Designing Cartoon Upper Bodies – Effective Liquefaction Technique

The transition from a real person to a cartoon character requires sensitivity and a precise handling of design tools. This guide focuses on the steps to effectively warp the upper body and arms to achieve a humorous and engaging cartoon aesthetic. In the following text, you will be guided step by step through the process so that you can work confidently and creatively.

Key insights

• Warping the upper body and arms is crucial for the cartoon look.
• Pay attention to proportions and line work.
• Use the tools in Photoshop conscientiously and proceed step by step.
• Practice makes perfect: Patience and creativity are essential for implementation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Before you start warping, it is important to optimally prepare your workspace in Photoshop. Make sure the image is clearly visible and opened at the correct scale. This will make it easier to work on details.

Step 2: Warp the Upper Body

Then start with the liquify mode. Select the upper body as the first model element and focus on the shape. The goal is to make the upper body slimmer and straighter to best reflect the cartoon style. Begin with gentle inward movements of the shape.

Step 3: Adjustments to the Blouse or Shirt

Ensure that the transition between the upper body and the T-shirt looks harmonious. Gently adjust the edges of the shirt to be straighter and ensure that there are no sharp creases as these can diminish the cartoon influence.

Step 4: Edit the Shoulder Shape

The shoulders are an important element of any character. Correct them by making them less angular and transitioning to gentle curves. This gives the character a more sympathetic and playful appearance.

Step 5: Adjust Neck Length

Gently elongate your character's neck to create a more dynamic and humorous figure. Be sure not to lose sight of the proportions of the head. This is critical for the overall effect of your character.

Step 6: Adjust the Collar

Make sure that the collar of the T-shirt or shirt is positioned correctly. You want it to look good without appearing oversized or too tight. This contributes to the overall aesthetic.

Step 7: Refinements on the Body

Now go back and check the entire body of the character. Make fine adjustments at all critical points to ensure that everything is proportionate and aesthetic. It is important that your character has a harmonious look.

Step 8: Shape the Arms

The arms should also be slimmer and adjusted to the new style of the upper body. Gently push them closer to the body to ensure a better connection with the rest of the design.

Step 9: Hands and Wrists

Give your characters more shape at the hands and wrists, achieving that cartoonish look by making them slightly thinner. This will ensure a harmonious, pleasing overall appearance.

Step 10: Final Check and Last Adjustments

In the final phase, it is important to look at your work as a whole again. Make small adjustments here and there to achieve the perfect shape. Preview the final result and make any last adjustments as needed.

Summary - Comic Style Vol. 2: Warping the Upper Body

You have now learned how to warp the upper body and arms of a character to achieve the witty, cartoonish design. Key points are controlling proportions and patiently working towards the desired shape.