GOOD vs BAD Character Design: Tips and Tricks!

Introduction

This tutorial explores the principles of good character design as discussed in the video "GOOD vs BAD Character Design: Tips and Tricks!" by BaM Animation. Understanding these principles—clarity of silhouette, palette, and exaggeration—can significantly improve your character designs, making them more recognizable and effective in storytelling.

Step 1: Focus on Silhouette Clarity

• Define the Silhouette: Ensure your character is recognizable from a solid black shape alone. This is crucial for clarity.
• Use Big Identifiable Shapes: Create a silhouette using large, distinct shapes that convey the character’s personality. For example:
  • Round shapes suggest friendliness.
  • Angular shapes imply danger or intensity.
• Shape Language: Choose a shape motif (e.g., triangles) to unify your design and reduce visual clutter. This helps communicate the character's traits immediately.

Practical Tip

Always flip your canvas while designing to ensure shapes are balanced and avoid leaning awkwardly to one side.

Step 2: Establish a Clear Color Palette

• Limit Color Use: Avoid too many colors. Select a dominant color and use supporting colors that complement without competing.
• Create Color Hierarchy: Ensure one color stands out while others support it. For example, changing a dress color to a warmer tone can provide clarity against cooler skin tones.
• Check Value Contrast: Use a white layer to assess the brightness of your colors. Adjust similar values to ensure your character stands out against the background.

Common Pitfall

Don’t design characters in a bright white space; instead, use a mid-tone background to better evaluate light and dark contrasts.

Step 3: Emphasize Exaggeration in Design

• Exaggerate Features: Use body shapes and poses that amplify the character’s personality. For example:
  • A weightlifter may have exaggerated muscular shapes, while a basketball player might be elongated and slim.
• Utilize Dynamic Posing: Ensure your poses reflect the character’s traits—are they confident, shy, or aggressive? Use poses to help tell their story visually.
• Contrast Body Types: When designing characters together, ensure they have contrasting shapes and sizes to create visual interest.

Practical Exercise

Try creating character trios with distinct silhouettes, palettes, and exaggerated features to see how they can coexist in a single design universe.

Step 4: Gather References

• Study Real Life: Observe people, animals, and environments to understand how features and body shapes convey emotions and stories.
• Explore Various Styles: Don’t limit yourself to one drawing style; adapt your style to fit the character’s story and emotion.

Important Reminder

Good character design should resonate emotionally with viewers. Strive for simplicity in design that allows for greater expression and relatability.

Conclusion

In summary, effective character design hinges on clarity in silhouette, a well-defined color palette, and thoughtful exaggeration of features. By applying the principles discussed, you can create characters that are not only visually appealing but also enhance the storytelling process. As you continue to refine your skills, remember to gather references and remain adaptable in your design approach. Happy designing!