Composition matters

If the page was wider I would’ve done a totally different pose.

Composition matters. And the choices you make as an artist in regards to composition is as meaningful of an impact as any other one of your major stlyistic elements. As much or more than your shapes, brush strokes, camera angles, color choices (or lack thereof) etc etc etc.

When choosing my single character compositions, I enjoy filling the page as much as possible. I want you to feel like they’re RIGHT in front of you. Like uncomfortably close even.

I had a good thing going with this one, and I really wanted to throw his arms back more. More stretched. more opened. But each time I tried to find the correct angle to make it work on the page, I ran into obstacles.

From where I’ve placed the camera in relation to the body, the arm going open and back would’ve obscured the views of his claws. And let’s be honest, showing Wolverine without showing his claws, on a cover like this, is kinda weird.

So I played around until I found an angle that I could bring the claws at you but still in the frame of the cover.

Then I was convinced I wanted him almost running, but when I brought the other hand in, the “running legs” just didn’t feel right. They competed with the hands/claws. So I opened the legs and suddenly we have a pose that fulfills the compositions that I prefer.

That being said, honestly, I can’t believe I drew this. My anatomy and inking style is really starting to find its way. I’m especially fond of the way I did Wolverine’s “ears”, pinned down and back like a snarling cat. The neck muscles are getting close to what I envision. I still have so much to learn, but seeing the progress is super fun. 😉