CHARACTER DESIGN
THE FOUR STEPS OF CHARACTER DESIGN
What is Character Design?
Thinking of how to convey your character without them speaking? Well, that’s character design! Based on what a character wears, how they carry themselves, what colors they have, and even the props or items they carry speak a whole LOT about them.
Yeah, sure. You’d want them to be appealing but that doesn’t mean that they should be over-detailed or always look like your “anime waifu.” Unless, well– that was your intention in the first place, then go ahead! Why not?
….Just don’t blame me if they look generic.
Character design isn’t just about what looks good; it’s about what characters should look like to best complement their personalities and lore.
RESEARCHING
GET TO KNOW YOUR CHARACTER
Write your ideas down
Before anything else, ESPECIALLY before diving into drawing, you have to know what you want to convey first. Know your intent before anything else. Identify and verbalize your intent.
You can start by picking a period in time and the location of where the character is situated. Focus on one thing about your character and revolve around that.
A fun tip though; instead of noting down how you think they are, ask your character some questions. Some examples of those questions are:
Where do they live? How did they grow up?
What’s their general attitude and personality?
Any specialties? Hobbies? Weapons? Interests?
Are they compensating for something?
There are other questions you could ask but those are the ones that could get the engine going!
Here are some of the programs and applications that I use during this phase! Click on one to look at their pages!
ORGANIZING VISUALS
CREATING THE MODDBOARDS
Find some references
Find pegs and organize your thoughts! Always make sure to be intentional or just at least have a concrete and tangible intent. Compile the design aspects you want to see and what you want on your character. You can use existing characters for reference but keep it to a minimum for more originality.
ALWAYS REMEMBER! The character’s design should speak for themself!
Here's something I whipped up myself! It's a raccoon character that acts sneakily like a rogue. They're supposed to be nimble and also have the characteristics of a raccoon.