Hi, I wanted to know how you draw the Irken from Invader Zim, could you teach me please?
I'M SO SORRY THIS TOOK... FOREVER!!!!! Hi hope you've been well;
I'll try to break it down as my style is not 1:1 with the IZ (show) style, it's a mix of the comics and my personal touch but I'll show the basics first in how to simplify their head shapes specifically, somehting I find unique to them!
1. REFERENCES + PRIMAL SHAPES
Irken head shapes are geometrical and come in many different shapes and sizes BUT I'd describe that Zim's head can be used as a base before making complex adjustments. I'd visualize their heads as 3D cubes!
It does help with where you position the face and also the top of their heads are slightly flat (BALDDDD). Antenna placement are kinda funny tho but I usually just put them on the top corners of their head... might be inconcistent in my style but it's a matter of aesthetic sometimes <3
Body language specifically but I like to use the old IZ show art style to emphasize something unique to Irkens so that when you wanna experiment with shapes you can go craaazzyyy with it.
Ah, yes, the usual idle. I imagine the body being more of a triangle with a bit of curve for the idea of a "hip forward" pose?A kind of lean to it? But other than that, whilst they have sharp edges they aren't always static with straight lines or stiff joints, there are curves and their limbs are kinda noodle like (tiny noodles, like Zim specifically!)
Sharp edges but more noodle like(?), I suggest checking the Invader Zim comics cause they have really really nice ref for body language esp fitting for someone like Zim, a matter of style and exaggeration of body language to be more expressive or "over the top" bc that's how I see Irkens (or, well Zim specifically!! It depends on what type of character you're drawing, what's their main trait??? Strong headed? Scaredy cat? Happy ray of sunshine???)
BODY TYPES!!! You can experiment with body types like above, there are ranges to it but you can have fun with it; This applies with head shapes too!
More focused on Antennas, Eye shape, and plausible features you can throw in. I wanna encourage you to DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!!! add freckles or ornaments or such, there's a wide range of things you can do!!!
The show usually depicts fem Irkens to have eyelashes and curled antennas whilst masc lack either- however, that isn't truly fixed as you can experiment with them (Commander Poki had straight antennas); you can use these traits to emphasize a specific style or mix it up. There are so many Irken OCs by incredibly talented people, you can invent new ways to draw antenna shapes n such;
Injuries, moles, freckles, birthmarks, etc etc!! It's free!!!
4. HAVE FUN!!! GO CRAZY!!!!!
In the end, draw Irkens the way you wanna draw! This style is more of me being comfortable with mixing the IZ old artstyle with the comics + ETF movie... in the end everyone has the freedom to add in a little creative touch to fit their styles- let it be realism or using different shapes! I hope this helps <:] Sorry if I missed a few details !!!!
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