I'm looking to learn how to make people figures for my cakes but haven't found a class yet on the subject in my area. Can someone help me out with some general instructions? I've seen some tutorials on animals, but not so much on modeling figures. I prefer to do things freehand but wonder if I can get the same detail as opposed to a mold. If you use a mold can you suggest one to use? Thanks.

Look for clay directions. Those can often be translated to use with gumpaste.

Any tutorial by Lorraine McKay is well worth it: http://www.extraicing.co.uk/#/sugarcraft-tutorials/4542219227