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Fitting everything on the page

...with the almighty aggregate shape

A little bit of compositional planning goes a long way. It’s as easy as drawing a funny shape on the page — an aggregate shape, to be exact.

What is an aggregate shape?

An aggregate shape is like a container for a group of objects. Drawing that big shape FIRST ensures all important parts (characters and their arms, feet, heads, horns, etc.) fit on the page. Even within the container, all objects are groups of shapes. It’s magic!

everything is a group of shapes
skeptical rhino illustration
shape rhino

Draw the big shapes first and you can’t go wrong.

planning the mona lisa

In the video

I demo using shapes to plan my composition, then share an exercise so you can practice seeing them.

Upcoming Live Sessions

I’m excited to draw with you in these sessions! Unable to join live? We’ll miss you! Paid members get a recording and access to all past events and workshops here.

🦝 Wild Wildlife Comic Workshop w/ K. Woodman-Maynard- Sept 23 at 3pm*

K. will offer light structure and guidance as we spend about an hour creating short comics inspired by our wildlife encounters. No pressure and no experience required—just a welcoming space to draw, play, and connect.

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