Ideas are the currency of creativity, but where do they really come from? The rich sources of inspiration are as follows:
1. Nature’s Palette
Mother Nature is the ultimate character designer—just look at the vibrant plumage of tropical birds or the bizarre creatures of the deep sea! Nature’s diversity is a goldmine for inspiration. Try these exercises to tap into that creativity:
1. Mix animal features to create new creatures.
2. Turn plant shapes into character designs.
3. Use natural color palettes for your characters.
2. Cultural Kaleidoscope
Every culture has its own myths, legends and visual languages. Delving into different cultural aesthetics can give rise to truly unique concepts:
1. Explore traditional costumes and weave elements into your designs.
2. Dive into mythological creatures from various cultures for unique inspiration.
3. Blend architectural styles from around the world to shape your characters' features.
3. The Everyday Extraordinary
Sometimes the most ordinary of objects can inspire the most extraordinary characters:
1. Imagine if appliances were living things.
2. Turn simple objects or tools into heroes.
3. Personify abstract, ethereal things such as emotions or even natural elements.
It’s all about perspective. The real magic behind the most unforgettable character designs is extraordinarily seeing the everyday. By shifting your view, you can transform the familiar into something fresh, unique, and unforgettable.
What makes a good character design?
Clarity is key to a strong character design. It ensures your character stands out and connects with the audience, making the story more engaging.
Designers focus on three elements for clarity: silhouette, color palette, and exaggeration. These create a distinct, memorable character that leaves a lasting impression.
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Silhouette
A character's silhouette is its purest form—stripped of color and detail, just the outline. When you can recognise a character by its silhouette alone, you know the design is on point. Check out the silhouettes below—how many characters can you identify just by their shape?
If you're an animation fan, you'll instantly recognize many of these characters by their silhouettes alone. They're not just iconic—they're designed with clarity in mind. A great character design relies on understanding shape language, which helps create silhouettes that are distinct, memorable, and instantly recognizable. It's all about crafting that perfect outline that speaks volumes with just a glance.
The character designer’s use of color is called a palette.
A character's colour palette isn't just about picking pretty colors—it's about telling a story. The right colors can instantly reveal a character's personality, mood, and even journey. Bright, bold hues can shout confidence or excitement, while softer tones can whisper vulnerability or mystery. The magic happens when colors work together to give your character depth and make them unforgettable. With a well-chosen palette, a character isn't just seen—they're felt.
When it comes to storytelling, exaggeration is arguably the most powerful tool in character design. It’s the art of amplifying specific traits to trigger strong emotional responses from the audience. Whether it’s oversized muscles to showcase strength or a menacing grin to suggest danger, these exaggerated features can completely alter how a character is perceived.
Exaggeration isn’t just about making things bigger; it’s about making a character unforgettable. It gives them depth and emotional resonance, ensuring they stand out and leave a lasting impact on the audience. A well-executed exaggeration can turn a simple trait into a defining characteristic that shapes the entire narrative.
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