[ SECRET POST #4023 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #4023 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 02 pages, 37 secrets from Secret Submission Post #576.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Character design tips?

[syncing_feeling]

All of my fanart has been coming out shit recently, so I started trying to design my own universe/characters/creatures last night, which I haven't done for ages. I've fallen behind on my art stuff massively since starting work. I started making a comic when I was 13 (which unfortunately still floats around on DA) and it was awful, but I really enjoyed the process.

And basically I'm getting frustrated because everything I'm sketching just looks so derivative and unconsciously copying something from an existing game/movie/etc. I was semi-happy with a monster design last night until I looked at it just now and realised it was basically Trico from Last Guardian with the serial numbers filed off. I know it's a long and complicated process that takes a lot of development, but does anyone have any advice on character design or world building?

Re: Character design tips?

[(Anonymous)]

It'd be best if you posted what you're struggling with to give us a better context.

Character design is just remixing the things you know in interesting and appealing ways, so you either got to remix better or learn new things to remix. I recommend studying character designs that you like, looking at IRL people/animals/noun that gives you the vibe you want, and getting inspiration from weird sources (like what would a bean bag chair look like as a person or this Rorschach blot would actually be a real cool monster.) Understand why you like the thing and being to recreate that in your own voice is key.

Re: Character design tips?

[feotakahari]

I’m not a very visual person, but I see plenty of characters on the street and in the subway. A shockingly pale, almost vampiric-looking woman wearing her cross necklace like a shield. Two cashiers bantering, one tall and one short, playing off each other like comedians. A woman in a green vest, looking for donations, or a man in ragged clothes, singing for spare change. I’m looking around the subway car right now, and I see people I could use as a small-time criminal, an apocalypse survivor, or the smart guy in a high school story.

I’ve heard that when H.G. Wells was writing The War of the Worlds, he wandered around town looking for people who looked like good subjects to be killed by Martians. Maybe you could look for what you want to draw.

Re: Character design tips?

[(Anonymous)]

I'm also attempting to design my original stuff. This isn't really advice but you'll develop your own style naturally. I didn't believe it at first but then it happened to me even though I spent a lot of time copying other's drawings.

Also, there's nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from other artists. It helps to look at your favorite artists and incorporate your favorite aspects of their art into your own.

Don't know if you use tumblr but I love this one:

http://characterdesignreferences.tumblr.com/

There's a different theme each month and anyone can submit drawings. It's awesome to see all the different styles and interpretations.


This website also has tons of styles to check out:

https://characterdesignreferences.com/

One last thing- The best art advice I ever received is to fill out one sketchbook each month. I haven't been able to do one every month but I have a nice pile of books. It's amazing to look back and see how much my art has grown. My favorite thing to do is redraw my favorite pictures every month or so. Even if it's only a little change, it's very gratifying.

Re: Character design tips?

[ketita]

I think that coming up with some kind of thematic foundation is helpful. For example, try to design monsters based on vegetables, or fashion based on famous architecture or something like that. Pick a specific inspiration and draw from it - and also be gentle with yourself! It's a learning process.

For world building, the same - think about what ideas attract you, what fundamental elements you want in your world, and then go from there. Ask yourself "but why? and why not?" often. Think of the most outlandish thing and then try to make it make sense and build a society around it.

Designing is a skill. Don't get frustrated yet! You'll get there.

Re: Character design tips?

[(Anonymous)]

Might I recommend Making Comics by Scott McCloud?
There’s a whole chapter devoted to character design. Try finding it at your library or something.
It’s a fun read even if you don’t want to make comics.