Kayla S. answered • 07/02/19
Illustration and Animation
To completely create a character you have to start from ground zero: who is this character, what is there purpose, what should their very being tell the audience?
Start with their place in the story. Are they the hero? The villain? The side kick? These are all important to the look, feel, and motive of the character. Once you know their role we can begin on how they look.
Start with basic shapes and shape language. If some one is strong you'll want to use strong shapes. These being triangles, squares, rectangles, etc. Sharp, angular, sturdy. If some one is more fluid and nurturing you'll use softer shapes: circles, curves, fluid movements. Building a character out of basic shapes helps you understand their basic silhouette and makes producing them more streamlined and accurate.
Once you have all the shapes put together the fun really starts! Now you can add all the details! What is important to the character? What do they do? Do the garden? Maybe they keep a spade on them at all times. Are they a witch? Do they cary potions and herbs in a bag? Do they stick their wand in the hat? All these details add life and story to your character.
Finally color! Color can tell a lot about a character. Are they calm? Use muted tones and colors, pastels and soft hues. Are they overly excited and bombastic? Neons and clashing colors will make them chaotic and exciting.
Though this is a very short and abridged version of character design these are some of the very basic steps to creating a unique and original character.
