Start with a simple gesture line to capture overall pose and flow
Block in major shapes using cylinders/boxes (ribcage, pelvis, limbs)
Establish the head size relative to the body and place it on the gesture line
Sketch the ribcage and pelvis as basic forms, then connect them with a spine curve
Place the shoulder line and pelvis line to set tilt and rotation
Add simple limb volumes and align elbows/knees with the gesture
Indicate joints with light marks (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles)
Keep proportions rough at first (head-to-body ratio, shoulder width, hip width)
Ensure the torso twists and the pelvis tilts consistently with the pose
Add muscle groups as simplified planes rather than detailed anatomy immediately
Refine the chest, abdomen, and back planes using directional shading cues
Clarify the deltoids, biceps/triceps, forearm mass, and hand structure with basic forms
Build thighs, calves, and feet with blocky shapes before adding definition
Use overlapping forms to show depth and limb placement
Check symmetry and balance by comparing left/right silhouettes
Correct perspective by aligning limb angles and torso tilt to the same viewing direction
Add clothing/armor/constraints by wrapping forms around the underlying body
Clean up the silhouette last, keeping lines confident and minimal
Use light construction lines for adjustments, then redraw final lines
Re-check proportions and joint placement after every major refinement pass
Practice drawing from multiple angles (front, side, 3/4) and multiple heights (standing, sitting)
Use reference for anatomy and proportions, then simplify to your construction steps