Distinctive character designs are recognisable from only a fast glimpse of their define. Why? As a result of they’re constructed from robust, simply readable shapes. Within the article under, idea artist Mariia Bulgakova shares her course of for creating dynamic characters that make a giant impression right away.
If it’s worthwhile to replace your artwork setup in your personal work, see our guides to the very best digital artwork software program and the very best drawing tablets. You may also wish to see our basic character design ideas.
Mariia is an idea artist and illustrator recognized for her vibrant character designs and environments. She shares her course of by way of Patreon and has over 120,000 followers throughout her social channels.
Begin with easy geometric shapes to make your character recognisable. A robust silhouette makes the design visually impactful. Emphasise the silhouette utilizing damaging area akin to cutouts in clothes, gaps in armour and so forth.
02. Think about form stability
Use a mixture of massive, medium and small shapes to construct up a harmonious composition. This retains the design participating and avoids monotony creeping in.
Why not incorporate parts that evoke a way of movement, akin to lengthy ribbons, flowing materials or windswept hair. By doing this, a personality can really feel alive even when they’re positioned in a static pose.
05. Create associations with the persona
Let the shapes provide help to to inform the story. For instance, sharp angles convey aggression, whereas softer curves counsel kindness. This might translate into armour particulars not solely being purposeful, but in addition reflective of the character’s traits.
06. Distinction to boost particulars
Spotlight key parts of your character through the use of contrasting colors to attract consideration. For instance, clean eyes might be emphasised by a blue design mixed with crimson accents.
Complementary colors create a robust focus and evoke an emotional response. For example, combining golden metallic armour with material in cool tones successfully conveys each the ambiance and harmonious color schemes.
08. Think about cultural context in colors
Purple can symbolise power in a single tradition, however hazard in one other. Throughout the Viking age, crimson was related to struggle and energy, in addition to standing and wealth, which makes it an amazing alternative for a Viking piece. A lot of colors have meanings in different cultures, so analysis what suits your scene.
09. Textural accents
Creating texture provides dynamism and materiality. I take advantage of textured brushes to get a painterly, vivid really feel.
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Use lighting to emphasize key particulars, such because the face or fingers. On this instance, the face is highlighted with a heat, vivid mild that brings it into focus and provides ambiance.
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