Welcome to the ultimate vanity project.I'm in the process of creating a more complete version of this with all of my horizontal and vertical measurements, but I thought I'd save you from it. :-)
I can scarcely report the 8 zillion steps involved in creating this. How I wish I could make fab digital sketches of myself wearing different items, like this. As it is, I don't know what use this will be to me in terms of adding clothing electronically, though I can print it out and sketch clothing ideas on top of the croquis.
Let's review this for a few moments, shall we?
I think it's time for a rousing chorus of "Fuck Barbie". Seriously, this is an accurate outline of me, apparently and, while at first I was shocked, now that I've spent 12 hours staring at it intently, it seems just fine.
What stands out most? My arms are freakin' long. I've always known this, but it's really writ large, huh? Obvs, my breasts are large and my shoulders narrow, but I'm a bit surprised that my waist isn't narrower. In my view of myself, it's very waspy :-)
Let me also say that I don't think it matters what this picture shows. When I'm walking around in the world, my essential self shines through. And it is hot, thank you very much.
So, what do you say. If you could twitch your nose and have your own croquis, would you do it? Do you find it reductionist? Let's discuss.
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This is awesome! I definitely would NOT have the courage to draw this sketch of myself ! I would have no waist - I think you have a wonderful full figure! Great post, btw!
ReplyDeleteI thought once about doing something like this for myself, but aargh, way too much work. If I could nose-twitch and end up with a digitized version that I could then manipulate to work patterns around, I'd want that. But I know it would take some interesting work to absorb that visual representation of myself. I went through some of that when I had my artist girlfriend do my nude portrait a few years ago (as a gift for my husband). It's ultimately a good and a useful project but it's sobering and challenging . . . and there's a state you get to where you can see beauty in the representation, but also where you see it as quite separate from your physical, walking-around self, that also incorporates your spiritual (or whatever) entity.
ReplyDeleteYour waist might not be wasp-ish, but it's definitely curvy. You look gorgeous! and brave (and enlightened)
(amusing that my ver. word is "mists" given that you've listed yours from your eyes . . . )
I LOVE that it has your glasses and face and hair!
ReplyDeleteIf I could twitch my nose, would I do it? Yes. If I had to put in all the hard work? Definitely not!
I did my croquis once but since it didn't match the image in my head, I ditched it! *LOL* I guess that's like the ostrich putting its head in the sand but since I have a mental picture of what I look like and what looks good on me I will stick with that!
ReplyDeleteReality has no place in my sewing world! *LOL*
BTW, I really stopped by to tell you that I so appreciate you and your comments. They are so encouraging and appreciative (there's that word again) and I'm so thankful that you visit my little corner of the world!
Happy New Year!
I use to model for a drawing class, so I have several of these already.
ReplyDeleteI love your sketch/outline! And your sense of humor - the indexing of body parts, lol! I think your body is great - and a few proportion thoughts for garments will emphasize the beauty. I am not sure you have long arms, but 3/4 sleeves are an option... But, i was not planning to offer solutions - you must know them better than me. I just wanted to say that this post is very inspiring - we should celebrate our shape and personality!
ReplyDeleteI used to draw cartoon croquis in school for fashion line, and I really enjoyed it. I didn't draw one to represent myself though, but I always draw a few with glasses. I think it's definitely to do again, because it's fun for inspiration. My issue is that I'm terrible at representing the crazy print fabric I'm eternally purchasing, so any drawings I really like are for the sake of silhouette more than anything.
ReplyDeleteI am posting on this tomorrow as I did my own croquis from a photograph yesterday! To start with I was shocked but its getting easier. I did a lot of them for fashion design at college but this is the first of my own body. At first its horrifying, then liberating as you start to draw clothing on and find what suits you. Its a real lightbulb moment and one I'm hoping will make me a better seamstress! x
ReplyDeleteKristin, I bow in awe of your awesomeness!
ReplyDeleteAs I commented earlier, I didn't find this version of myself helpful other than it providing additional evidence of my proportions.
When artists draw nudes they are trying to capture volume in space, the croquis doesn't show your volume in space nor would clothes you sketch on it. You need the 3D body and clothes in movement.
Pammie: The tough thing is you're not allowed to be aspirational when doing this drawing. It's all real and harsh :-)
ReplyDeleteF: Once you've sat for a nude painting, you can totally do this! That takes some serious nerve. It's funny how looking brave is not as good as looking like Elle McPherson :-)
Gail: That face part was hard to deal with but it was non-negotiable. I wanted this figure to be me!
Carolyn: Well, I so appreciate your comments so we make a fine pair! xo And I can see how chucking the whole thing could happen. I had a few of those moments when I thought - I do not look like this. This program is a scam :-)
D.: Impressive! I would not have the nerve. But still, I need to figure out how to do it for myself cuz others will not be drawing me :-)
Marina: You know, I then started looking at the croquis of others and I don't think my arms are any longer, proportionately, than theirs. I guess I just have an idea about arm length that is not substantiated by reality! Thanks for this comment. I hope you have a chance to make and use a croquis this year. Just for kicks!
Laura: The ones with glasses are the cutest! It makes it a little "smart" croquis (of course, just doing a little stereotype fooling around). I can't wait till I develop a smidge of ability. Or should I say, I really hope I do.
Stevie: Off to check on your post. I'm sure this will make us better sewists because it's all about seeing things as they are.
Susan: You are way too kind! I know, I'm going to need to figure out how to make things 3D. But seriously, one skill (I have no idea about) at a time!
K - I think your croquis is awesome AND/but I think you look much more glam and elegant in person!!
ReplyDeleteKristin, I think this is amazing. I agree that for the very best tool you need to have the 3d version but boy, do these things take time. I am so grateful that you (and other bloggers) take the time and the patience to share- I learn so much :)x
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think you look fab in 2D. When there is no contour and things are flat, everything looks wider. This is why actors are so thin - the 2D nature of the camera makes things look bigger. You DO have a small waist - hour glass all the way!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, and Fuck Barbie. I'll join you for the second verse.
Anon: Why thank you. I have to agree :-) But I did do another croquis a few nights ago and it seems more like "me" (at least as far as I'm concerned). It's in a pose, so that might make some difference. Standing straight is kind of mirthless.
ReplyDeleteI think your shape is perfectly hour-glassy and feminine. Nothing is out of proportion. Except Barbie. She wishes she looked this good.
ReplyDeleteE: Oh, I'm blushing! (Which is more than Barbie can do :-))
ReplyDeleteMinx: So happy if it's helpful to others! That's how I do all of my learning :-)
Clio: Thanks so much for putting into perspective - get it?! Hahahaha.