How I Study Heads/Faces, by Ullaiin on YouTube. 17 min 4 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 4 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Learn the planes of the face first: the flat front of the forehead, the side planes, the cheekbones, the box of the jaw and the wedge of the nose.
Study an Asaro head model or reference image so you can see those planes in three dimensions before you draw from flat photos.
Collect clear portrait photos with strong lighting, such as the Earthsworld references, so shadows reveal the form of the head.
In your drawing app, block in the skull with simple shapes, then mark the brow line, eye line, base of the nose and chin.
Flip your canvas horizontally every few minutes. Proportion errors that look fine one way show up straight away when mirrored.
Do timed traditional studies in a sketchbook with a pencil, about 5 to 10 minutes per head, to build speed and confidence.
Copy frames from animated films such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to see how artists simplify and exaggerate faces.
Lay your studies next to the reference at the end of each session, note one thing that went wrong and fix it in the next study.
Tips and common mistakes
Draw the whole head before adding features, because starting with the eyes makes the rest of the face drift.
Keep your reference the same size and angle as your drawing so comparisons stay honest.
Pick one angle or feature per session instead of jumping between front, profile and three-quarter views.
Copying other artists' work is for learning only, so change the design enough before you post or sell anything.
Questions
How long should one face study take?
Start with 5 to 10 minute timed studies to train your eye, then allow 30 to 45 minutes for a careful finished study. Short studies teach proportion faster because you cannot fuss over details.
Do I need a tablet to do this?
No. The same steps work in a sketchbook with a pencil. A drawing app only helps with things like flipping the canvas and resizing your reference.
What is the Asaro head?
It is a simplified model of a head built from flat planes rather than smooth curves. Artists use it to understand how light falls across the face before drawing detailed features.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
