In order for us to create realistic and well designed characters to act as protagonists, enemies and NPC’s within our games, we first needed to have a baseline knowledge of basic anatomy. This would allow us to create humanoid characters that are correctly anatomically proportioned, meaning that the shapes that comprise the body (what represent the muscles) are correctly sized. This is important to bare in mind whilst creating our designs to avoid our characters looking odd, or looming into the realm of the uncanny valley (This is a term to describe how certain humanoid objects or portraits can cause a sense of unease within humans (1))
This week, our task was to create our own character design whilst bearing in mind the rules of anatomy as well as drawing our character from a three quarter perspective. This perspective was used as it is commonly used in media, from cartoons to style sheets, not only does it challenge the artist. it also gives a good sense of depth as well as providing a look to the front and side angles of the body.
Creation
Using the graphics tablet and photoshop software I was familiar with. I began work on my character. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to create a male figure, therefore the proportions would generally be larger in comparison to that of a woman’s. I kept this in mind as I started to sculpt their skeletal structure. The university had provided us with a reference image (Seen below) that includes: Hight in heads, a rudimentary skeleton, A sketch of key muscles, a refined outline and a more detailed outline.
In this it showed how a 3/4 perspective drawing should look, alongside a true sense of scale via the heads and skeleton. However, as I was creating a male character, I would have to alter said proportions depicted within the diagram.
From here, I used the pencil tool to begin creating my character design. I kept in mind my proportions, using the 8 head rule I created the height of my character as well as accurately sized the shoulders and waist of a male character. I began working from the layers built atop the skeleton and created a basic muscle outline for my character. Whilst I was doing so, I had the thought to base my design around 1980’s action movie hero’s, as well as the clichés that come alongside them. I made sure to incorporate shape theory into my design. Since my character had to be strong and dependable I added boxy elements such as his squared shoulders.
When I began to layer clothing atop my character I thought of my inspiration to create a definitive look for my characters. I took inspiration from different film franchises to finalise my character look.
I again kept in mind my inspiration during detailing and colouring my character. Using the eraser and colour picker to create a consistent palette for my design. I made note to give my characters key features, such as the bandanna and scars to show an insight into the characters without stating as such. I made sure that my character incorporated light colours and rounded edges to show that whilst he is strong and dangerous, he also fights for good.
Evaluation
Whilst I like the current design I created, I would be amiss if I didn’t mention how I could’ve incorporated more techniques to create a more visually striking design. At current my design is quite flat and boring. using some shading and lighting skills I have learned previously would allow me to add some depth to the character. furthermore whilst i believe my use of proportions was well implemented I could’ve used some techniques such as gesture drawing (dynamically posing the design to add to the emotion or story of the character).
Overall this was a fun way to experiment with character design and I can definitely feel as though my proportions will improve going forward alongside my use of shape and colour theory.
Refrences
(1) Cherry, K (2022) https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-uncanny-valley-4846247
(2) University of Hull (2022)
(3) Indiana Jones and the Temple of doom (1984) Lucasfilm , Disney
(4)Army of Darkness (1992) Universal Pictures