September Character design, in progress
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Hi SVS! I've been away from here for a few months, digesting all the new info I got from the amazing CB Pro class and taking care of other parts of my life, but I'm hoping to re-commit to entering the contest every month. So, I'm posting for feedback and accountability and for how much i learn from everyone's insightful comments.
I'm probably not planning to do a full Inktober challenge this year, so I'm taking this opportunity to do some sequential art that might work for an early reader chapter book aimed at 8-year-olds. I'm developing a character that looks contemporary and likeable, and personality-wise fits somewhere between Ramona Quinby and Calvin & Hobbes. Stubborn, creative, confident, adventurous, etc.
Here's are a bunch of sketches exploring that territory, and experimenting with proportions. I'm thinking of working up the character in the plaid shirt. I'd love to hear your suggestions for poses, hobbies, names, environment, or keywords as I keep developing this idea.
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@Valerie-Light I don't have any suggestions right now, but I think all three characters are really cute and I love the different poses you have already done! I am excited to see the end results!
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@Valerie-Light I agree with Kim, I love what I see here!
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These are awesome!! I have an eight year old daughter and I think you nailed it, the poses, the expression, and the style. Looking good! Can’t wait to see more.
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@bridgetbick @Kim-Rosenlof @jdeebella Thank you for the great encouragement!
I'm trying to think of a funny/quirky hobby for her to have. Like making drawings of insects, or building a go-kart, or. . . something. Any ideas? -
Character design progress update:
More exploratory sketching. I'm playing with new approaches to a grayscale ink wash style, facial expressions, and character consistency. I like the simpler approaches better, and I think I have some more practice to do on nailing down a consistent style. Feedback is welcome!
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@Valerie-Light Your character has a lot of fun interests! I especially love the go-kart. The ink wash is fun too. Some of the expression pictures do not look consistent and like the same person. Close, but not quite. You could do the line thing on character sheets (not sure if there is a name for it) where you draw straight lines across a page. Then draw the head several times, but with different expressions. The lines could be for her eyes, mouth, nose etc. So the line up. That might help. I hope that makes sense.
I have a hard time keeping my characters consistent, but have noticed that when I draw the lines, it does help some. -
@Valerie-Light I am mostly thinking that the one where she looks disgusted on the bottom and the one where she holds the grasshopper are the ones that aren't consistent.
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@Kim-Rosenlof Thanks, Kim you're totally right.
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Posting more progress! I've moved into Procreate now while I work out poses and expressions and proportions, and just kind of getting to know my character.
I think that next, I'm going to do another round of paint tests in ink wash with these on my lightbox, and settle on a style and value range that feels right.
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These are fantastic! I love all the poses.
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@Valerie-Light These are great! Well done!
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@Valerie-Light These are great! They are a little reminiscent of Fancy Nancy for me.
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Thanks for the help and encouragement, everyone. Posting my final entry here:
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@Valerie-Light This turned out great! I love all the writing and how it shows the process.
