Posture for the Artist, Part 2: How I Sit While Drawing

You all asked for more detail on how I sit while I draw and here it is. 15 years ago, I used to sit wherever I wanted to draw- often times on the floor sitting cross-legged! But now that I'm drawing so many hours of the week and I'm doing so after having had really bad posture and drawing habits in the beginning of my art schooling and career, I have to sit well or things go wrong! Here are all my tricks, many things to accommodate that I'm shorter than average so desk chairs are too big for me. Hope you're setting yourself up for years of drawing comfort.
This is the new table easel I use more often now, link at the end to the video review of it:
amzn.to/3vW47lV
Here is the easel I use in this video:
www.dickblick....
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[@jaear6032]

MY BACK HURTS ALOT WHENEVER I DRAW CAUSE YA KNOW..I ALWAYS DREW ON FLOOR AND FLAT TABLES..AND THATS WHY IM HERE

[@Lzmstudio]

Jr Zrta join the club! I used to sit on the floor to draw too. Hope you feel better!

[@mynsy9670]

This video is just what I needed. I find myself drawing on my bed, and I tend to slouch for hours on end. I just started to feel pain on my neck. These tips are really helpful! Though I may not have an easel, I may just use a mini table, and stack up a bunch of books to raise the viewpoint of my sketchbook. Hope this can help fix my posture!

[@Lzmstudio]

That is a great solution if you don't have an easel! Hope you feel less pain soon.

[@sabersquid2523]

I’m 14 years old and I want to be a storyboard artist in the future, but I don’t want to have back problems obviously. This video is very helpful thank you!

[@Lzmstudio]

Saber Squid so wise of you to consider this preventatively. I hope you share your gifts with the world!!✨

[@lizzym3322]

Thank you so much, I'm actually 24 and I have a syndrome which causes back pain and this really helped. Stay safe.

[@Lzmstudio]

I'm so happy it might help you! I have lots of back pain to, and when I am mindful and sit better, it helps a lot. Stay safe, too! Thanks for watching.

[@galaxydriver32]

Thank you, this is very helpful! I have been drawing a lot in the past few weeks, hours each day. I have noticed that after sitting for a while, my upperback and neck started to hurt. Your video will help me adjust to the right pose and prevent injury!

[@Lzmstudio]

Prevention is best for sure! Much better than correcting 20 years of incorrect sitting which is a tougher battle.

[@Yerixzya]

thank you for going into such detail! I had injured my shoulder from a multi day drawing bender and following this helps!

[@Lzmstudio]

I'm glad it helped, it is so easy to hurt ourselves by drawing too long. Hope your project turned out great!

[@elPacoPuente]

Thank you so much for this video!! I've been an illustrator for more than a decade, and my posture has been terrible, so now I'm hurting all the time. As soon as I saw your video I re-arranged my whole studio! It still feels kinda weird and I still find myself unconciously going back to my bad posture after working for a while, but I keep reminding myself to sit straight and it's been very helpful. Thanks again!

[@Lzmstudio]

PacoAfroMonkey I love that this helped you! I used to sit on the floor cross-legged to draw🤦🏻‍♀️ and even now I have to remind myself not to slouch or reach too far out. It’s a lifelong battle! But I’m hoping you will feel less pain! Thanks so much for your comment😀

[@nsuarez]

Thank you. I draw for hours at a time and every time I finish I have to rest for day to recuperate from the pain on my back, abs, and arm. I tried what you said, except for the drafting surface on top of the table and I feel so much better instantaneously. Can't tell you how much I appreciate this :)

[@Lzmstudio]

n suarez that is so great to hear! My problem is when I get lazy and don’t hold this posture enough. Then I pay the price in pain, too. I hope this will help you long term though!

[@jaimejimenez2886]

Amazing video! I’m 26 and have always been conscious about how I sit, but now that I’m drawing a lot more on my iPad, I’m starting to realize that I’m getting lazy with my posture. It’s really important for young people to be conscious of this to avoid future problems that can be costly.

[@Lzmstudio]

It’s so true. I’m paying for another round of back work and if I’d just had the knowledge to sit properly I wouldn’t be in this expensive spot again!🤞🏻🤞🏻you won’t be.

[@divyajaggi6637]

How thoughtful to make a video for so many who struggle with backache and neck ache... Thank you so much. Stay Healthy and Blessed dear❤️

[@Lzmstudio]

I know the pain drawing causes, just want y'all to feel better too!

[@jeggzzzz]

Thanks for this and directly replying to me on your other video to show this to me! I appreciate it. I'm a pretty tall man, so I always had issues with different postures. Coming from a healthcare background I kind of had an idea as to how to sit properly, but what I learned here was that I should definitely try a foot rest. Tables tend to be low for me and sometimes I love a high table to work on. So, on some instances I tend to lower my office chairs too low for my feet to rest comfortably or for my arms to lean onto something. I think I will definitely, raise my chair higher and get some short foot resting platform to lift my feet at a comfortable and proper position. Thank you for this again. I will that the points you have here and adapt it into my digital tablet life. :)

[@Lzmstudio]

Awesome! Yeah, ergonomics aren't easy when all tables and chairs are designed for the average size human. Not many of us are average sizes!

[@xt3708]

Spot on. Not only for drawing, but for working on laptops/computers. The reach up stretch trick to engage core muscles is neat!

[@Lzmstudio]

Glad you commented as it reminded me I'm hunching right now :) You might try these stretches and exercises, too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3jXk6udn7N3pdE

[@xXxjjTHEjetPLANEXxXx]

I'm 26 and have alot of undoing to do but this is the first I've seen an actually clear and concise list of things to do and watch out for. Thanks!

[@Lzmstudio]

I hope it helps. Check out my stretches and exercises for the artist too- I need to do them more than I do but they help when I keep them up!

[@abriskadabris6835]

This is absolutely one of the best videos that I have ever watched that has helped me improve my drawing technique the most! Since I am a digital artist I spend a lot of time every day in front of a computer, and about 3 years ago I hurt my back in a basketball accident so I have had some problem with my back while I've been drawing. But I didn't realize before I found this video that my sitting posture is hurting my back as well and I have always blamed on the basketball accident for my problems with my spine. Now It has gone about 1 year since I've found this video and it just now popped up again in my youtube watch feed and I wanted to let you know that since I found this video 1 year ago, my posture and my back has improved a lot, I still have some problems with my spine but almost all the pain is gone and that is thanks to you! So thank you so very much for creating this video, it has helped my in both my drawing career but as well for everything else I do in my life now that my pain is almost gone!

[@Lzmstudio]

That is amazing to hear and I’m so glad you have less pain! Repetitive use injury is real and the power we have to correct for it is amazing. I just corrected my posture while typing this- I need every reminder I can get to be better to my body!🙏🏼

[@liljosh224]

My neck hurts as i draw in a looking up position. This video was a huge help!

[@Lzmstudio]

Oh yay, I’m so glad!

[@iamalmetal]

this is what i need. thank you 🍻

[@Lzmstudio]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching :)

[@timtapp5931]

Great video. Like many others here have said already, trying to get best, so we can get the best drawings, is always a challenge. Especially when have developed not so good habits. It's a testament to how wildly adaptable our bodies can be. Both good and bad. Cheers

[@Lzmstudio]

Tim Tapp yes I sometime wish my back would just not allow me to hold it in an improper position at all!

[@AN-ec6kn]

I grew a small hump from poor posture whenever I draw. I wasn’t aware of it til last year when I looked at my neck in a side profile view. This video had helped me a lot and I will improve my posture

[@Lzmstudio]

I get that! These exercises can help and definitely look into physical therapy to get rid of that neck/back hump before it gets worse- so painful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3jXk6udn7N3pdE

[@Hatachiart]

thank you! very helpful! i am currently having a terrible pain at the back so i am trying to change my posture!

[@Lzmstudio]

Happy to help! I'm sorry you're struggling with back pain, too!

[@biancaborlagdan8932]

This is what I needed yeaaaars ago. Haha, glad to find your video! Thanks!

[@Lzmstudio]

Same for me- had to share what I learned (the hard way)!

[@pyroartturi]

Great tips. My biggest problem is lenght of my work from eye. I make very detailed pyrography and I lean myself forward to focus more on details... That causes back and neckpain. Any recommend how I could do details with good posture?

[@Lzmstudio]

Oof, I have the same problem... probably a drafting table, easel or putting your work on the wall and standing/sitting at the right height is your only solution. Magnifiers work, too, but I still hunch over the desk with those. Wish there was something better to suggest.

[@emmettolson3499]

@@Lzmstudio your suggestion works a whole lot better. I usually use a table easel and crank it up almost straight up and down right at the edge of the table. Or if I use a regular easel I kinda do it like an old man driving, damn near touching the chair 💀

[@Lzmstudio]

@@emmettolson3499 that’s awesome! I’m glad you found a solution!

[@junnaredd9912]

I started to develop wrist and shoulder pain because of wrong posture. Thanks for the tips. I can't afford ergonomic chairs atm.

[@Lzmstudio]

I can't afford the fancy chairs at the moment either. My studio chair is a less expensive but very flat seat chair from Ikea that I've used for more than 5 years. If I'm sitting well, it works. If I'm sitting poorly, I'm in pain after a while. You might also try this book, it fixed the wrist and elbow pain and twitching I had! kzbin.info/www/bejne/laSuXouOptVpq5I

[@willowminss]

when i draw i get headaches and i’ve learned that they are often times tension headaches. headaches have always been a big thing for me though even before i recently got into art but i hope this helps prevent tension headaches when i draw!

[@Lzmstudio]

Yes! Tension headaches can often occurs when your paper is lower than eye level and you have to tilt your head down for a long time to see your drawing. This strains the muscles in the back of the neck and tightens the muscles in the front causing imbalance. Raising your drawing surface up should help a lot!

[@kateriinafrolova4981]

THANK YOU!!!! Wow the resistance band hack is absolutely genius!!!

[@Lzmstudio]

I learned it from someone else but honestly can’t remember who or where? It’s great for kids! They loved that back when we met in person in the before pandemic time. Thanks so much for watching!

[@SouzaCreations]

super glad i found your page, been painting for a couple years & never had good posture until recently I discovered leg & lower back aches from pro long working with zero stretching & breaks 😭 definitely hunching while working is a bad habit. lesson learned haha !

[@Lzmstudio]

Soon I'll do a video on stretches & exercises I do to counteract all the sitting/hunching. Glad you can adjust your positioning to help you keep painting!!

[@victorkodza1680]

Very good, I have been experiencing back pain anytime I am doing art work, Am also an Artist, so thanks you for giving us this best positions for artwork God bless you , we love you.

[@Lzmstudio]

Thank you so much. Love right back at you!

[@zed_art]

thanks this really helpful

[@Lzmstudio]

So glad to hear that!

[@Vainglory100]

Thank you

[@JiyuLJ]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful for my back and neck!

[@Lzmstudio]

I’m so glad! Soon I’m sharing a video on stretches and exercises for the artist- stay tuned!

[@poyobunny8508]

Thank you so much💙 My back and neck hurt a lot after drawing, so hopefully your methods will help🌸💙💙

[@Lzmstudio]

Also check out my stretches and exercises for the artist to counteract the drawing position: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3jXk6udn7N3pdE

[@kimmorland7124]

Thank you so much.

[@Lzmstudio]

🤞🏻🤞🏻you have less pain!

[@sapphicmorena5791]

Thank you so much! I want to encourage my friends and family to make use of better posture with this and your other video.

[@Lzmstudio]

I struggle with my posture all the time- in fact I literally just sat up straighter because of your comment! It is so much about habit and mindfulness, but it pays off!

[@RafaelSales55]

I got a huge drawing tablet (it was my dream to have one), I used to draw at paper. But as soon I start drawing, my shoulder start to hurt. And I never had this problem with paper. I hope this postures help me :(

[@Lzmstudio]

Hmm with huge paper it is often best to stand and use a standing easel. I hope you feel better!!

[@elowoman]

Thanks for this video! I was looking for advice on how to sit while drawing digitally (with a normal tablet and looking at a laptop or aditional screen) and took some your tips and they work! loved the silicon band for the chair

[@Lzmstudio]

Awesome! If I could save other artists from the pain of sitting all day, that's the goal!

[@neonlove1289]

Thank you so much...!

[@Lzmstudio]

Thank you- for watching 😀

[@bluemonsteronlamesa]

Thanks madam, my neck hurts so much due to bad posture while drawing, this helps a lot !👍👍

[@Lzmstudio]

Me too! It is hard to maintain but helps when I do. May you have less pain!

[@emilywoods6164]

SO helpful! Thank you!🙌🏼

[@Lzmstudio]

You're so welcome! Every time someone like you comments it reminds me to adjust my own poor posture :) Helps me out too!

[@Fonexcey]

I do gymnastics so when I curved my back I need these posture so I can get more flexible so I can do my back tuck/ back flip

[@Lzmstudio]

Kaitlyn Dionne I often say drawing is similar to other physical disciplines like sports!

[@milleryoukah2722]

Thank you so much for this information, i have to say it's very useful for me

[@Lzmstudio]

So nice of you, I'm glad it helps!

[@victorkodza1680]

The drawing board that you are doing the art work on it with the stand , I want to get some.

[@Lzmstudio]

It's a great one. Links to purchase are in comments! You can also see this bigger review of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6jWeJKVqJaXp6c Thanks for watching!

[@heyna1185]

Thank you so much! I'm only 21 and I already get so much back pain from drawing. I actually searched up how to be an artist without ruining your posture lol and I'm so glad I found your video. I'll need to find a way to prop up my ipad though because so far, nothing I've tried to get it higher has worked for me :(

[@Lzmstudio]

I totally get it. This table top easel might be perfect for iPad use- but only good for on a table. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6jWeJKVqJaXp6c. For working on a comfy chair or couch you might look for a lap desk that has an ability to change angles? If I find one I’ll link it below. Take care of yourself!! You’re smart to consider this at your age so you can get better habits to keep drawing!!

[@heyna1185]

@@Lzmstudio thank you! I‘ll check out your suggestions!

[@Lzmstudio]

I was thinking something like this might work for an ipad if you're not using it at a desk: amzn.to/3FQsXrt I don't have this myself, but if I worked on my ipad on the couch more, I might consider it!

[@heyna1185]

@@Lzmstudio oh that actually looks great, thank you so much!!

[@Lzmstudio]

@@heyna1185 happy to help so good artists can keep creating with less pain!

[@yumpone]

i came because i am always sitting on the couch having my sketchbook on my legs and i know thats not good. I am thankful for your tips! i want to give you a tip too tho. You knees should be lower or at max in line with you hip. The first pic you showed, showed your knees being a bit to high, which as i know is "worng" to do.

[@Lzmstudio]

I know- but I’m so short I’d have to get a custom stool to rest my feet on🤣 so I make do and it hasn’t caused problems for me, thankfully.

[@wallakfir90]

I've been drawing while hunching forward on a flat surface 4 hours a day for 4 months straight, I didn't realize how bad it was for me until I got the worst neck pain I ever had in my life. It's been over a month and I still haven't fully healed, I really hope I didn't cause a permanent injury to myself... I'm trying to get back into drawing now with my new drawing board but it's very hard for me to maintain a good posture, and I also found out that my expensive chair is actually very bad for me too and I need to replace it :(

[@Lzmstudio]

Ugh, I feel your pain. I have to work on my posture constantly, and I fall into bad habits unconsciously all the time. I've made a playlist for all my back pain for the artist videos so you can find them all in one spot. I hope they all help you sort out how to heal, and how to sit in the future to prevent pain! kzbin.info/aero/PLmuk19K4PkT6yCudo9WZJ1CK152wGu5l_

[@ImpulsoCreativo9322]

Thanks so much. I am a teacher so same issue eith reading and writing. Its all about looking down

[@Lzmstudio]

Andrea Herrera hope this helps!

[@ImpulsoCreativo9322]

@@Lzmstudio Do you have any recommendations on slant boards that can adjust height to help you not look down so much?? Also, do you hinge at the hips, you said, right?

[@Lzmstudio]

I try not to lean forward, if I can. If I had to I'd try to hinge at the hips. For the table top easel I have a small one that is good, and I'm about to review another one that is larger. Here is the small one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6jWeJKVqJaXp6c

[@ImpulsoCreativo9322]

@@Lzmstudio Your beautiful reply came at the perfect time. Blessings. I get a lot of vertigo/eye strain from looking down. That's my main problem. Thanks for sharing. If you have any other videos on neck pain/posture, please let me know.

[@ImpulsoCreativo9322]

@@Lzmstudio But this doesn't adjust height at all. Do you know of any that adjust height?

[@gracklegoof]

Thank you for this video!

[@Lzmstudio]

Thanks for watching! Hope your back is ok!

[@jetsilla]

Your second picture (bending over) is exactly how I was drawing and I woke-up with the worst debilitating stiff neck.

[@Lzmstudio]

In two days I’m going to post a video on stretches & exercises for the artist that will probably help you a lot! All I can say is I feel your pain- been there many times. Ugh.

[@Lzmstudio]

Just added that video, a week later than planned (my videographer's wife had their baby!). Hope this helps you keep from having that neck pain!

[@umamibaby5015]

What a great video! I spend a lot of time hunched over at my table carving (yup, 3:06 -- whether wielding a pencil or a drill, that ache is the same gah!); I'm super excited to finally be getting a tabletop easel! Thank you for sharing ^_^

[@Lzmstudio]

Back pain is the worst! I hope the easel helps!

[@umamibaby5015]

@@Lzmstudio And it's not just that -- looking down like that for such a long period can really do a number on your neck and can even cause cervicogenic headaches. So thank you again 💗!

[@Lzmstudio]

So true! I'm going to add a new easel review soon, hope it will give you all some good options!

[@sandrastoegermayer1070]

This is such a good video! Thank you 😊

[@Lzmstudio]

Thanks! I hope you stay out of pain while drawing!

[@akalogik2566]

I’m not sure if two things 1. When drawing should wrist/hand be on desk,slightly on or not on at all 2. Should elbow be on desk or Not

[@Lzmstudio]

I usually rest my wrist/hand on the desk, unless I'm standing at an easel. I don't usually rest my elbow on the desk, as that would force me to lean way forward and cause more strain on my back. You have to find what works for your body though, so you're the only authority on that!

[@akalogik2566]

@@Lzmstudio for me i feel comfy with my hand lightly on the desk and elbow on the desk

[@butteredbananas1394]

I sit like my spine is a twizzler and honestly its starting to hurt :')

[@Lzmstudio]

Ugh, I know the feeling!

[@jazminalvarado8433]

Thank you so much for this information! Bless you!

[@Lzmstudio]

You're welcome!

[@gabzoid_9687]

thanks so much for sharing!!!

[@Lzmstudio]

You are so welcome!

[@amewming]

Thank you for such an informative video! I have scoliosis and I can definitely say I developed it over the years from my bad sitting habits during long drawing sessions (or just overall sitting in front of my computer). I'm gonna be more mindful of my posture from now on and will be rearranging my workspace :)

[@Lzmstudio]

I feel your pain! It is definitely a practice- I go back to old ways until the pain reminds me and even then it’s difficult to sort out how to see, move and sit in better ways! Hang in there- having a body is tough!

[@lipem14]

loved your video! I just dont remember if you talked about moving the elbows instead of the wrist. But I liked it!

[@Lzmstudio]

Most artists need to move from fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulder joints. The trouble is repetitive use of all of it hurts🤦🏻‍♀️ thanks for watching!!

[@apbunte]

This is a very helpful video. I work in many different media and continually have to readjust my workstation. This is a great reminder. The one thing I might add is that I time myself. I no longer can sit for hours on end and try to work in short intervals. One question. When you use the tabletop easel, the angle of your arm is no longer at 90 degrees. Do you find this an issue?

[@Lzmstudio]

I actually agree- I try to take a break every hour at least to move! And I found a different easel that I like better where I can rest my arm weight better. I’m planning on posting that review in the next 1/2 year - as soon as I can. So this easel I use less frequently as it’s smaller. The arm angle wasn’t ever a problem though! Thanks for your question!

[@martinarathberger3821]

Thank you very much! Really helpful video :-)

[@Lzmstudio]

Hope you can keep creating without pain!

[@kanahble]

I do watercolor and the water cannot be controlled if my paper is raised.. I really wish I could find a way to minimize neck pain

[@Lzmstudio]

I'm sorry an easel won't help. Maybe just this one not as vertically slanted, but raising your paper up but more horizontal would help you not bend your neck down so much? Soon I'll do a video on exercises I do to prevent pain and stretches I do when I am in pain. Feel better, I hope.

[@smwalsman]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@Lzmstudio]

You're welcome! I hope you avoid all the pain points while you draw!

[@troyc333]

Actually you'd be a great model for drawing. You have a really nice shape to your figure I noticed.

[@Lzmstudio]

Oh, thanks, I have a better shape to my drawings, I think and prefer to be behind the scenes to in the scenes!

[@timimpala]

thank you so much for these detailed tips! i only just started drawing about a year ago but i've developed a lower back pain from hunching over for hours on end. i'm definitely going to heed your advice on this! could you share a link on where i could find a table top easel like yours? the ones i've found online don't seem to be quite as adjustable-friendly as yours. thank you

[@Lzmstudio]

Yes! I actually just started using a different easel I like better, and will do a video on it soon. Until then, here is my unboxing of this one, with links to purchase from Blick! It's less expensive than the other one, so an affordable entry. Protect that back, so you can keep creating- the world needs your creations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6jWeJKVqJaXp6c

[@whateverta]

Hello! I just found you and am interested in getting the wooden easel table thing you have. There are some reviews about it being wobbly. Was your wobbly?

[@Lzmstudio]

If you lean on it hard, yes it moves. I now use this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHWthmeQd516pcU

[@trydowave]

Great video. i recently changed from drawing the old way (hunched over) to the better new way but was having some problems. I like the fact that my drawings no longer get perspective distortion but now its more difficult to use my elbow to pivot. This was essential for me in order to create smooth curved lines but as you can imagine using an easel such as yours, this is difficult. How do you overcome this problem? or do you not use that technique? thanks.

[@Lzmstudio]

So the compromise I've made is that when using a flat surface or angled surface, I typically draw more with my wrist and fingers more than pivoting from my elbow or shoulder. It's not ideal. It isn't too terribly hard for me to use my elbow and shoulder while seated, however, so I do that still sometimes. I'm short, not sure if that plays into it? Body mechanics and artwork are serious business. I wish I had better ideas for you, but I have no idea what being in someone else's body is like! Can you draw on a vertical surface (wall) while standing up? Or with stand up easel?

[@trydowave]

@@Lzmstudio thanks for replying. i cannot drawing on vertical surfaces at all. very difficult. stand up easel and most drawing outside such as sketch book on the knee.. not very well either im afraid. looks like im goning to practice more. saves the back at least. thanks again.

[@Lzmstudio]

Trydowave Zod everything with drawing is a weird body contortion. I hope you figure some ways forward with more ease!

[@ChrisDMReloaded]

I don't like narrow spaces to draw unfortunately , what I have right now is an old desk which is not wide and large enough for my wrist and arm and also my monitor when I draw digitally and therefore my drawings are not as good as I want them to be . I see a huge difference when I draw traditionally and I have a lot of space on the table that is next to my pc desk ,I feel more comfortable , and draw much better, I am going to save some money to buy a better pc desk to draw digitally .

[@Lzmstudio]

Yes, a comfortable functional space is hard to figure out and achieve. Best wishes you can get what feels right to you!

[@carlosdiaz8039]

This video is incredibly helpful!! I’ve been getting horrible headaches and neck pain and I just know it’s because I’m almost always hunched over drawing for hours upon hours. Do you know where I can find that board to lift the drawing up? That would be a huge help ! ❤️

[@Lzmstudio]

I feel your pain! These are the two I use, mostly the Martin one at this point: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHWthmeQd516pcU and kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6jWeJKVqJaXp6c Definitely find a way to help your poor neck out so you can keep creating amazing stuff!

[@MadDogRyan]

I've been drawing for an art book I'm working on for year my posture was perfect and now it horrible IDK what happened

[@Lzmstudio]

@@MadDogRyan drawing can easily encourage horrible posture 🫤

[@MadDogRyan]

@@Lzmstudio fr

[@Wmaddox333]

Always keep your feet flat on the ground, they sometimes end up contorting into very strange positions..flat feet are the basis for holding good posture. Also , correct breathing and tongue posture should not be neglected, always breath through the nose with tongue on roof of mouth (known as “mewing”, look it up) - this aids in focus, and will prevent any skeletal misformation that can occur whilst sitting for long periods - this is very important for our health. And always, always get up every half an hour, move around and hydrate. There is no one part of holding good posture more important than the other - if one things off, then everything’s off.

[@Lzmstudio]

It is so true- thanks for these other suggestions!

[@ahriennamoldes2632]

Do you agree that being an artist or illustrator is a high-risk of RSI?why? ~Pls answer.thank you!

[@Lzmstudio]

Ahrienna Moldes I feel like being a human being makes for a higher risk of RSI😩 but yeah- making art is a physical act so if we aren’t embodied and ignore small strain it inevitably becomes a problem that can’t be ignored (I learned this first hand). So the trick is to catch small pains early and adjust to prevent RSI.

[@ahriennamoldes2632]

@@Lzmstudio thank you very much

[@StevenGaticaArt]

Thanks for these 2 posture videos! They really helped a lot. I also bought the book 8 steps which is great. But now since I’m moving into oil painting I’m struggling with finding an ergonomic setup for everything else. Have any tips?

[@Lzmstudio]

Hmm, I'm not an oil painter, but I suppose I'd use the same setup, unless I were working on large canvases? When I was younger, I used to draw on huge paper, and I'd tape it to the wall of my studio and stand to draw. But now I'd probably buy this for my table top, but I haven't ever used one, so not sure I can recommend it: www.engineersupply.com/Martin-Universal-Design-Martin-Portable-Art-Studio-20x26-Inch-U-SS2026A.aspx?VariantId=931f8cb1-9d78-4d11-8d41-faeb6b53dd3f&ES3959&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2f7bBRDVARIsAAwYBBsL8vMPe-wDi34EgF-Ata48hocUgx9Lrhd1CPVTZV-I9HNS6254EqAaAmZCEALw_wcB Let me know what you wind up doing :) !

[@SuperLpark]

Thanks

[@Lzmstudio]

You're welcome!

[@polyglut9456]

Great video. Is there any particular chair model or brand that you recommend?

[@Lzmstudio]

I have not found a chair or brand that is continuously fabricated that I like. And unfortunately, body sizes and shapes vary so greatly- what would work for me might not work for everyone. I tend to go for chairs that are flat so I can add something to tilt my pelvis so that it’s higher in the back/lower in the front- or a chair shape that does that. I avoid chairs that make the pelvis title the opposite way because that causes slouching/rounding of the low back in the wrong direction. Below I’ll link to my video on a book I recommend that explains “stack sitting”.

[@Lzmstudio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ-cfKNmrdmNbqM

[@andrewgarfield9898]

I just ordered a drafting table. It’s almost perfect but it feels like the chair is a bit too and table too low. The chair doesn’t go any. I don’t hunch over but I have to slightly bend my neck to look at the paper and this causes pain. It’s literally limiting how much I can draw now and I feel like I invested in a draft table that doesn’t help me much anyway

[@Lzmstudio]

Andrew Garfield ugh I’m sorry. This is such a limiting factor for all artists. Soon I’ll do a video on stretches to relieve tension from drawing and strengthening exercises I do. It’s the only way I keep going. Can you adjust the table or chair on bricks or just return the drafting table?

[@andrewgarfield9898]

LZM Studio I’m thinking of just stacking some books underneath my draft table to increase the height a little. I don’t understand why this table only lets you tilt the table towards you but u can’t change the height at all. And why the chair is so limiting on how low you can move it

[@Lzmstudio]

Andrew Garfield yeah. You might look at getting this instead and just setting it on the right height table for your height. I’m about to do a review on this one too. I like it. www.dickblick.com/products/martin-pro-draft-deluxe-parallel-straightedge-drawing-board/

[@terryy725]

Thank you so much for this video! My daughter (16) is an avid drawer, but has terrible posture when doing it! (sits on the floor, hunched over her drawing). She is already starting to complain of sore neck, back, and hands. I'm off now to order the book (from posture video #1) and that cool easel! Do you have any specific recommendations for chairs, or is it all just about modifying the chairs you have to accommodate the proper posture?

[@Lzmstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Prevention is key and 16 is a great age to set up an embodied practice so she can draw forever with less pain! Chairs are really particular to what size a person is so it's very hard to recommend. I just recommend one where you can tilt the pelvis forward & engage the core muscles for long sitting sessions. I'm about to review a different table easel that is larger in case you want to wait for that one!

[@terryy5435]

@@Lzmstudio Thanks for the reply! Do you mind me asking, how soon will that review come out? I was hoping to give this stuff for Christmas, and with shipping times being what they are now, I don't feel like I have a lot of time, lol.

[@Lzmstudio]

@@terryy5435 email me from my website www.lzmstudio.com and I can send you a link!

[@Lzmstudio]

Also, the other easel did NOT deliver in a timely manner at all, so you might be better off with this one.

[@lelakikelawar5940]

I recommend table need short and chair need higher

[@Lzmstudio]

It would be great if it were easy to buy furniture for different size people but it’s often impossible to find pre-made furniture like that!

[@scrappykraigert8221]

🤗

[@Lzmstudio]

😊🌈

[@18dayswithoutu]

Thanks I need this 😭💔🇮🇶🇮🇶

[@Lzmstudio]

I’m sorry you need this- I hope you feel better!🤗

[@18dayswithoutu]

@@Lzmstudio لقد ساعدتني كثيرا شكرا 💙u helped me im thankful for u💙

[@pnartg]

I wish your video showed you actually drawing on your table top easel. It looks like you wouldn't have much arm/wrist support when drawing at the bottom of your paper, and that you would have to extend your arm (thus fatiguing large muscles like your deltoids) when drawing at the top of your paper. Comments?

[@Lzmstudio]

I have no problems with fatiguing muscles for reaching top or bottom of the page, partially because the top of the easel is only about 12 x 16 inches big. I can put a drawing board on the easel to make the surface bigger and then I still don't experience fatigue with reach, but that is likely because of the number of years I've over-used those muscles (they are used to it!). It does get awkward to reach the bottom of the page depending on the angle, but that is the case with all easels. And I do have to use my 2nd hand to balance a bigger drawing board when applying pressure with my drawing hand. But that is due to the smallness of the easel top.

[@fernandezmel5068]

I did experienced this fatigue you talk about

[@AliestarMankonda]

My neck used to pain a lot but not now

[@Lzmstudio]

That is great news!

[@jayaniwaniganayaka7850]

My neck hurts whenevr i draw..I'll try this..thankyou.

[@Lzmstudio]

Hope this helps!

[@nounou2438]

One problem I have is my poor eyesight, I tend to hunch forward because of that

[@Lzmstudio]

I get that. My eyesight is changing and I have to adjust a lot for that. Have you been able to get your eyes checked?

[@optimumergo7018]

As an ergonomist and physical therapist, your knees are above your hips when sitting. Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees. Reach out if you would like a remote ergonomics assessment.

[@Lzmstudio]

I've actually switched chairs so this isn't an issue anymore- but you are so right! Thanks!

[@sebastianm.6669]

I don't know, where is the "Lumbar Support"? Some other man on YT said it's really important

[@Lzmstudio]

Lumbar support is for when you are leaning back resting in your chair. When drawing I don’t know of any way to lean back and draw unless your drawing surface were tilted more than 90 degrees toward you and your paper taped to the surface. So lumbar support is for lazy typing or reading but not drawing and leaning forward.

[@sebastianm.6669]

@@Lzmstudio Thanks for the explanation, I'll look further into it.

[@thatonecat8870]

Can i just- i just wanna lay down and draw ):

[@Lzmstudio]

Haha so true! Actually, Frida Kahlo was bedridden from her injuries from a bus accident and painted like that - so maybe switch to oil painting and you’re set!