2 Ways to Make Hand Poses STAND OUT

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These methods are actually pretty common design rules: It’s always good to break symmetry (also known as twinning) and likewise a good idea to let different parts stick out at different angles. But sometimes even skilled artists forget to apply this to hands as well.

1: Group fingers unevenly

It doesn’t matter if you draw characters with 4 or 5 fingers, you can always group them in a way that they don’t stick together to one boring shape.

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The same goes for too evenly spaced, symmetrical constellations. By making only some fingers spread and some stick together you can give it a much better visual rhythm.

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2: Give one or more fingers a different angle

Keep an eye out for opportunities to sprinkle in an extra bend somewhere (especially if it’s a overused cliché gesture like a point). If you want your audience to pay special attention to the hands, those extra details are mandatory.

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As with all design guidelines they can help you to give your poses that certain something, but it takes practice and a good feeling to really get it right. In any case you should always try as many variations as possible and never forget that something as tiny as an angled pinkie might be the step towards perfection that your pose is missing.

Looking for more hand-y information? You can find more all about hands in the “Hands 101” series found right here!