Hello, in this tutorial, I'll show you some tips for achieving all kinds of facial expressions.

 

Although there are some rules, I always recommend looking for references when creating expressions. Perhaps your character isn't angry or furious, but rather irritated or suspicious. The tips we'll cover in the tutorial are more for understanding these expressions and achieving them more quickly and easily.

Rules

As you can see, the mask method consists of separating the head and face parts into different blocks. This makes molding easier. The one we'll use most will be the eyes.

Stretch & Squash

The first rule is "Stretch" and "Squash." By using stretch and squash, we'll achieve greater expressiveness in our facial expressions.

 

We normally use stretch when our mouth is open, as the jaw will drop. We also use it when our eyes are surprised.

 

We use squash when we furrow our eyebrows, clench our teeth, or make faces.

Eyebrows and Eyes

Imagine your eyebrows as a single line. This will help you understand the connection between the eyebrows and give a more natural look. Next up is the mask, where we would place the eyes and the upper part of the eyebrows. This mask is shaped like a mask, making it easier to express your eyes when stretching, contracting, etc.

Boca

1. The teeth remain parallel, while the corners of the mouth are diagonal.

2. Once we understand the teeth, any shape we make can be transformed into an expression.

3. Using references and rules, we will create a variety of expressions, including the same five mouths we all drew: angry, smiling, serious, happy, and barely open mouth.

Search for Expressions

Another way to find expressions is by swapping mouths, eyebrows, or eyes. In the example below, you'll see how changing just one aspect—either the mouth or eyebrows—can produce different expressions.

This method is very useful when you can't find the expression you want. Once you find it, you can experiment with it. Exaggerate it or modify it according to the level of expressiveness you're looking for or your character's personality.

I think this expression captures the idea of "Really? Don't tell me..." The face you make when you hear something that isn't true and you know it isn't true.

3D

The 3D heads provided by the program or the assets we can download are quite useful for creating expressions from various angles, rotations, and perspectives. Our expressions can also be accompanied by head movement for greater expressiveness.

Using the mask on the 3D heads makes it much easier for us to understand the perspective to place our expressions.

END

I hope this tutorial helps you understand and design your characters' facial expressions.

 

Goodbye.