fifth the same as drawing the thighs
line that serves as the skeleton space and that it should be a – use rounded rectangles, with
of the arms. bit away from the body. the thickness getting slightly
thinner at the end. It should
end where the waistline is.

Page 8 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

41. Draw circles at the base of 42. The length for the forearm is 43. Draw oblongs from the top
the upper arm to serve as around one head – usually of the circle (elbow) until the
elbows and joints. The circles ending at the crotch. Divide halfway point. Take note that
now are placed half-inside the the remaining space for the the thickness should be the
upper arms. Diameter of the forearm into two equal parts to same as that of the upper arm.
circle is the same as the detail the muscle.
thickness of the upper arm.

44. Draw curved lines along the 45. Draw circles at the end that 46. To draw the hands, start off
length of the oblong to would serve as the wrists. with a straight vertical line from
complete the creation of the the wrist (inside of the body).
forearm. Close off the shape. The length is the same with the
diameter of the circle (wrist).

Page 9 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

47. Draw the outside by 48. Close off the shape by 49. Divide the space created
drawing a straight diagonal line connecting the two lines into two parts vertically, and
– with the base now thicker together. The shape should draw that vertical line from the
than the wrist. look like a half-trapezoid base of the palm. The length
(because it looks like it was cut should be the same as the
in half). This shall serve as the height of the trapezoid (or the
palm. diameter of the circle that
created the wrist).

50. Draw a triangle by 51. Finalize the hand by

connecting the created line to drawing the thumb.
the outside of the palm. This
shall serve as the fingers.

Page 10 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

Steps in Drawing the Male Body (Front) – Rendering

52. Draw the guidelines and 53. Start off with rendering the 54. Render the neck as well. Do
basic shapes necessary for head, including the face and this by starting off with two
constructing the face and hair. the hair. diagonal lines going to the
Please refer to the content in center and then two curved
Modules 2 and 3 for reference. vertical lines to complete it.

55. In constructing the 56. This portion is the back 57. To complete the shoulders,
shoulders, divide the width of muscles that are connected to draw slightly horizontal lines
the shoulders into two equal the shoulders. This can be from the back muscles to the
parts. From the neck (a bit made bigger if the character is end of the shoulders.
higher), draw curved lines more muscular, but in
going outwards. proportion with the arms.

Page 11 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

58. Draw details through the 59. For the chest, trace the 60. Start with the arms by
clavicle. Start with a small V at outline from the basic shapes tracing the corner of the
the middle of the chest. Add but making it blocky. Use shoulders. Around half of the
diagonal lines from the V- broken lines to make it more upper arm, turn the line inwards
shape to the intersection of the subtle. Add a small reverse T at to give the illusion of the
shoulders and back muscles. the base of the chest. deltoid muscle.

61. From the armpit, draw the 61. Finish the upper arm by 62. Draw the forearm by simply
bicep. Create a small bump drawing the tricep. Curve the tracing the basic shapes in one
from the basic shape to add line a bit from the deltoid line. Make sure that the upper
muscle. Prevent from drawing it muscle to define the tricep part is a bit bigger (muscular)
too big lest it will look swollen. muscle. than near the wrist. Be careful
from drawing it too big.

Page 12 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

63. For the hand, only draw 64. Going back to the torso, 65. Draw the waist by tracing
three fingers (thumb, pointer, draw the sides by tracing the the basic shape. It is
middle). basic shape but the lines are a recommended that it be a bit
bit curved. Prevent from over wider if you feel that the
exaggerating as it may look shoulders are bigger.
swollen.

66. Draw the hip bones and the 67. Drawing the abdominal 68. Leave some space for the
crotch. It is essentially done by muscles is an optional step. To top (chest) and bottom (hips)
drawing a V shape, but with do so, divide the thickness of and create a rounded
broken lines. The tip of the the waist into four equal parts. rectangle window shape.
crotch should be curved and Divide it to have either 2 or 3
prevent over exaggerating. rows.

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 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

69. In detailing the abdominal 70. Addition of the latissimus 71. for the thighs, start off from
muscles, it is important to only dorsi is optional. Draw around the hip bone and slightly add a
use broken lines to prevent two rows of swooping curved small bump around the same
exaggeration on the creation lines for added detail. Add the level as the hands. Stop around
of the muscles. naval at the base of the 3/4s of the way to have
abdominal muscles. definition on the thigh muscles.

72. Simply trace the basic 73. Trace the rest of the thighs 74. Add short strokes at the
shape in order to create the until the knees. Doing this step sides to give a more detailed
inner thighs. Make sure to stop would make the thighs more muscle. For the knees, draw
around the same level as the muscular and proportionate to broken U-shapes at the circles
outer thighs from the previous the wide shoulders. (the basic shape for the knees).
step.

Page 14 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

75. For the lower leg, start off 76. For the inside part of the 77. Draw the rest of the inner
with the outside. Trace the lower leg, draw the calf first. part of the lower legs.
basic shapes as is. Exaggerate a little bit so that
the inner part is more muscular
than the outer part. Add details
for the muscle.

78. For the feet, start off with 79. For the outer part of the 80. Divide the space for the
the inner part. The line goes feet, trace it as is but add a toes into three equal parts. The
inwards around the middle part smaller, less noticeable bump third of the space that is
(which is somewhat visible) and before reaching the toes. inwards (near the center of the
a bump is present just before body) is the big toes.
where the toes are.

Page 15 of 17
 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

81. The other toes are placed 82. The end of the toes are 83. Remove any guidelines and
at the two remaining spaces. drawn using rounded further render the character if
Divide further to get four rectangles. Add nails by necessary.
spaces for each of the smaller drawing smaller rounded
toes. rectangles.

Notes When Drawing the Male Body

 It is important to set the measurements of the space where to draw first so that the drawing will
fit in the page
o Example: The legs / feet are not drawn because there is not enough space or the drawing
is too big
o Use a ruler to set the measurements (similar to the one in red in the tutorial)
 When drawing muscles, render them using short, broken strokes
o It makes the muscles look more natural and assimilated through the body
o When rendering, it is also better to draw them using lighter and thinner lines
 Use references when drawing muscles
o Learning the placement of muscles takes some time to study

References:
 Lee, S., and Buscema, J. (1984). How to draw comics the Marvel way: First Fireside Edition. New
York : Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1984
 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (2018 February 27). Training Regulations
for Animation NCII – Version 02. Quezon City

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 ANIMATION NCII – Animation 11a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: ICT CCS 11A
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

MODULE 6 – Ani11a Subject Teacher: Lovely Jenn A. Reformado

ACTIVITY 6: Self-check 4
Instructions: Read and understand the questions focusing on the proportions and basic shapes used
when drawing the male body. Choose the letter of the BEST answer. (20 items, 20 pts.)
1. What is the total height of the superhero male in heads?
A. 7 B. 7 1/2 C. 8 D. 8 1/2
2. What is the total height of the superhero male in heads?
A. 7 B. 7 1/2 C. 8 D. 8 1/2
3. How tall is the torso (including the neck and head) in heads?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
4. How long are the legs in heads?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
5. What is the approximate length of the arms in heads?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
6. How could one describe the shape of the superhero male torso?
A. Hourglass C. Inverted triangle
B. Inverted hourglass D. Triangle
7. Which of the following is not a critical part of constructing the torso?
A. Hips B. Neck C. Shoulders D. Waist
8. Which of the following is the widest part of the torso?
A. Hips B. Neck C. Shoulders D. Waist
9. What is the basic shape used to draw the waist?
A. Circle B. Oblong C. Rectangle D. Triangle
10. What is the basic shape used to draw the calves?
A. Circle B. Oblong C. Rectangle D. Triangle
11. What is the basic shape used to draw joints?
A. Circle B. Oblong C. Rectangle D. Triangle
12. What is the basic shape used to draw the fingers and toes?
A. Circle B. Oblong C. Rectangle D. Triangle
13. What is the basic shape for the hips and crotch?
A. Hexagon C. Rounded Rectangle
B. Pentagon D. Trapezoid
14. What is the basic shape for the thighs?
A. Hexagon C. Rounded Rectangle
B. Pentagon D. Trapezoid
15. What is the basic shape for the palm of the hand and feet (without the toes)?
A. Hexagon C. Rounded Rectangle
B. Pentagon D. Trapezoid

How to Submit:
 Answer “WW4: Self-Check 4” under “Module 6 – Drawing the Male Body”.
Submission Channels:
 Canvas K-12 LMS (Quizzes)

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