How To Draw Noses Like Me (IT'S TIME TO BREATHE) - Anatomy Shapes!

A patron by the name of Danima asked me for a "nose tutorial." Although it seems my characters lately don't have a detailed nose, I've managed to simplify the shape into an effective selection of lines that, in my opinion, makes the nose understandable and aesthetically pleasing to look at. I know many of you are not beginner artists and already have this figured out, but I think by sharing my approach, you might gain some extra insights for your execution process.

For this particular execution on nose shape building, we will use a top view and bottom perspective. This, as you know, is the way I often draw characters in search of dynamic views and gestures. You can also apply these practices on top of the three previous tutorials on anatomy shape building: 

• how to draw eyes

• how to draw female head

• how to draw male heads

Last but not least, if you try out the nose spreadsheet including all the 4 mentioned, I'll be giving you 10 skill points in our Discord Channel!!! Let's dive in.

.

NOSES IN MY STYLE

I often draw the silhouette or shape of the nose using the middle of the nose as a guide from the Nasal Root (Radix)/Nasal Bridge, Nasal Tip, and Columella. The line that defines the nostril is optional.

I have chosen to shape the triangular shadow that the nose projects on the cheek (cast shadow). The line for the cast shadow tends to be different from the line used to define the nose silhouette; it is either thin or soft, making it subtle or more of a grey value (I often just erase the line a little). This is because this line is not supposed to be part of the anatomy but more a suggestion of the shadow silhouette. I find it visually attractive and it is highly inspired by Japanese artists and animators.

1. Pointy

This one I often use for female characters. What makes this nose particular is the curved line that defines the nasal root and bridge. The one on the right I often use for bottom view, and the one on the left, top view perspective.

2. Straight

Composed of straight lines, this is a nose I use more with male characters. The nasal root and bridge line is often longer than the columella. The one on the right I often use for bottom view, and the one on the left, top view perspective.

3. Thick

Used often by me for male characters, the nasal root and bridge line is often curved, similar to the pointy one but the line curve this time will be bent outwards. Instead of a nasal tip, I'll make a short line that splits the nasal root/bridge from the columella. This line will be present both in top and bottom view. The one on the right I often use for bottom view, and the one on the left, top view perspective.

4. Round

This last one is less common but not less important. I often use it for female characters but mostly for child or kid characters. In this case, root, pointy, and columella merge into a single curve, as kids still have not completely developed the nose shape. It looks very cute though!

.

Here are some of these noses applied to the tutorials we have developed so far. Feel free to try them out yourself.

.

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing the process video of this piece along with the files and insights. They will be available for Mastering Maestro tier and above. Feel free to upgrade if you want more insights about my work.

Welcome to all new patrons! Feel free to drop any questions here in the comments, via DMs on Patreon, or in our Discord group. I'll be more than happy to answer and track your progress.

For more information, check out our Patreon FAQ: https://ramonn90.myportfolio.com/faq and Patreon Catalogue: https://ramonn90.myportfolio.com/work

Thank you for your support.