It can be difficult to get the hang of figure drawing, and even professional artists need some help to perfect the human body. There are so many possible angles and poses that it’s almost impossible to get it right without a reference. Even though figure drawing is hard to master, it is an important skill to learn as an artist, and luckily, there are some tools to help you learn.
A drawing mannequin is a must-have for any artist who wants to draw realistic and natural-looking human figures. For both beginners and pros, a good drawing mannequin can really help you take your art to the next level.
What are the best drawing mannequins? The best drawing mannequins are realistic in proportions, create an accurate outline, and are easy to pose naturally. They should be a good representation of the human body and make your drawing process easier rather than more complex.
Purchasing a low-quality drawing mannequin can leave your drawn figures looking unnatural and awkward, and this could ultimately ruin an otherwise beautiful piece of art.
We have listed the top drawing mannequins for you to choose from in this article, and how to go about finding the one which is best for you!
Drawing Mannequins – Buyer’s Guide
A drawing mannequin is a posable figurine or doll that artists use as a reference for the human form. They are used to mimic different human movements and poses for sketching and drawing.
Drawing mannequins are becoming more realistic as technology advances, and while using a human model might give you the best results, a good quality drawing mannequin is much more accessible and easy to use, and will still allow you to copy the human figure well.
There is quite a bit that goes into choosing the best drawing mannequin for you and your artwork, so use the below factors to help you pick the one that would best suit your drawing style!
1. Material
Drawing mannequins can be made out of a few different materials. The most common material used to make these mannequins is durable wood, but there are many that are made from PVC as well.
Those made from wood usually last longer and are more durable, whereas PVC is lightweight and might not be as posable for as long as wooden options.
2. Size
There are many different sized mannequins that you could choose from as well. Most come in a desktop-friendly size, so you can set it atop your table as you sketch on the desk. However, there are some that can be up to 16-inches tall.
The size of the drawing mannequin you need will depend on where you usually work on your art, and the space constraints you have.
3. Poses
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a drawing mannequin is how it is able to mimic the human form in different poses. The mannequin needs to be bendable and flexible and should be able to be posed in many different ways.
There is a big difference between good and not so good drawing mannequins, with the better quality ones are able to be posed in hundreds of different ways while remaining true to the human form. There is no point in buying a drawing mannequin if you cannot pose it properly.
4. Accessories
There are some drawing mannequins that come with different accessories, which can help you include these accessories in your artwork more naturally. Some of the accessories you might find included with drawing mannequins are different hands, swords, cellphones, tablets, and more.
5. Type Of Mannequin
While there are some basic drawing mannequins to choose from, you can get more stylized ones as well.
You can either buy these more detailed drawing mannequins as male or female or as a set. They help you better draw specific characters and body types, and allow you to keep your drawings true to the male or female figure. They are much more detailed than the traditional mannequin and even include musculature for reference.
There are also child-proportion drawing mannequins available, which have the right size proportions for younger figures. You will need to decide which type of figure you would draw most often and then make a choice from there, or purchase all of the different types!
13 Best Drawing Mannequins
Now that you know what you’re looking for, here are the best 13 drawing mannequins available to buy online!
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Tamashii Nations Bandai S.H. Figuarts Man | 8", premium, 17 hands, several accessories |
2. | Le Juvo Drawing Wooden Figure Model | Hardwood, set on a stand, 13" tall |
3. | Tamashii Nations Body-Kun | 5.9", 20 hands, several accessories, storage |
4. | Sumind Artist Mannequin Model Set | 3 pcs with stands, 12", 8", 5.5", durable |
5. | DAWEIF Manga Artist's Figurine | Manga stylized, detailed musculature, durable |
6. | Tamashii Nations Body-Chan Wireframe | 5.9" tall, printed lines, detailed figure |
7. | Alikeke Wooden Mannequins Set | 2 pcs with stands, 13", lock into position |
8. | US Art Supply Wood Artist Mannequin | 8", comes with stand, true-to-scale |
9. | Moi Doi Wooden Mannequin | 12", comes with removable stand |
10. | Unigift Wooden Mannequins Set | 3 pcs, 8.2", 6.2", 5.1", family set |
11. | Stobok Artists Wooden Mannequin Model | 16", removable stand, accurate proportions |
12. | Cosmos Wooden Articulated Figure | 12", durable hardwood, long-lasting |
13. | Action Figures Body-Kun & Body-Chan | 6", 2 figures, PVC, several accessories |
1. Tamashii Nations Bandai S.H. Figuarts Man
If you’re looking for an incredibly detailed artist’s mannequin that will take your comic or manga art to the next level, this is the one for you. There’s also a female version if this one interests you but you need a feminine form.
This figure features a detailed human form with accurate proportions and joints that only allow for natural movement and no overextension.
You may be wondering why this model is on the pricier side, and that’s because this brand uses high quality durable materials to create a study and perfectly posable model with a whole host of useful accessories.
This set comes with 17 different removable hands, a mini book, a laptop, a tablet, a gun, an imitation sword, a pen, a smartphone, a cellphone, and a stand. The stand even includes storage space for all of the accessories!
This mannequin is a great imitation of the human body with a proportionate design. Attention is paid to every detail, ensuring it is as true to form as can be. You may have seen the knockoff versions elsewhere, but trust us, this one is worth the investment.
2. Le Juvo Drawing Wooden Figure Model
If you’re looking for a basic model for an art class or casual use, this model is made from seasoned hardwood, and the whole model is set onto a stand to allow you to position it without it toppling over.
The flexible joints allow for true and free posing, and the fully articulated limb joints allow you to creatively pose and move the mannequin to suit almost all human positions.
Measuring 13-inches tall, it is a great size to properly study the different poses and shapes, but also to clearly see shadows and lighting reflected on the mannequin, so you can easily replicate this in your work.
It is a great figure suited for artists who are learning to draw human figures and those who just need a reference now and then!
3. Tamashii Nations Body-Kun
This drawing mannequin is another high-quality option for beginners and professionals alike and will see to pretty much every one of your figure drawing needs.
The figure comes set on a stand and has flexible joints which allow for posing and movement. It is sturdy and long-lasting with several different accessories, including a stand with storage, 20 different removable hands, a sword and shield, a teacup, a popsicle, and more.
This model is only 5.9″ tall, making it perfect for desktop. The stand includes storage space for all of the accessories, so this figure is also easy to travel with.
It is scaled down to true human size and will help beginners and advanced artists to capture all the correct proportions of the human body, making your work more realistic and believable.
Sturdy, durable, and posable, any artist could do with this drawing mannequin in their art supply! There’s also a female version if you’re looking for both a more feminine form.
4. Sumind Artist Mannequin Model Set
This set comes with 3 different size mannequins, which measure 12″, 8″, and 5.5″ in height, each on top of a stand. These different sizes provide you with a few options when drawing different figures.
All 3 of the mannequins are made from natural wood and have smooth and clear surfaces and a neat wooden grain. They will not chip or corrode over time, and they are durable and long-lasting.
Every joint on the head, elbow, wrists, arms, torso, and legs are moveable, so you can rotate, move, and pose the mannequin just about any way you’d like.
It is easy to mimic just about any human pose using all 3 of these mannequins, and you will be provided with a variety of sketch options.
The set can also be used to sketch up a family, all posed in different positions waiting to be translated onto paper to create unique works of art!
5. DAWEIF Manga Artist’s Figurines
If you are looking for a mannequin specific to manga but aren’t sure if you want to invest in a pricier option just yet, then this is the right one for you! Made from high-quality PVC, this detailed mannequin is durable, wear-resistant, and sturdy.
With a clear muscular form and detailed shapes, this not only gives you human proportions and poses but muscle tone and shapes and shading too. It is a highly realistic mannequin that will help you sketch some beautiful figures.
All the joints of the mannequin are movable, even down to the toes, so you can pose the figure in any stance you want. It is the ultimate tool for artists who create manga and comic books.
This is a male figure only, but there is also a female figure available, so each is best suited to certain characters and body shapes, but this means your art will be beautifully accurate.
6. Tamashii Nations Body-Chan Wireframe
If you’re a manga or comic artist, this figure is another great choice for you! This mannequin features movable joints that can be changed into every pose you want. It has suitable gestures to create any character, and it is an incredibly realistic figure to work with.
It is 5.9″ tall, but it is fully moveable to suit the type of figure you are searching for. It includes several different hands to study different gestures and has wireframe lines printed on the surface to help you correctly align the limbs and see the lines of action for gesture drawing.
The lines on the face will help you accurately place the features of the face as well.
This is a female figure and is suited to artwork that is recreating the shape of a female body. Together with the male figure, you will have a complete set to create some beautiful pieces of artwork, all true to the human figure and movement.
This figure is perfect for manga artists, comic artists, and even those practicing their realism.
7. Alikeke Wooden Mannequins Set
This 2 pack of drawing mannequins include a male and female shape, and both stand at 13″ tall, including the stand.
The drawing mannequins are made from seasoned hardwood and come with a stable stand. All joints can be articulated, and all limbs and body parts are proportionally sized. Once posed, the mannequins lock into position and will not move until you change the pose.
Using these models, you can study the basic human shape and translate this into your artwork, and use different lighting to work out correct shadows and effects.
They are a great set for artists to have, especially those who are looking to create art with two figures at the same time.
8. US Art Supply Wood Artist Mannequin
The US Art Supply Drawing Mannequin stands at 8″ tall, which is a smaller size suited for desktops. You can easily travel with this figure wherever you want to sketch.
This mannequin is made from seasoned hardwood, meaning it is durable and long-lasting, and the poses will stand in place when set.
The figure comes on a stable stand, and all limbs and joints are properly jointed and moveable, giving you the opportunity to match the mannequin to human positions and movement.
It is correctly proportioned, making it a true representation of a human figure, and it is properly set to scale as well.
Small and handy to have around, this true-to-scale human drawing mannequin will be your go-to reference for the human form, and it will last in your artist toolbox for many years, helping you properly master drawing human figures and working with shadows and lighting.
9. Moi Doi Wooden Mannequin
Moi Doi has created this must-have wooden mannequin for all artists to use. And not only is it a must-have for your artwork, but it makes for a fun feature in your art studio or office too!
The mannequin is best when used for its traditional purpose of drawing or painting, and the simple figure will allow you to pose it for hours on end without any complaints or unwanted movements!
Made on a wooden base and jointed at all major points for easy posing, the mannequin has fully articulated joints to create all types of figures and movements to suit your needs.
It is accurately proportioned to the human figure, and this allows it to be a true-to-size sketch reference for your artwork.
The mannequin is made from seasoned hardwood and is connected to a metal rod on a wooden stand. The overall size of the mannequin is 12″, which is ideal for tabletop work.
10. Unigift Wooden Mannequins Set
With this set of 3 mannequins, you can create a whole sketch family without having to change the poses of one mannequin to accomplish this.
All 3 of the mannequins in this set are made from high-quality pine wood, and this makes them durable and long-lasting.
With the ability to be articulated to many different poses, the mannequins can imitate human figures and movements, and be positioned to any pose for your artwork.
As well as being able to be moved up and down, all of the joints can also be rotated for a truer reflection of the human body. This set gives you a whole family to copy! This is a smaller set than most of the options here, with measurements as follows: 8.2″, 6.2″, 5.1″.
11. Stobok Artists Wooden Mannequin Model
This 3D wooden mannequin model allows for the study and imitation of the human body and the basics of shapes in its design. It is modeled with real human proportions, with flexible joints that allow it to be placed in a variety of shapes and poses.
Made from high-quality wood, this mannequin will be a long-lasting tool in your studio and will help you to practice your art of the human figure, making your artwork more believable and natural-looking.
At 16″ tall, the mannequin is a big enough size for proper studying of lights and shadows, while still being small enough to transport around.
12. Cosmos Wooden Articulated Figure
The Cosmos 12″ figure is a useful tool for artists learning to draw the human form, with articulated joints that allow you to pose the figure in many different positions.
It is a proportioned mannequin that is able to match most human positions, and sits at around 12″ tall, making it a great option for tabletop sketching.
Made from seasoned hardwood, the mannequin will last through many poses and positions and will be a staple in your art studio for years on end. The joints will hold up with each pose, and not loosen over time and fall down while you are trying to sketch.
Reliable and durable, this is a great option for beginners.
13. Action Figures Body-Kun & Body-Chan
This set of 2 action body figures include the male and female, so you can create scenes with the two characters without having to model the same figure twice.
Made from PVC, the figures are movable and posable and will last for many years in your studio. They are small scale, measuring 6″, but their detail can be seen well, and therefore copied easily too.
Equipped with pedestal support, the figures can stand on their own while being posed, and there are many different accessories included to help make your artwork more realistic in many different scenarios and scenes.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Drawing Mannequin?
If you are unsure of whether or not you really need a drawing mannequin, it does help to know the different benefits they offer, and whether these benefits would be suitable for your artwork.
Here are some of the advantages of using a drawing mannequin.
1. Poses
You have so much freedom to pose, bend, twist, and move your drawing mannequin in any way you want, which is something you can’t really do with a real person posing for your artwork.
You are also able to explore so many different poses and movements using a drawing mannequin, which gives you so many more options with your artwork.
2. Shadows and Lighting
Using a drawing mannequin gives you the opportunity to play with lighting, which allows you to properly see different shadows and the correct placing as well. Being able to change the lighting lets you work with different moods and effects.
3. Practice
With a drawing mannequin, you do not have to pay for single life model classes or beg a friend to stand and pose for you draw them or photograph them.
A drawing mannequin can sit on your table for days and days on end and let you practice your heart out, with no complaints! It really is such a great tool for artists to have, as there are no constraints on what you can and can’t do.
Even if you usually find your references online for free using photos, it can be challenging finding the right pose with the right lighting for your piece. If you have a drawing mannequin, you don’t have to go through the disheartening process of compromising your creative design for a reference that doesn’t work quite as well.
4. Three-Dimensional Posing
Using a drawing mannequin is better than basing your art off of another drawing or printed image, as it is harder to replicate the true three-dimensionality of the human form from a two-dimensional image.
The ability to see shadows, posing, and movement with a drawing mannequin is just unmatched.
5. Price Over Time
A drawing mannequin is a one-time purchase, whereas attending live model art classes or paying for reference services can become quite expensive over time, and you can use your drawing mannequin for free at home whenever you want!
Related Questions
What Is The Difference Between Regular Mannequins And Artist Mannequins?
Artist mannequins differ from regular mannequins as they have the ability to be posed similarly to human figures. They come with articulating joints that allow for their proper positioning, and they are often true to human scale too.
Are mannequins useful for drawing?
Many artists find that mannequins are especially helpful with their artwork. These mannequins can help with drawing cartoons, anime, comics, and human figures more accurately. It also takes the guesswork out of drawing different poses and positioning.
What can I do with a wooden mannequin?
Wooden mannequins are most commonly used for artwork, but they can also be cute and fun decorations to use in your home, art studio, or office. They can also be used as toys or used to explain different body parts and human anatomy to kids.
Overall, they are meant to be used for imitating the human form in artwork, but there are other things that you can do with them.
Up Next: Best Pencils For Drawing Anime