Tips For Character Design
Posted on : Mar 27, 2019
In our experience of working with most of the Animation houses across the globe we have observed that one of the most challenging task for Animators today is to conceptualize / visualize the design of his/her Character. Though many classic character that are known to us through cartoons, movies, books looks quite simple,but as design experts we understand there would be humongous man hours devoted in their development. So under this article we have listed some of the tips for Character Design out of our experience.
1.DECIDE THE CHARACTER
Before designing any character make clear in mind about its target .To whom character design is aimed at like for children’s its always advisable to have bright attractive color and basic shapes in design. Conceptually key focus element also plays a critical role while deciding a Character like if in a character eyesore needed to be kept as focus then whole design should be made around the face, so that the key feature stands out
- DECIDE WHERE IT WILL APPEAR
In designing any character its always important to decide where it will be seen and in what medium as that will impact your whole character design .for E.g.- While designing an computer model,it’s irrelevant to draw its lots of intricate details and features like keypad numbering
3.RESEARCH OTHER DESIGN
Research materials play a major role in character design as there are plenty of materials available everywhere like on Shop signs, animations on mobile, TV commercials, and stickers on packets. It is highly recommended for a Designer to keep all his/her senses open.
4.MAKE CHARACTER DISTINCTIVE
Your character should stand out in the crowd. Unlike others having similar creations, Character should be strong and bright in order to get people attention. As viewers keep on surfing through different mediums to get attracted to the most interestingly different in visual sense.
5.USE LINE QUALITIES AND STYLES
The drawn lines of your character describes on its own like Thick and round lines appears as cute character while those with sharp and uneven lines suggest an erratic character
6.USE EXAGGERATED CHARACTERISTICS
Exaggeration is fundamental in cartoon misrepresentations and helps emphasize certain personality traits.Personalize your characters’ body shape according to their personality and their main trait.If your character is mostly nimble, you should make them small and slim. If they’re exceptionally strong, you may want to make them look more like heavy-set characters.
7.CHOOSE COLOR TO REFLECT THEIR PERSONALITY
Colors can help relate character’s personality. Traditionally, black and dark colors are associated with villains or evil characters, while light colors are associated with the decent and simple characters. Strong colors like reds, yellows and blues are traditionally used for gallant characters in comics.
8.ADD ACCESSORIES
Props and clothing can help to emphasise character traits and their background. For example, one should definitely include accessories that are explanatory for your characters’ main features and their background. Like diamonds and gold to reflect that a character is rich.
10.KEEP THEM SIMPLE
Always make sure that designer should be able to draw designs again and again whenever needed, as drawings are seen from various angles and different postures. That’s why elaborate patterns on clothing should be avoided. Keep it simple and attractive while drawing.
