Hello everyone! My name is Erik Teren Mullins and I LOVE creating monster guys and girls!

I made a video talking about my process when I create them and the things to keep in mind while you make your own.

First off...I'm aware of how 90's my title image is hahaha. Other than Anthro's I also love old school vibes.

 

These drawings are all "sketches". I just wanted to show you all how I design my Anthropomorphic characters and not how I work my anatomy or poses today ;)

 

What is Anthropomorphic?

It's adding Human characteristics to things that otherwise don't really have any. (perfect for designing creative fun monster characters) It's also referred to as "anthro" for short.

 

 

 

 

0% Anthro

So lets start off with our subject! I chose a Bumble bee 'cause they are adorable, need to be protected and loved by most. And lets give her a name! Beeatrice. No breaking my head on this one hahaha.

At this point, we are just looking at a regular Bumble bee. I put a ZERO PERCENT to indicate how much "human" is mashed up into this lil'bee! None....there is no human here...But ain't she just adorable anyway!?!?

 

I also want to mention that I tend to sketch on an "off-white" canvas 'cause it's softer on my eyes. I use a round pen, or oddly shaped one that resembles an actual pen to sketch with, set to 70% opacity. This way I can go over certain lines for accentuation purposes.

 

Remember to always have a good reference of the original thing you are using for your design on hand, in front of you at all times. This way you can "stay on target" with your overall design, adding the proper features and attributes as you go.

 

Beeatrice - "Buzzzzbzzzz"

20% Anthro

20% - Now she looks like we could see her in a "childrens" cartoon (I say children but we all watch these shows...).

Walking on 2 legs, but feels as though if having to run away, she might get on all six feet/hands. I gave her eye lashes, a larger head and the ability to make little human like gestures. The Anthropomorphic vibes are subtle but definitely there.

 

Beeatrice - "My goodness! I think therefor I am! and all I can think about is how much work I have to do everyday!!!"

40% Anthro

40% - Now She is starting to look like she could cause some trouble...

With an anatomy pushing closer to a humans and a personality to go with it, you just KNOW she's going to be hiding your drawing pen, maybe knocking over your glass of water from time to time or talking your ear off just because she wants attention!

 

These are things I always keep in mind while creating an anthropomorphic character. Any character for that matter! Personality can dictate the clothes they wear to the facial expressions they like to make the most and these are all so very human~

 

Beeatrice - "work? pfffff naw...HEY! Wanna hear about this flower I saw yesterday? It was, like, super cool!"

 

60% Anthro

60% - Wow! Just look at Beeatrice go! I have to admit, I'm incredibly biased for creatures hitting the 50-70% mark. I LOVE Monster guys and gals as I had said earlier and at this percentage it's really a sweet spot!

Now having obviously human features all over, the Anthropomorphism is STRONG in this one~

I started to section off parts a little earlier in the designs to give off a "skin and clothing" effect, but here we see it very clearly. The lines start to become blurred with certain aspects.

 

Beeatrice - "What? Really? Anything I choose? such freedom is...exhilarating!"

80% Anthro

80% - Clothes...at this point, depending on what you are creating this for, they should probably be wearing them. Like most humans do :D

I gave her a "childhood friend" look to go with the pose and expressions. Her skin is still not completely human and she has smaller antennas to go with her little wings.

 

When I write a Percentage down, I imagine a glass of water(Human). Then I add that percentage of grape juice(the item/creature) to the glass. So with only 20% Bumble bee, it's still quite visual in it's design.

 

+10% higher than this is what most people are used to seeing when they think of "anthro" art. Fox girls, Cat girls and all sorts generally look perfectly human, with exception to the ears and tail.

 

Beeatrice - "So...umm...a bunch of us are going to see that really cool new movie! Wanna come with?"

100% Human

100% - Human.

Beatrice is now all human! no more Anthropomorphic traits. Her super hero looking clothes may be designed to reflect a bumblebee but they do not actually give her any of these actual traits in her DNA. I definitely made it a little confusing by giving her that scarf/cape resembling wings, but I assure you she is all human. The clothes don't actually have any "human" elements to them aside from their cut to fit a human body. This makes them not Anthro at all and creating anthropomorphic clothing would be a whole new creature!

 

Beeatrice - "I'd love to hang out!---buuuuut I actually have to save the world real quick...maybe later?"

50/50 Split

50/50 - Controversial Anthropomorphism

This is a tough one. It's SO up for debate that at the end of the day, just do what you love 'cause labels don't really matter when you are designing fun creatures.

 

But!! Let's have at it....Personally I find that Anthro designs need to incorporate something from both human and the object/creature in question. So if the top half is 100% human, but the bottom half is 100% bumblebee in this example, I see this as being a "monster girl" but not necessarily "anthro". Not unless you add insect elements to the human part and vice versa. It doesn't even have to be a lot! Just like, antennas and maybe human hands for the feet lol.

 

But I'd love to hear your debate on this subject because I'm always down to learn new things. My brain is an anthropomorphic sponge after all! Soaking up all the sweet knowledge it can.

 

And that's all folks!! Hopefully Beeatrice and I have helped you out in your future endeavors to create fun Anthro creatures.

Keep in mind that though I have made a percentage chart, designing Anthropomorphic beings is all about creativity! This chart is only to give you a general outline and make you think a little outside your normal box.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read everything! I put a lot of work and passion into this fun project :)