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Basics and Tips for Figma Posing: Bringing Characters to Life with S-Curves, Joints, and Center of Gravity

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Basics and Tips for Figma Posing: Bringing Characters to Life with S-Curves, Joints, and Center of Gravity

Basics and Tips for Figma Posing | Bringing Characters to Life with S-Curves, Joints, and Center of Gravity

Have you ever taken your figma out of the box and wondered, "How can I pose it to look cool?" Figma is a highly articulated figure, but to maximize its potential, it's essential to understand the basic techniques of posing. In this article, we will explain practical techniques to bring your characters to life, from the basics of figma posing that beginners can easily practice, to S-curve posing, adjusting joint orientations, and balancing the center of gravity.

【Related Articles】: In the Complete Guide to Figma Figure Photography Techniques | Tips for Recreating Iconic Scenes with Your Smartphone, we introduce tips for capturing even more attractive works by combining posing with photography.

Understanding the Basic Principles of Posing

To create attractive poses with figma, it is essential to first understand the basic principles. Instead of moving joints haphazardly, a theory-based approach leads to more natural and stable posing.

Why Posing is Important

Posing is the core element to maximize the appeal of figma figures. Even with the same figure, the pose can significantly change the character's personality, emotions, and narrative. A stiff standing posture lacks dynamism and life, but with appropriate posing, you can express a sense of movement as if the character is about to spring into action, as well as their inner feelings. Additionally, when sharing photos on social media, an impressive pose captures the viewer's attention and elicits more reactions.

Utilizing Figma's Unique Joint Structure

What sets figma apart from other action figures is Max Factory's unique joint technology. Notably, the "Pull-out Shoulder Joint" and "Miniature Ball Joint" are worth highlighting. The Pull-out Shoulder Joint allows the shoulder parts to be pulled forward, backward, and sideways, enabling poses that raise the arms high or rotate them behind the body, which are impossible with standard joints. Additionally, the Miniature Ball Joint used in the wrists and ankles allows for fine angle adjustments, naturally expressing hand gestures and foot placement. Understanding and utilizing these technical features is the first step in figma posing.

Three Basic Principles of Posing

To create natural poses with figma, you need to grasp three basic principles. First is the "S-curve posing." The human body is not perfectly straight even when stationary; the head, waist, and legs are arranged to form an S-curve, resulting in a natural standing posture. Second is the "joint orientation adjustment." The joints of figma can dramatically expand their range of motion not only by rotation but also by changing orientation. Third is the "center of gravity balance." Poses that ignore the laws of physics will cause the figure to topple, so it's crucial to always be aware of the center of gravity's position. By combining these three elements, you can create attractive poses that are both stable and dynamic.

Expressing Natural Movement with S-Curve Posing

S-curve posing is the most fundamental and important technique in figma posing. In this section, we will explain it step by step, from theory to practice.

What is S-Curve Posing?

S-curve posing is a technique that mimics the natural posture of the human body, adjusting the positional relationships of the head, shoulders, waist, and legs to form an S-curve. When a real person stands, if they shift their weight to one leg, their waist naturally tilts, and to balance, the shoulder tilts in the opposite direction. This movement creates a gentle S-curve along the body's centerline. Reproducing this with figma allows you to break away from the stiff impression of standing still and express a relaxed, natural stance or dynamic poses full of movement. The S-curve is not only the foundation for static poses but also for action poses like running and jumping, making it a highly valuable technique to master.

How to Create S-Curve Posing 【5 Steps】

Here, we will explain the specific steps to create an S-curve pose that even beginners can confidently achieve, in 5 steps. By executing each step in order, a natural S-curve line will be completed.

Step 1: Start with the Basic Standing Pose

First, set the figma in a basic standing pose with both feet shoulder-width apart. At this point, your weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, and your body should be straight. Adjust the angle of your ankles so that the entire soles of your feet are firmly grounded. If this basic posture is unstable, it will be prone to collapsing in later steps.

Step 2: Twist the Waist

Next, use your hip joints to twist your waist to either the left or right. For example, if you rotate your right hip slightly forward, your weight will shift to your left foot, making your right foot a free foot. At this time, it is safe to start with a rotation angle of about 15 degrees. Be careful not to over-rotate, as it can become unnatural, so aim for fine adjustments.

Step 3: Tilt the Shoulders in the Opposite Direction

If you twisted your waist to the right, now tilt your shoulders slightly to the left. This will serve as a counterbalance and form the upper half of the S-curve. Imagine using the joints of your torso to tilt your shoulders as a whole. As your waist and shoulders move in opposite directions, the centerline of your body begins to draw an S-curve.

Step 4: Adjust the Head Position

Finally, use your neck joints to adjust the angle of your head. Generally, it is natural to tilt your head slightly in accordance with the shoulder tilt or to tilt it in the opposite direction to maintain balance. Consider the direction your face is facing, and be aware of where the character's gaze is directed, as this adds narrative to the pose.

Step 5: Check the Center of Gravity and Make Fine Adjustments

Lastly, check the overall balance of the figure. Try to see if it can stand on its own without a stand, and if it seems like it might fall, make fine adjustments to the position of the supporting foot or the angle of the upper body. Even if the S-curve is formed, if the center of gravity is outside the support surface, it will fall, so this final check is very important.

Application Examples of S-Curve Posing

Once you master the basic S-curve pose, you can apply it to various scenes. For example, in a "sitting pose," incorporating the S-curve into the upper body can express a natural posture with movement even while sitting in a chair. By slightly twisting the waist, tilting the shoulders in the opposite direction, and tilting the head a bit, you can create a relaxed atmosphere or depict someone deep in thought. In a "looking back pose," emphasizing the S-curve can create a sense of dynamism. By keeping the lower body facing forward while twisting the upper body significantly from the waist and turning the face backward, you can recreate a dynamic scene as if someone is turning back after being called. Thus, understanding the principles of the S-curve allows for flexibility in any situation.

Maximizing Range of Motion by Changing Joint Orientation

The true value of figma lies not only in simply rotating joints but also in changing the orientation of the joints themselves, significantly expanding the range of motion. In this section, we will explain techniques to make the most of the joints in each part.

How to Use the Drawer-Type Shoulder Joint

The drawer-type shoulder joint, which is synonymous with figma, dramatically expands the range of motion of the arms by pulling the shoulder parts away from the body. To use it, first, gently pull the shoulder parts away from the body slightly. In this state, raising the arms allows for poses that are normally impossible, such as a raised hands pose or clasping hands behind the head. Additionally, by pulling the shoulder forward, you can naturally achieve poses like a prayer position with both hands together in front or holding something. Conversely, pulling the shoulder backward allows for smooth expressions of actions like reaching behind the body (scratching the back, drawing a sword from behind, etc.). The amount of pull is only a few millimeters, but this small difference creates a significant change in the range of motion, so actively utilize it according to the pose. Note that pulling too much may cause it to come off, so adjust with moderate force.

Utilizing the Tiny Ball Joint in the Wrist

The extremely small spherical joint in the wrist is an important part that enriches the expression of the hand. This joint can rotate freely in all directions, allowing for fine adjustments to the orientation of the palm and the angle of the fingers. For example, even in a pose where the hand is extended forward, by twisting the wrist inward, the palm can face upward, or by twisting it outward, the back of the hand can be shown, expanding the variety of poses. It is also effective when expressing everyday gestures; in a pose where the hand is placed on the cheek, the angle of the wrist can greatly change the naturalness of the pose. Additionally, when holding a weapon, adjusting the angle of the sword or gun with the rotation of the wrist increases the realism of the stance. Although the wrist joint is small and often overlooked, it is a crucial element that affects the overall completeness of the pose, so be sure to check it as a final touch.

Adjusting the Orientation of the Ankle and Knee Joints

The joints in the lower body also expand the range of expression by changing their orientation. The ankle joint can adjust not only the direction of the toes but also the angle of the entire foot. In a standing pose, slightly turning the ankle outward increases stability, while turning it inward gives a cute impression of bow legs. In dynamic action poses, changing the direction of the knees is important. For example, in a running pose, directing the knees forward expresses propulsion, and in a jumping pose, adjusting the angle and direction of the bent knees can create a sense of power at the moment of takeoff. Especially in poses like standing on one leg or kicking, the orientation of the knee and ankle of the supporting leg affects stability, so be careful to adjust it along with the center of gravity balance.

Creating Stable Poses with Center of Gravity Balance

No matter how attractive a pose is, it is meaningless if the figure falls over. In this section, we will explain the techniques for controlling the center of gravity for stable posing based on the laws of physics.

Basic Principles of Center of Gravity

The center of gravity is a virtual point where the mass of an object is concentrated, and in the case of figma, it is usually located around the waist. For a figure to stand upright, the line dropped vertically from this center of gravity point must fall within the area of the foot's contact surface (support surface). The support surface is the area defined by the two feet; the wider the feet are spread, the larger the support surface becomes, increasing stability. Conversely, in a one-legged stance, the support surface becomes a single point, making it difficult to maintain balance. Additionally, if the upper body leans forward, the center of gravity shifts forward, and if the arms are extended, the center of gravity moves in that direction. Therefore, when creating a pose, always be aware of whether "the center of gravity is within the support surface," and if balance seems to be at risk, it is necessary to counterbalance somewhere in the body.

Center of Gravity Adjustment for One-Legged Poses

Standing on one leg is a pose where managing the center of gravity is particularly important in figma posing. The basic approach is to position the center of gravity directly above the supporting leg. Specifically, while keeping the supporting leg grounded, lean the upper body towards the supporting leg. For example, when standing on the right foot, bringing the waist and shoulder to the right side shifts the center of gravity over the right foot. At the same time, extending the lifted left leg outward helps maintain balance. Furthermore, spreading both arms can adjust the balance between left and right. If it still feels unstable, use the stand that comes with figma or attach support parts to the waist or back for additional support. Mastering one-legged poses greatly expands the range of expressions, such as kicking poses or elegant poses like ballet.

Center of Gravity Control in Action Poses

In action poses like running, jumping, or fighting, controlling the center of gravity according to the direction of movement is required. In a running pose, leaning the body forward in the direction of movement expresses propulsion, but if the center of gravity leans too far forward, the figure will fall. Therefore, by firmly pushing off with the back foot, the support surface is widened, and simultaneously swinging the arms back and forth helps maintain balance. In a jumping pose, using a stand is almost essential, but when expressing the moment of landing, bending the knees deeply and lowering the center of gravity while leaning the upper body forward can create the impression of absorbing the impact of landing. In combat poses like punches or kicks, shifting body weight in the direction of the attack while counterbalancing with the opposite foot or arm achieves both power and stability. Action poses tend to be unstable, but understanding the principles of center of gravity allows for creating dynamic poses without overly relying on the stand.

Common Mistakes in Posing and How to Address Them

When starting with figma posing, everyone encounters several obstacles. Here, we will introduce common mistakes that beginners tend to make and their specific solutions.

The figure falls over

The most common failure is when the figure falls over during or after creating a pose. The main cause is that the center of gravity is outside the support surface. As a countermeasure, first, let's review the position of the feet. By widening the distance between both feet, the support surface becomes larger, increasing stability. Next, check the tilt of the upper body. Make sure you are not leaning too far forward or extending one arm too much, which could cause an imbalance in the center of gravity, and counterbalance as needed on the opposite side. If it still falls over, use the stand that comes with the figma. By attaching the stand's clip to the waist or back, you can display even dynamic poses stably. Utilizing the stand without hesitation is also an important technique for maintaining beautiful poses.

The joints are loose and the pose doesn't hold

For frequently used figma or those with individual differences that have loose joints, the pose may collapse quickly even after being set. This problem is particularly common in joints that support heavy parts, such as shoulders and hip joints. As a temporary fix, you can cool the joint areas slightly. By cooling them in the refrigerator for a few minutes, the plastic contracts, temporarily tightening the joints. However, this is a temporary measure and does not provide a fundamental solution. A more reliable method is to apply a thin layer of topcoat or wood glue to the joint areas to increase friction, but there is a risk that the joints may become immobile if done incorrectly, so it is safer to avoid this method if you are inexperienced. Additionally, some figma come with replacement joint parts, so check the instruction manual and consider replacing them. If improvement is not possible, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer's support.

The pose looks unnatural

Many people also express concerns that although the pose is complete, it looks somewhat unnatural. There are several possible causes. First, the orientation of the joints may not be appropriate. If the orientation of the shoulders or wrists is far from that of a real human body, it creates a sense of discomfort. It is effective to check the orientation of the joints by posing in front of a mirror. Second, the lack of S-curve posing can be an issue. If the body is too straight, it gives a stiff impression like a doll, so adding a slight twist to the waist and shoulders to create an S-curve increases naturalness. Third, there is the issue of gaze. The direction the face is looking can change the overall impression of the pose. While imagining what the character is looking at or what they are trying to do, ensure consistency between the direction of the face and the body. By checking each of these points one by one, the unnaturalness will gradually be resolved.

Collection of Practical Posing Techniques

Based on the basics covered so far, I will introduce specific posing examples for different scenes. By actually moving your hands and trying them out, the techniques will become ingrained.

Poses for Daily Scenes

Poses for daily scenes are perfect for expressing the character's daily life and personality. In the "Standing Conversation Pose," utilize S-curve posing by putting weight on one foot to create a relaxed atmosphere. Hands can be placed on the hips or under the chin to express the content of the conversation or emotions. In the "Sitting Pose," use props like chairs or blocks, bending the knees to about 90 degrees to recreate a natural sitting posture. Incorporating an S-curve in the upper body and leaning against the backrest creates a more relaxed impression. The "Walking Pose" expresses the rhythm of walking by stepping one foot forward and swinging the opposite arm forward. At this time, lightly twist the waist and shift your weight in the direction of the foot that is stepping forward, creating the dynamism of the moment of movement.

Poses for Action Scenes

Action scenes are a showcase that can fully utilize the mobility of figma. In the "running pose," the body leans forward significantly, with the front foot representing the moment of landing and the back foot the moment of pushing off the ground. The arms swing widely back and forth, and the face is directed towards the direction of movement to convey a sense of speed. In the "jumping pose," both feet are lifted, and the body is arched to create the peak of the jump. By supporting with the stand and spreading the arms, a sense of dynamism is increased. In the "combat pose," for a punch, the fist is thrust forward, and body weight is placed on the front foot to express the force of rotation. For a kick, balance is maintained on the pivot foot while the other foot is kicked high. Aligning the direction of the face and gaze with the direction of the attack adds persuasiveness to the pose.

Poses that Enhance Expressions

Figma comes with multiple interchangeable face parts, and linking expressions with poses dramatically enhances expressiveness. In the "smiling pose," an open pose that matches a bright expression, such as spreading the arms or waving, is effective. Leaning the body slightly forward expresses feelings of welcome and joy throughout the body. In the "sad pose," tilting the head down and dropping the shoulders, with the arms either crossed in front of the body or hanging limply, conveys a sense of being downcast. Minimizing the S-curve and leaning the body slightly forward communicates a heavy feeling. In the "angry pose," clenching the fists and positioning the arms at the sides of the body or in an aggressive pointing pose fits well. Keeping the body upright and pulling the chin in while sharpening the gaze emphasizes the emotion of anger. By creatively combining expression parts and poses, figma allows for the expression of a character's inner self.

Summary: Master Posing to Maximize the Appeal of Figma

So far, we have detailed the basics of figma posing and practical techniques. Finally, let’s review the key points of this article and provide hints for future improvement.

Key Points of This Article

The core of figma posing lies in three basic principles: S-curve posing, joint orientation adjustment, and center of gravity balance. S-curve posing is a technique that creates natural movement by arranging the head, waist, and feet in an S-curve. Joint orientation adjustment utilizes figma's unique pull-out shoulder joints and tiny ball joints to maximize the range of motion. Center of gravity balance serves as the foundation for creating stable poses based on the laws of physics. By being mindful of these three elements while posing, even beginners can create attractive poses that breathe life into characters.

To Further Improve

To refine posing techniques, practice and observation are essential. First, try moving your hands to actually practice the basic poses introduced in this article. Even if it feels awkward at first, the sense will naturally develop with repetition. Additionally, it is effective to reference and recreate poses of characters from your favorite anime or manga as a practice method. Furthermore, by photographing the poses you create and sharing them on social media, you can receive feedback from other figma users, leading to new discoveries.

By combining figma posing with photography techniques, you can create even more captivating works. For those who want to learn more about photography techniques such as lighting, backgrounds, and camera angles, please also check out the Figma Beginner's Guide | Tips and Photography Techniques for Recreating Iconic Scenes with Action Figures. Having mastered the basics of posing, you should be able to produce works that rival professionals by learning photography techniques as the next step. The possibilities of figma are endless. Please use this article as a reference to pursue your own original poses.

Part of

Introduction to figma｜Tips for Recreating Iconic Scenes with Action Figures