If you love to draw and design your own characters then you need an efficient character design process!
Every character has a story to tell, and it's important that this story is communicated through your design. This character design cheat sheet outlines a tried and tested process that will help you design better characters.
Main Points
Process of Thinking
What is the idea? What will it do? How will it do it? Why will it do? Where is it from? What is it like?
Create Mood Board
Source images to inspire and help establish key Design elements for armour, weapons, hair etc
Thumbnails: 3 Shape & Value
Create clear readable thumbnails. Design large to Small shapes & distribute with rythm & variety.
Shape Language
Use consistant shape language to determine the Essence of character. Add in variety for interest.
Poses & Line Art
Convert shapes to read as form through line. The Silhouette & Pose should reflect the personality.
Functionality
Does the design makes sense? Does it move well? Is it believable? Make sure nothing looks odd.
Use Reference
Ensure everything is correct and looks believable; Anatomy. Poses. Materials. Expressions. Lighting.
Questions to ask yourself
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What is the Essence of the Character?
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How can I best communicate the Essence?
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Is this Character Distinct and Unique?
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Does the Back Story & Personality show?
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Does the Character fit the Audience?
Things to remember
Things that Define Character
Colour. Value. Shapes. Details. Pose. Expression.
Contrast by Rythm & Distribution
Use large, medium & small shape rythm with calm areas
Abstract Thumbnails
Focus on initial read. It doesn’t have to make sense yet.
A-Symmetry for Visual Interest
Varied shapes across the form avoids boring repetition.
Textural Depth
Textures, matarials, ovarlaps, holes etc create interest and depth in the character, like a meal with more flavour.
Correct Elipses on Center Line
Incorrect elipses will make the form look flat.
