"There is an argument that it’s OK to draw women in this hyper-idealized and sexualized way, because male characters are idealized too. The difference is, more often than not, women are idealized primarily in a sexual manner, and men are idealized in a way that emphasizes power and strength. These are not the same thing, and send a distinct message to the reader whether you realize it or not. I guess my overall point is just to think about what you’re drawing, and why you are drawing it."
Jamie McKelvie, Female Super-Hero Characters and Sex (via elliottmarshal)
Practically every day in class, I want to say this. Even from guys I otherwise like and like their work. But I’m always met with hopelessness. They’ve been drawing this character that way for years, they won’t change it; they’ve been drawing this comic for months, they’re not going to go back and change this character’s appearance. or they either Nice Guy it and fluffle around the issue apologetically, but never change their ways; or confront it in the manner of “it’s all fake anyways!”.
It’s just like the people who are seniors and still use cheap-ass microns [in one size] to ink their work, people who still won’t look at references or work over photos to get their poses and perspective right. They’ve found their comfort zone, their “good enough”, and it’s a steep uphill battle to even pass the argument.
I guess what I’m saying: if I feel like I’m talking to a wall with fellow students, I only am now understanding how set in their ways most long-term professionals must be.
(Source: cureelliott, via thambos)
