Hi Mike, I struggled with this one too. I think it's supposed to be challenging, so I wouldn't worry too much about it! :) Even if you feel like your shapes aren't simple enough, it does seem like you were thoughtful with them. I really like the way you simplified the ear!

I kind of think about it like paper cut outs. There's typically a base shape that you build off of -- oftentimes its actually the part that most if not all other parts connect to. I like to 'draw through' my shapes, meaning designing the shapes that go underneath other shapes. I find that it helps me to design more convincing shapes this way. In the case of the chicken, I think the shape that the head and neck form is the part that all other shapes stem from, so I would start there, layering each shape as if I was physically using paper cut outs. Overlapping and inserting shapes where I can so that they work together cohesively and have good flow between them. Shapes are well designed if they can stand on their own. A good shape is simple, abstract, and are easy to read. I think you've done a good job designing shapes with these characteristics, and maybe what is missing is the intention behind the relationship between the shapes. Hope that makes sense and is helpful to you!

Your study turned out great! Eliza Ivanova's use of lines is so intentional and precise. I especially like how you captured the fluid, crisp lines in the hair and the volume of the sleeves. A very thoughtful study!

Wow! This feels stylized in such a cool way!!