Efficiant Character design process

Character Design Digital Art Process Character Design Digital Art Process conceptstart.net

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

  • What is the Essence of the Character?

    What is the Essence of the Character?

  • How can I best communicate the Essence?

    How can I best communicate the Essence?

  • Is this Character Distinct and Unique?

    Is this Character Distinct and Unique?

  • Does the Back Story & Personality show?

    Does the Back Story & Personality show?

  • Does the Character fit the Audience?

    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.

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