Character Design Process

The character designing process would vary depending on the client and the work style, but the general steps for character creation are as follows:

1. Set up a purpose for the character
2. Researching and setting up a concept for the character
3. Sketching the design with the concept
4. Developing character with variations

For our project, we followed the general steps for the museum mascot.

Purpose of the Character

The main purpose of the mascot character for our client, the Museum of Japanese Colonial History in Korea, was to become the main mascot for the museum and be used in their media content. Therefore, we needed something that would represent the museum with a parallel meaning or value.

Principles of Design

These are the principles of design that you have to consider when developing a character.

• Lines
  • Lines in character design define the outline and contours of the character. They can be straight, curved, or a combination, conveying emotions and personality traits. For example, sharp, jagged lines might represent a villainous character, while soft, flowing lines can depict a gentle and friendly character.
• Shape
  • Shapes refer to the overall form of the character. Shapes can be geometric (circles, squares) or organic (natural and irregular shapes). Different shapes can convey different characteristics; round shapes often represent approachability and warmth, while angular shapes can indicate strength or aggression.
• Value
  • Value refers to the lightness or darkness of colors. It adds depth and dimension to characters. By using various shades, artists can create highlights and shadows, giving characters a three-dimensional appearance. Proper use of value can emphasize facial features, body structure, and clothing folds, enhancing the character's realism.
• Contrast
  • Contrast involves the differences between elements like color, value, and size. Adequate contrast helps certain features stand out, drawing attention to specific aspects of the character. For instance, a character's eyes might be given higher contrast to make them more expressive and captivating.
• Balance
  • Balance in character design ensures that visual elements are distributed harmoniously. There are three types of balance: symmetrical (equal elements on both sides), asymmetrical (different elements balanced by their visual weight), and radial (elements arranged around a central point). Balanced characters are visually pleasing and stable, while intentional imbalance can create a sense of movement or tension.
• Color
  • Colors evoke emotions and convey information about a character's personality. Warm colors like red and orange can signify energy, passion, or anger, while cool colors like blue and green may represent calmness, harmony, or sadness. Additionally, color schemes, such as complementary (opposite colors on the color wheel) or analogous (adjacent colors), influence the character's overall mood and atmosphere.