Character development - would love your opinion!
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Hi, all!
Working on developing the main character in a chapter book project (for ages 6-9). The text describes her as bright-eyed, energetic, smiley, and creative. She loves to dress up as a princess and dreams BIG.
Which of these character sketches do you feel best fits that description?
*Full disclosure: sharing this with permission from the author.
illustrator - author - smiley person
mbaileyart.com
instagram.com/mbaileyart/ -
My favorite is between 2 and 3, but I leaned more towards 3 because her face feels more softer here.
Finis Coronat Opus
Instagram: www.instagram.com/madgcartoons/
Behance: www.behance.net/madgcartoons
Website: https://michaelangelodgo.wixsite.com/madgcartoons -
@Melissa-Bailey-0 Number one for me. I think it is the eyes and eyebrows that nail your key words. I took a minute to cut and past the eyes and eyebrows from number one onto the other three and it gave them all the bright-eyed and energetic vibe that one seems to have. I do like the head shape of one too…but they are all very good really
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@Melissa-Bailey-0 I would go with 1. Mostly because it is the one where I feel the bright eyed the most. I'm super drawn to them, in a "oh, how much is in these eyes", like if there is an entire world in that person. I also feel that there is a very special kind of wit and energy in her. The 2, 3, and 4 seem a more relaxed kind of person to me.
They are all amazing nonetheless, just going by your description.
I really love your art.
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I was stuck between 1 and 4. One has a lovely face (they all do) but the others seemed a bit older. However, 1 seems maybe the youngest, at about 5 or 6, so maybe she needs to be a tad older looking. I just like the sweetness and soft expression she has. Maybe 4's face, but with 1's nose and mouth? 4's eyes make her look just that littel bit older, more 8 or 9. Obviously just my opinion. How are you planning to reproduce her hair over and over? It's beautiful!
Art is hard.
https://www.instagram.com/janettehillart/ -
I was initially drawn to 3, but ultimately I think 1 fits the description best
particularly because of the eyes.She also looks the most innocent, I think
Sabrina Gosselin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabbygimagery/
Website (currently a WIP): https://sabbygimagery.com/ -
Number one she looks like a big dreamer with bright eyes who likes to play Princess
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For me number 1 stands out the most and I think fits the text description. She looks open, friendly and curious. Number 2 and 4 read for me as a bit more shy and 3 as more calm and mature. They all look great though, really nice work!
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@Kevin-Longueil wow, thanks for doing that! You confirmed what I thought might be the case. Well, it's one opinion anyway. Everyone sees things a little differently, which is so interesting!
Yes, I always tell a client that we can mix and match features if they feel a character needs just a little tweaking. But I also warn them it's very much like plastic surgery -- any changes will change how the character looks and is perceived. But it's always good to have options.
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Hi @Melissa-Bailey-0, I like 1 and 4 the best, but 1 seems to capture your description best. 2 and 3 are also really good, but have a chapter feel to them.
Is this for a picturebook or chapterbook?
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@Michael-Angelo-Go thanks for sharing your opinion. It's so appreciated!
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@TaniaGomesArt wow, thanks so much! The eyes have it for me, too. One of my all-time favorite things to draw! (Sometimes I hold off on finishing the eyes on a piece as sort of a reward for doing the boring stuff.)
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@Janette thanks for the input! Yes, it's a challenge to illustrate 8-to-9-year-olds because they're at that stage in their life where it can be really difficult to guess their age. My niece was a very mature-looking 9-year-old. When I was 9 I looked about 6!
Reproducing the hair is actually the least of my worries -- it's a "simple" 3-step process in Procreate and easy to replicate. Some of the facial features will be more of a challenge to draw consistently, so I'm secretly hoping my client doesn't choose those options! (Of course, not impossible -- I wouldn't offer an option I didn't think I could render consistently -- but definitely a challenge.)
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@Sabrina-Gosselin thanks for sharing your perspective. Really nice to hear.
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@Asyas_illos this character is definitely a princess!
Thanks for the feedback!
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@Ellinor thank you! And thanks for the feedback on each character. All the feedback I've been getting is super helpful!
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@Jeremy-Ross thanks! This is for a chapter book -- the story never states how old the character is but the character brief says she's meant to be around 8-9. That's why we stuck with b&w for the character sketches -- I wanted to make sure that the values were right.
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I think 1 best illustrates the description. Really nice illustrations.
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@KGatto thank you!
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Late to the party but if you are still looking for feedback, I'd say #4. #1 looks the most bright eyed and playful but also looks younger. For me #4 combines both the creative playful soul look and the age. (They're all great.)
