How to draw Jazz Jackrabbit characters - step by step tutorial

[DoubleGJ]

Hello there and welcome to my tutorial! With this I hope we will see more JJ fanart in future. Please note that the following lessons are not 100% accurate to Nick's style, as I made a few innovations to character appearance. Once you get the hang of it you can start building up your own style (ie. JSZ Spaz connects eyes like Sonic characters have). Without further delay let us begin with first lesson!

<b>Lesson 1: Jazz's head - front view</b>

1. First, draw a circle and then draw a vertical line cutting it to halfs. This will be the face symetry line. Now, on about 1/3 of circle's height, draw a horizontal line. It will be the upper border of light fur part.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-01.gif"></center>

2. Draw two ellipses "standing" on the horizontal line. They should have the height of about half of the circle. Above draw a rounded down trapezoidal shape. Notice that is goes through elipses. In the middle of trapezoid's height and ellipses' widht draw a small circle and then draw a well stretched ellipse on it. Repeat on the other side. Now, out of their upper ends draw these strange shapes shown on the picture - they're a mix of triangles and ellipses. If you can't get the right shape, first draw an ellipse like the one under and then make a wider line on the proper side. Now let's move to the bottom of the pic - draw two small circles on sides of the big one. They should partially cover it. Their vertical position depends on character's mood - the more happy it is, the higher they will be and vice versa. Draw a small curve between the two ellipses right where they stick to the horizontal line.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-02.gif"></center>

3. We're coming to the details! But before we do, draw a shape of upside-down water drop a bit above the trapezoid. You can first draw a circle and then stretch it on the bottom. Next, in the place of two ellipses draw more drop shapes - their bottom half will just cover the ellipses and they should have the same height. Under the small curve make a rounded up triangle. Connect the horizontal line and big circle bottom smoothly with small circles, make some fur on sides. Round up the trapezoid and make some folds on the bottom, remember the whole shape is under all drop shapes. Make fur out of the circle part that's still uncovered and draw two ribbons as ends for the bandana. There are many ways to draw them so if you can't get it right Google some tutorial which is exactly about ribbons.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-03.gif"></center>

4. Draw tiny ellipses inside the two drop shapes. Make a curve near the bottom of the big circle and in the middle smoothly connect it with the rounded triangle so it splits on the bottom. From horizontal middle of the drop shapes draw two straight lines going a big below the big circle so they cross under the symetry line. Make some fur effects on the big upside-down drop and big ellipses above. Draw smaller ellipses but with the same shape inside them. You can also make a few more folds on the bandana.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-04.gif"></center>

5. We're getting there. On the straight lines which were going below the big circle draw a rounded up triangle and split it in half with a vertical line. Make a small curve above to make the gum. Now make more detail to the eye pupils by drawing tiny circles in their upper ends and drawing slightly bigger ellipses around them. Make some more fur stuff and draw thick curves above eyes. Also, draw a small curve above the one which is right above the nose. Speaking of which, draw a line near it's side. Notice how I made some shading to the left side of bandana.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-05.gif"></center>

6. This is the part where you can improve things and screw them up aswell. Take something intensly black and repeat the proper lines. Fill the eye pupils (except the tiny circles) and the smaller part of nose (but you can fill the bigger one when the character is in a dark place). Wait until it dryes and rubber out the pencil.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-06.gif"></center>

7. Now, color it. You all know what the colors are.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-07.jpg"></center>

That's all for today, lesson 2 coming soon!

[Stijn]

His hair is still way too big :P

But this is really nice and useful, thanks for posting this.

[DoubleGJ]

Then you can make the upside-down drop shape smaller. Just keep it's center in the same place.

[White Rabbit]

Helpful for all drawers and...er...general fans of art. I, however, can mess up the most idiotsafe tutorials, so I'll keep drawing well away until my brain gets control over my hands.

[Nielsje]

Pretty nice tutorial. I guess this is worth a sticky.

[Fawriel]

Hmm, not bad, although I don't agree with everything in it, the result is pretty good.

[DoubleGJ]

Well basically the tutor is made for typical fans, not talents like you. ^^

[Fawriel]

........... ^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Kay.


...still, though... I think this should be in the tutorial..
His mouth isn't a straight line.. both Noogy and Nick drew his snout, which divides his mouth into four parts..
Like..
http://www.yopi.de/images/prod_pics/49/e/49800.jpg here.
See how the snout is made up of two half-circles which connect to the rest of the mouth?


EDIT: ... I mean, not the snout, but.. the.. uh... "lips" underneath.. it?
... this is hard to explain.

[White Rabbit]

...no? Spatial. Mind. Going. Haywire.

[Fawriel]

........*patpats WR*

[DoubleGJ]

I understand. I should try applying this to my style.

[DoubleGJ]

OK, let's get on with the next lesson. I will apply the thing Fawriel pointed out later to both lessons, as for now take what I have.

<b>Lesson 2: Spaz's head - front view</b>

1. The first step is identical to Jazz's. Not much to say here.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-01.gif"></center>

2. Draw the two ellipses for eyes. Spaz's eyes are a bit bigger than Jazz's. Use this bigger size when drawing ellipses for ears - look how they all connect. Spaz's ears are more floppy, so you can and should make the shapes more curvy. If you think your results look weird, first draw the ears like Jazz's and then on top of what you've drawn draw lines turning harder from somwhere in the middle of ellipse's height. Next, the small circles on sides have the same rules, but the curve between eyes should be a bit more round. Also, draw a circle above one of the eyes. It's height should be around the height of first ear segment.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-02.gif"></center>

3. When drawing eyes, make the tops sharp. One of the ends should go a bit further (this gives a wacko look). Next the nose should be a tad bit bigger than Jazz's. Fur for snout sides should be bigger, I usually draw three hairs on each side. Next, right under the nose add some for effects to the bottom of the big circle. Now, remember that circle above eyes? Use it to draw three hairs on it. The top one should cover a nice piece of it, the other two should touch it with their ends. On the other side draw two hairs going straight up, height about that of the topmost hair from the circle.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-03.gif"></center>

4. When drawing eye pupils, one should be bigger than the other. Make a few lines around eyes to give an even more crazy look. Draw the mouth just like Jazz's. Next, we've got an empty space between the hair and snout, so make some more horizontal fur between. The last hair should connect with the snout one so they make a one big hair. Drawing Spaz's ears will be similar to Jazz's, only that you need to make more fur (when finish one hair smoothly start another one right after) and also repeat some of the fur stuff in the skinny inside. Draw the lines going under the big circle like in Jazz's point 4, but make them cross closer to the circle itself. This will make the teeth shorter but they will also seem to be wider. On one of sides of these lines draw a bean shape - you can make it out of two small circles if you're having problems with correct shape. The middle of the upper circle should be on the line of mouth.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-04.gif"></center>

5. Draw ellipses around eye pupils. Notice that only the bigger one has the small circle in it. Next, draw a curve over the one between eyes, even rounder than the previous. Draw a line inside the nose just like you did with Jazz. Draw teeth on the lines below and add the gum. Repeat the bean shape, but only below the mouth - yes, it's Spaz's tongue. Add a line in the middle and a few tiny circles (whatever they are). The last thing missing is eyebrows - they should be wider and thicker than Jazz's. Almost like caterpillars. =P
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-05.gif"></center>

6. Repeat the lines with something black. Only the bigger eye pupil should be filled. Also remember to fill the small dots on the tongue. Add a few dots around the nose.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-06.gif"></center>

7. Color the picture. As you can see, the eye pupils differ in appearance - that's what makes Spaz look really crazy! Don't color the snout with #FFFF00 yellow because it hurts people's eyes. Use a more orange color instead. That's if you're coloring digitally, because crayons or paint look well even with pure yellow.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson02-07.jpg"></center>

That's the end of lesson 2, next time we'll be drawing Lori's face!

[n00b]

EDIT2:Note- The only reason this post is living is for those studying Nick's stlye of art(although, the info is very obvious)
I think the Spaz is fine, except something that bugs me, the eyes feel flipped compared to Nick Standler's art (I'll pull up an example) But I'm just being nit-picky, and I've just been studying his style of art alot recently.
EDIT- The best example I could think of is from this page in the JJ1 comic from Jazz in the first panel, and the turtle in the last:
http://www.maj.com/gallery/Lijik/gizzooglestuff/jj1comic11.jpg
Anyways, On the JJ2 cd case/box's front image for US editions, Spaz's 'eye line's face the same way, which is something to take note of(Despite the fact in most other images I could get(mainly from my copy of Prima's Strategy guide) his eye lines work the same way as Jazz and the Turtle from the comic image.

[White Rabbit]

The...er..Spaz's tongue. Er...does Spaz have the pox or something? Or measles? ;P

Btw, I think Jazz's hair is really and truly too long. Look at Lori and look how much more suitable that kind of hair is for her.

[Batty Buddy]

Que Passa!!!!

Usually, when I draw Jazz, I go for bigger eyes. Course, I'm a big eyes kinda guy.

[NinJazz]

pretty useful

[DoubleGJ]

Lesson 3 will be done on Monday and the fixes to lessons 1 and 2 will come even later. Sorry for the delay.

[White Rabbit]

Lesson 3 is about Lori, I hope?

[DoubleGJ]

That's the end of lesson 2, next time we'll be drawing Lori's face!
(more than 3 characters here)

[NaT]

I still Think all of them look kind of creepy!!! Don't anyone think like that?

[DoubleGJ]

Err... maybe. Let's continue.

<b>Lesson 3: Lori's head - front view</b>

1. As always we start with the same circle.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-01.gif"></center>

2. Draw ellipses for eyes just like when we drew Spaz. When making ellipses for ears, make ends of the upper ones narrow. Lori's chin circles are higher and closer to middle than Jazz's or Spaz's. Use a curve going through big circle bottom to make it all smooth. Draw a big upside-down drop shape, bigger than Jazz's.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-02.gif"></center>

3. Now, we're gonna leave the eyes just as they are now. No narrowing. Instead let's make a BIG ellipse which starts somewhere on top of eyes. Basically it can go where you want, it's gonna be for Lori's giant ponytail and it's very customisable. Make a line between eyes - slightly curved, almost straight. Nose should be smaller than Jazz's. Make some fur on the small circles and smoothly connect them with the big circle.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-03.gif"></center>

4. Make the inner parts for ears. No fur effects for 'em tho'. Make those for hair. Eye pupils are bigger than Jazz's or Spaz's. Notice that the snout is not divided from rest of the head by a line. Lori also doesn't have her teeth sticking out (they're there, can be seen when her mouth is open - we'll get to that later). Notice how I shapened end of the ponytail. It's easier than it looks...
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-04.gif"></center>

5. Make ellipses around eye pupils and small circles inside them - yes, two for each. That will give more cuteness. Draw the eyebrows... appearently they will be thiner than Jazz's or Spaz's by natural - but you can always draw her a makeup and make'em, like, thrice as thick. ;o Before repeating the ponytail make a small band on top of it and connect it with the big circle like shown below. Now you can make some fur effects for the big chunk'o hair.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-05.gif"></center>

6. Inking Lori shouldn't be too difficult, just remember to correctly fill the eyepupils and nos e shading.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-06.gif"></center>

7. Coloring should be easy, too. A funny thing is that normally her eyes are purple, but her ingame sprite has green eyes. I guess that's because of the default color settings for singleplayer. Anyway, they SHOULD be purple.
<center><img src="http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-07.jpg"></center>

Aaaand next time we'll start the heads all over again, but from an angled view!

[White Rabbit]

She looks so much like her brothers....how adorable. :)

[Radium]

Good, but her eyes seem to be facing opposite directions. Make them both look like they're focused on the same point.

[NaT]

Good, but her eyes seem to be facing opposite directions. Make them both look like they're focused on the same point.
HeHe you got that right!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[White Rabbit]

It's almost as if she's on heroine.

Heroin*.

[Stijn]

How is it possible you can see here eyebrows and the top of her eyes through her hair?

[Risp_old]

It's ANIME HAIR. That explains everything.

[Batty Buddy]

Que Passa!!!!

It's ANIME HAIR. That explains everything.
I've always wondered about that there anime hair... Is it made of see-through plastics?
/\:D/\

[Odin]

http://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson01-04.gifhttp://www.jsz-clan.republika.pl/howto/Lesson03-04.gif

Seperated at birth?

[White Rabbit]

It's an uncanny similarity, except for the noses! :)

[Fawriel]

Que Passa!!!!


I've always wondered about that there anime hair... Is it made of see-through plastics?
/\:D/\
Actually, I think most manga artists who do that are just too lazy to draw the space between the single strands of hair. ;o

[MSB3000]

so...just draw the hair over the eyebrows
i think most manga artists are insane
most

mango

[DoubleGJ]

I'll be unavailable somewhere until the end of school year, so the next lesson as well as Guilty Gene and X1: The Series (DA only comic). I'll be making stuff offline tho', just won't be able to upload it until then.