Character Design Workshop #03

In our latest character workshop, we looked further into the differing shapes between male and female characters. We began to de-construct some well known characters to identify their fundamental shapes which is essential in developing to a strong character design. Later, we also began to gender swap these masculine characters into female versions by adjusting the various shapes and forms respectively.

Here are the basic shapes of Yoda, Obelix, Jafar, Mushu, and Hercules, along with an alternate female form.


Here is a great example of gender swapping with the character Obelix by our lecturer Justin Wyatt. Notice the smaller nose, larger lips and raised bottom for a comedic female quality in such a large character.

Character Design Workshop #02

In our second character design workshop, we began to look into the forms and shapes of characters in more detail.

Generally, circular shapes create the impression of friendly and safe characters. They can do no harm and are also associated with younger characters. Winnie the Pooh and Pixar's Russell are prime examples of this.



Square shapes can be used to give positive and strong characteristics to a character. With the hero Mr Incredible, the combination of square and circular forms create the impression of strength and heroism, whilst appearing warm and friendly.



Where triangular shapes are used to symbolise danger and evil, while emphasising their power. This is a common feature in Disney villains with sharp pointy silhouettes.



While these principles are often used, they can be combined, broken or adapted to suit different purposes. In the upcoming Dreamwork's film Megamind, the character of Megamind bears all the qualities of a traditional villain with a triangular sharp silhouette, yet he is ultimately ridiculed and powerless as comic relief becoming a parody of the traditional villain.





From this, we began designing a variety of henchmen for an imaginary villain from basic shapes and forms, including some non humanoid designs.

Influence Map

With the theme of Soldier/Cyborgs, the two are a natural combination that has been well traversed in a variety of mediums. Thus, the difficultly for me will be ensuring that my character designs remain distinct and unique from the many established concepts of soldier/cyborgs.

Breaking down the two words, the word Soldiers undoubtedly implies the setting of my cartoon show to be of conflict and war. Whereas the actual definition of Cyborgs suggests a person whose physiological functioning is aided by or dependent upon a mechanical or electronic device. This presents the interesting combination of man and technology, where technology is used to enhance the individuals prowess in combat by improving their skills or by granting new abilities altogether.

Here is an influence map to gather a range of reference material for this project.



The images focus on the idea of cybernetic technology enhancing the soldier, whether replacing an arm or limb entirely, or as a extension of oneself as a large robotic form. Evidently, the theme of soldiers and cyborgs can work across a wide range of audiences from children's shows/games such as Astroboy and Megaman, to mature teens with anime series Ghost in the Shell and upcoming game Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and with films such as Terminator and Iron Man for adults.

Establishing the world of our given cartoon show will be key in order to draw and develop unique ideas from. I am yet to develop this world although with some initial ideas, I intend to keep most of the heros' humanity intact with a human form and face so the audience can identify with him/her. Where in stark contrast, the villain will be overwhelmed with technology to the point where he has seemingly lost his humanity. I'm not too sure about the sidekick yet, though perhaps it can be a small robotic figure to aid the hero or conversely 'aid' in the villain in a useless comedic way.

Hopefully, I can start to get some designs up as well as develop the world of my given cartoon show.

Character Design Workshop #01

For our first character design workshop, we began to identify reoccurring elements in traditional heroes, villains and sidekicks with several examples.

Heroes often wear bright primary colours and are usually human-like so the audience can relate to him/her. They are confident and capable, or later learn to be through character development. In the CG film Robots (2005), the main hero bears the most human-like features of the group while wearing bright colours.



Villains predominantly exhibit dark colours such as purples and black while possessing vast power. They often have long elongated shapes that are sharp and angular, while acting melodramatically in their actions with deliberate hand movements/gestures. Maleficent from Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959) is a prime example of this.




Sidekicks usually have no specials powers where they are there to provide comedy relief to the scene. The sidekicks are often very physical in their actions as well as being flexible with a sort of rubber hose animation to emphasise their idiocy.




Later, we began some quick character sketches combining random elements together. Nothing too serious - just some fun to get into the swing of things. I drew the cards for 'Super Ninjas' (drawn on the left) and 'Galactic Cowboys' (drawn on the right).