Character design. Styles, types and best practices. Design a character for video game (2024)

GOOD CHARACTER DESIGN TIPS FOR ICONIC CHARACTER

Many games, films, videos, memes and advertising products are associated primarily with their characters. They are loved, hated or admired — but it is they who make a product memorable and special.

Even those who don't consider themselves film geeks or gamers probably know such popular characters as:

• Bespectacled, silent Gordon Freeman from Half-Life. An intellectual with a degree, Freeman easily takes down hundreds of enemies. Не is simultaneously saving humanity from aliens and eyeing the beautiful and clever Alex.
• Mario, the mustachioed plumber, is an ordinary Italian locksmith who constantly saves the princess and fights a bunch of bad guys. The simple fellow combined with a superhero has become a symbol of Nintendo.
• Lara Croft is a fearless charismatic individual who shoots gangs of mercenaries in graceful pirouettes. She has a specific addiction: she likes to rob all sorts of tombs and ruins. Her image has been further reinforced and relayed to millions of people through a series of films of the same name.

And all these characters were created by someone. The work of the character artists is the crowning achievement of the creative team's work in developing a visual product. Each hero is an individual, with his own story, temper and purpose. And it is through characters design that the setting, visuals and narrative of the entire product are conveyed in an understandable form for the viewer.

What is a character design process? Examples

Character development is a job for graphic designers specializing as a character artist (otherwise known as a character modeler or character concept artist). This profession is very important to the computer games industry. Together with animators and programmers, gamecharacters designers create the graphics and scetches of your character that directly affect the success of the product.

According to analysts, it is beautiful graphics that influence game sales the most.

Gamers are primarily interested in games with a special, effective or just beautiful design, whether it is a major AAA project or a hyper-casual game for phones.

A good character design creator develops character art concepts (concept art) from finding the visual identity of the hero through sketches to creating the final characters designs in accordance with project requirements. Required skills to become one of the best iconic character artists are next:

• Understanding of the basics of painting, drawing and trends in contemporary illustration;
• be able to create sketches and detailed images both by hand and digitally;
• know how to use graphics software (Adobe CC, QuarkXPress, CorelDraw, SketchApp, etc.);
• know the laws of composition, the basics of the anatomy of people and animals, know how to work with color, light and perspective;
  have skills in working in different styles, ideally have own author's style;
• be aware of the basics of stage directing and scriptwriting;
• know the principles of the psychology of perception of visual information.
• A developed creative fantasy and non-standard imagination play a huge role in this profession.

How much does a game character designer make

Anartist is a challenging profession. At the same time, it is considered in-demand and highly competitive, since it is the characters that drive the projects to commercial success. The average hourly rate for a concept artist in the US is $100-$150, and in Europe $50-$100. The average annual income of concept artists is $80,000. As a rule, a character illustrator works on projects: the income of a particular specialist depends on their number and level of complexity.

An interesting work, a good income and, as a result, knockdown creations. Some of the famous designers who have created and implemented unforgettable characters in different art styles are:

• Ralph McQuarrie, who authored the legendary Darth Vader and the kind robot R2-D2 and other leading characters of the Star Wars trilogy. George Lucas let the American illustrator do as he pleased. As a result, the person he created delighted not only the director but the whole world.
• Karla Ortiz is an artist and illustrator from San Francisco. She works during the day as a concept artist for Marvel Studios, and in her spare time draws surrealistic illustrations on graphite. Marvel's Doctor Strange is her character.
• Artist Matt Nava and his concepts for "Journey" design of thecharacter. The game project, in which he was initially the only artist, has collected a huge number of awards and has become a benchmark for creative design.

Great character design styles, sketches and shapes

A game character art can be designed with an emphasis on realistic information about the character design models or artistic stylisation. Be literal or full of metaphors. It can be playful or serious. It can represent different time periods, make your character in retro or Sci-Fi style. However, there are basic concepts to make the character.

Basic concepts for character art modeling

When it comes to character design, there are three fundamental elements that form its foundation: shape, silhouette, and color. As an inseparable trio, these elements are what create the uniqueness and distinctiveness of each character. Character design is often one of the most critical aspects of any storytelling, be it visual or written. In order to bring a character to life, it is important to take a deep dive into their persona and explore their physical and emotional traits. One can begin with thumbnail sketches and gradually evolve them into a coherent design.

The shape of a character is one of the most vital parts of its design. It can be distilled down to three basic shapes:

• The circle.
• The square.
• The triangle.

These shapes are the building blocks upon which anycharacter from scratch designs are built. For example, a circle might indicate a soft and approachable way to make yourcharacter, while a square may depict a rigid, no-nonsense character, and a triangle might signify a sharp and edgy personality. The silhouette of a character also plays an essential role in its design as it distinguishes it from other characters.

Finally, the color palette chosen for a character is going to distinguish its personality and emotions. Every design element, be it shape, silhouette, or color palette, is carefully chosen to create a character lives that elicits an emotional response from the audience.

Silhouette and proportions

Correct disproportion is a powerful artist's weapon. An overly harmonious and "even" character looks faded and does not capture the viewer's attention. Take Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, for example. An ideal model, but a rather boring character for an animated film, isn't it? In sum, character design is a deeply multifaceted field that requires close attention to shape, silhouette, and color. Without these three pillars, a character would lack the depth and distinction that is necessary for effective storytelling.

Colour scheme

Sometimes developers manage to make an interesting project based on a monochrome line art character, while others want to create bright colorful sprites. In any case, to find the perfect palette for the character, the artist relies on the basic color theory:

Cold and muted shades usually correspond to calm, balanced personalities, and pragmatists. They can even present apatity.
Warm and bright colors are associated with high energy, explosive characters, and choleric people.

Basic character types. Make your character and finalize it

The imagination of game character designers is limitless. But all types of characters are somehow divided into:

• Human-like. Deviations and distortions are possible in the image, but the human silhouette is always visible. This is the most difficult project to perform, involving work on the anatomy.
• Animal-like. Many character designer can portray any animal he wants, adding more cartoonishness or humanity.
• Mechanical. Transformers, for example. Here, you need to consider a construction in every detail.
• Abstract characters stand out separately: animated squares, cubes, and incomprehensible outlines with their own game tasks.

The visual style of character design plays a crucial role in the creation of immersive stories and engaging worlds. The way a character is designed can determine the tone and mood of an entire narrative, and the visual style is a crucial component of this process. There are several different visual styles that designers can choose from, including:

• Realism.
• Stylized realism.
• Abstraction.

Realism involves the depiction of characters that closely resemble their real-world counterparts, with all of their features and details rendered as accurately as possible. Stylized realism, on the other hand, combines realistic elements with stylized or exaggerated features to create unique and engaging characters that still maintain a sense of realism. Finally, abstraction involves the use of simplified shapes and forms to create characters that may not resemble anything in the real world, but still convey a sense of personality and emotion.

Artists must carefully consider their visual prefferences when designing characters, as it will dictate how audiences perceive their work. Realism is often used in serious or dramatic storytelling, as it creates a sense of verisimilitude and believability. Stylized realism is more commonly used in games and animation, as it allows for greater flexibility and creativity when designing characters. Abstraction is a more experimental skill, and is often used in avant-garde or abstract projects in order to push the boundaries of conventionalcharacter design.

No matter whichstyle an artist chooses to use, the looksof a character are a crucial element in the success of any creative project. Ultimately, the visuals of characterdesign is aimed to reflect the mood, tone and message of the story being told, and should be chosen carefully to ensure that it complements and enhances the narrative.

How to Find Ideas to Design a Character?

Finding effective character design ideas can be a daunting task, particularly for those who are new to the craft. However, with a bit of creativity and some research, anyone can create compelling and unique character designs that stand out from the crowd. One way to get started is by looking for inspiration in existing characters from movies,games, and books. This can help you identify common themes and elements to design a character.

Additionally, there are many online resources that can provide tips and tricks on how to character design, including tutorials on how to create 3D and 2D characters. By combining your skillswith the knowledge you've gained from researching character design ideas, you can create characters that are both visually stunning and memorable.

Are archetypes beneficial for good character design ideas?

When it comes to good character design process, using character archetypes can be incredibly beneficial. Archetypes are universal symbols and patterns that have been used in storytelling for centuries. They provide a framework for creating characters that are relatable and memorable. One of the benefits of archetypes is that they allow you to quickly establish emotions of the character, personality, motivations, and goals.

They can also help you to avoid stereotypes by allowing you to exaggerate certain traits in a way that is unique to your character. Some character design tips for using archetypes include choosing an archetype that fits your story, adding a twist or unique angle to your character, and exploring multiple archetypes to create a well-rounded character. By using archetypes in your character design, you can create characters that are instantly recognizable while still being unique and interesting.

Give Your Character a Story. What is your character's background?

The history behind this character's background is a complex one, one that rich with nuance and detail. Design is often central to this hero's backstory, as they were carefully crafted to be a memorable and compelling figure within their respective universe. Many different factors contribute to the development of the character:

• Important life events.
• Personal relationships.
• Unique experiences, and others.

To truly give your cutecharacter a sense of depth and complexity, it is necessary to carefully consider all of these factors and create a backstory that feels authentic and satisfying. By understanding the character traits, you should communicate your character's personality, which helps to stand out in a crowded field of potential heroes and villains. Understand the emotion.

Whether they are brave, cunning, or simply eccentric, a memorable character is one that remains etched in the minds of readers long after the story has ended. So if you want to create a truly unforgettable character, take the time to craft a compelling backstory that highlights all of their strengths and weaknesses, and that truly captures the essence of who they are as a person.

Where to Find Ideas for the Hero's Backstory?

Designing a story for the character is a crucial part of development. It helps us understand what motivates them, what their goals are, and what drives them forward. Finding inspiration for a hero's backstory can be daunting, but it is essential to craft a compellingcharacter. There are several ways that we can simplify the process of generating ideas for the hero's backstory. Characters are often can be created next ways:

• Firstly, we could consider the hero's facial expressions, as these can tell us a lot about their past experiences. For example, if a hero is constantly scowling, it may suggest that they have suffered considerable personal loss or trauma.
• We can draw inspiration from real-life historical figures, mythology, or even current events.
• Another useful approach is to focus on the hero's strengths and weaknesses, as these will shape their personality and backstory.

By developing a rich and complex backstory, we can create a multidimensional hero that readers will connect with and root for. Therefore, it is imperative to take the time to think creatively and deeply when outlining a hero's backstory.

Good Character Design Tips. Add and Exaggerate Facial Expressions

Designing a good hero is an essential aspect of creating a memorable story. A well-designed avatar with line of action can add depth and complexity to a story's plot, driving it forward and keeping audiences invested. When designing your character, it's important to take into consideration a number of tips to ensure their effectiveness. Sign of good character design should be visually appealing and engaging while staying true to the story's overall theme. Additionally, a hero's personality and backstory should be carefully crafted, making sure they are consistent throughout the narrative. Final design also involves creating a balance between realistic and stylized features, helping to create a unique and distinct character that audiences can connect with.
Character design is one crucial aspect of storytelling, and in today's media-saturated world, it has become even more important. With so much competition for attention, a creatively designed NPC can make all the difference in capturing an audience's attention. Artists must also consider the different mediums and target audience in which their avatar will be presented. For example, the ones designed for animation or video games require different design considerations than those designed for film or print. Sometimes exaggerated expressions can be found. Do not forget to see the line of action.

In Conclusion. Know Your Character

To create successful designs, it is essential to have a strong foundation in the principles of design. This includes elements such as color theory, composition, and aesthetics. Additionally, it's important to have a clear understanding of the story's genre, setting, and intended audience.
One of the most critical tips for good design is to focus on the small details. It's often the small, subtle features that can make a picture come to life and feel authentic. For example, wardrobe and accessories can reveal a lot about their personality and backstory. These details should be carefully thought out and integrated into the hero's overall design.

Lastly, successful illustrators and designers requires a willingness to experiment and take risks. The best works often arise from thinking outside the box and pushing conventional boundaries. Experimenting with different design elements and taking calculated risks can help create a memorable and engaging character.
In conclusion, good character design is vital to the creation of successful stories and media productions. The key is to focus on creating an effective character that engages the audience and enhances the overall narrative. Designers must pay attention to details, balance stylization with realism, and experiment with different elements. By following these essential tips, designers can create memorable and engaging characters that bring their stories to life.