ay artists need visual references. here’s some.
Contents
The Pose Archives
The Pose Archives is a collection of stock reference images maintained by Hamish and Izzy. The majority of their collection is on DeviantArt, and it’s well organized and easy to search. They also have collections for purchase on their Gumroad.
I love this collection because not only is most of it available for free, but because they also have a massive range of props and context-focused stock pics.
Read the terms and conditions for The Pose Archives stock images.
I’ve been using their gallery as a resource since I recovered from my burnout in 2020, and if you go through their collection it’s entirely possible you’ll spot some of the pieces I’ve used to inform my own work.
If either of you come across this post, thanks so much to you both!!!!! You were instrumental in helping me return to creating work, and I’ll never forget you for it. <3
Adorka Stock
Adorka Stock is truly a stock photo legend. Sarah has evolved her work into an incredible resource since I first started following her during my DeviantArt days in 2007. She has been a darling in the digital art community for as long as I can remember, forever expanding the gallery of different props, interactions, body types, specialized scenes involving multiple actors, even shots taken underwater.
AdorkaStock has its own website now with an easy-to-sort gallery of free poses. But she also has a massive DeviantArt gallery, as well as packs for purchase available on Ko-Fi.
The ambition is wonderful and boundless, providing other projects like a sketch app, and behind the AdorkaStock Patreon is unreleased content as well as 360-turnaround video references.
Tbh this is a beloved resource with LGBTQIA+ friendly content made with illustrators in mind, and if you havent explored what she has to offer, you are missing out and maybe it’s time you finally take a look. :)
KINGCHOLERA
KINGCHOLERA is the newest weapon in my arsenal when it comes to character art. Chyenne is the digital artist behind KINGCHOLERA that creates 3D reference images for other artists to use.
The gallery of available poses is HUGE, and the majority is free. I’m currently paying for access behind the paywall, and just in the first two months alone my personal resource gallery gained approx 2,000 new images.
The quality of the 3D models is extremely high and smooth, with a traditional grey clay style render. The gallery boasts a variety of body types, with many collections that provide a foundation for BEAUTIFUL character sheets.
Along with the collection of bodies and poses, there are also fabric and garment collections available like long cloaks, jackets, and shoes.
i have more and i’ll be back soon but ive been typing blog posts for like 6 hours and i need a new activity. love u, be back soon, drink water, make good choices
-Fox