Drawing Cloud Strife

Cloud Strife is the main character of the role playing game Final Fantasy VII, a skilled swordsman who finally finds out that being a hero means much more than having fame and strength. He is short and slim, with blond hair and blue eyes. He has some features that clearly distinguish him from others: the spiky hair and his sword, called Buster Sword, which are practically his trademarks. It has become a very popular character, occupying top rankings in various character lists and even became a merchandise figure. If someone would like to learn how to draw Cloud Strife, one should know what Cloud is wearing.

His outfit consists of dark-blue pants and high collar sleeveless shirt, brown boots, black cape, gauntlets and pauldron on his left shoulder. Before starting to draw Cloud Strife we should focus on his main characteristics- the spiky hair and his blade. Thus it would be better to begin with the lines of the head paying enough attention to the chin which is quite pointed, the blue eyes  and after that the famous  blonde spikes pointed straight up words in different directions. Next it will be the body to be drawn bearing in mind that the posture that best defines him is an up-right position with his legs apart. He could hold the Buster Sword with his right hand and the blade leaning on his right shoulder or he could hold it with both hands just as well.

It is very important to draw the sword with adequate dimensions so as to suggest power. Another important aspect to take into consideration when learning how to draw Cloud Strife is  that his attitude is rendered by his posture and even mimics: a drawing in which he holds his sword with both hands ,one foot  ahead of the other and a frowned look stand for a ready-to-fight, fiery  and leader-born character; on the other side  a drawing in which he holds his blade leaning on one of his shoulders, in a passive posture,  may stand for a skilled, wise  confident warrior.

To complete the drawing it is also very important to bring in the details: the straps of the swords must also be added, as well as the gauntlets, the pauldron together with the badge and, of course, the cape which obviously contributes to the character's unique style. In the end, if you managed to draw a character that inspires both power and sensibility, then it means that you know how to draw Cloud Strife.