By proportions I assume you mean anatomy?
(I'm used to proportion being used as a comparison between the elements used in a unified compositions rather then a comparison between parts of a character)
For finding anatomy you're happy with I suggest using one part of the characters body to measure out the rest of the body. The most common, and probably most effective method is by using the head. Count the height/width of the their body using the head. Once you measure out your character this way you'll always know where you're at when drawing them. Example, I'm drawing a little cartoon dude, I want him to be short so I'll make his length the same as four of his own head. Then I find placements of significant body "landmarks" for each head length. So I make the waist two heads down, the knees would be three heads down. I made a little diagram on the fly to help visually explain what I mean. (sry about my hand writing).
Naturally if you aren't shooting for character consistency, rather working towards realistic anatomical proportions, things work a little differently. For that its best to use photo refs until you're confidant. You can still utilize the head measurement system, but realistically most people fall between 6.5 to 7 heads tall.
Hope that helps a bit.
[attachment deleted by admin]
Topic: Fable's doodles (Read 4313 times)