Introduction to Character Design
Introduction to Character Design
Embedded Files
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Learn about the role of character design in games
Learn about the role of character design in games
Identify what makes good character design
Identify what makes good character design
Utilise these skills to create your own character for a game!
Utilise these skills to create your own character for a game!
Who's That Character?
Who's That Character?
How many of the below video game characters can you identify based on the silhouette?
So what makes "good" character design?
So what makes "good" character design?
Silhouette
Interesting Shapes
Contrast
Use of Colour
Visual Storytelling
Clothing
Clear Personality
Exaggeration
to name a few!
Task: Finding Character Designs You Like
Task: Finding Character Designs You Like
Please log into the computers
Username: minecraft0X@burnley.ac.uk
Password: Newmetal30
Using Google, please find some images of your favourite character designs from games, or characters you just like the look of
Have a think about why you like these designs!
You have 10 minutes
I love the classic Tomb Raider and Overwatch character designs :)
Character Design Tips
Character Design Tips
Shape Language
Shape Language is a concept used in art to communicate meaning based on shapes we are familiar with.
When used in character, prop, and environment design, shapes can tell a story and show personality without using any words.
A round character might be considered friendly, whereas a triangular character might be considered dangerous
Colour Meanings
Different colours have different meanings which is sometimes called symbolism.
The colours we use in character design can help us communicate their personality and their role in the story!
Looking at the characters you picked, how does the colour help communicate their personality?
Exaggeration
One 'big' feature can tell a story about your character. This could be a weapon, their outfit, or an accessory
Try and think about contrast. If there's one really big part of your character, you can tone down the other parts to make visual interest.
How do Concept Artists work?
How do Concept Artists work?
Artists who come up with the designs for characters, props, and environments are called Concept Artists
They usually work by:
Brief -> Researching -> 'Thumbnailing' -> Developing an Idea -> Final Concept Art
Concept artists come up with a lot of ideas very quickly, and then refine this design down to one final piece of art
Quick Thumbnail Drawings
Developed Thumbnails to try out different designs
Even further development
Final 3D Character
Becoming a Character Concept Artist
Becoming a Character Concept Artist
Pick a piece of paper from each of the three cups.
This will give you three different prompts for your character: A role, a describing word, and a shape
This is your Brief, so what do we do next?
Brief -> Researching -> 'Thumbnailing' -> Developing an Idea -> Final Concept Art
Please start gathering some Reference Images for your character. This can be anything that you think will help you.
For example, if you have the prompt 'Mushrooms' you might look up different types of mushroom / fungus to inspire you :)
You have 5 minutes
Thumbnailing (Quick Sketches)
Thumbnailing (Quick Sketches)
Now that you have some reference images to inspire you, you can start sketching your character.
Remember, thumbnails are meant to be very fast! You're trying to get all your ideas onto paper as fast as possible. Not your final idea!
Try starting with your main shape and drawing ideas for your character over the top
Development
Development
Choose your favourite design! Or mix up your favourite elements of each
You have the rest of the session to draw your final design. You can freehand this or used one of the provided templates to help you :)
Try to remember about shape language, exaggeration and making it interesting!
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