Character Design

[Bmud]

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[dobermunk]

I think this post is misplaced.

If you're looking from feedback from character designers I'm happy to answer questions. Work mostly in advertising and TV idents...

[Bmud]

I know it's a little misplaced, but I didn't know where else to put it. I'm mad at myself b/c I keep not saving my list of questions.. oh wait.. here they are!

What is it like doing character designs a profession?
What advice would you give someone who wishes to do character design in the future?
What sort of schooling would you suggest?
If you yourself had no schooling on character design, on a scale of 1-10, how much harder do you think it was figuring it out?
Which is more important, the 2D end or the 3D end?
Is more work cut out for the 2D department or the 3D department? (metaphorically speaking)
What sort of design jobs are most enjoyable? (A few pictures would really help out here)
Do you like to add a lot of accessories to your characters?
What methods do you generally use? (poly-modeling? NURBS, i doubt.. Spline maybe?)
How much time do you spend on a project on average would you say?
Who are your heros? / Who do you look up to?
And finally, any last comments you wish to provide.

Thankyou for your time.

where else should i post this? i'm in a rush now since it's due today (tuesday)

e-mail me at wrbowling@wcpss.net or just post here or both.

[dobermunk]

What is it like doing character designs a profession?

Great!

What advice would you give someone who wishes to do character design in the future?

Character design is communication - strong traditional art skills are invaluable. Character design is only one element of the story and of the visual world, so your job is to interpret existing desicions as they apply to your figures. The figure's background and personality, his status in the world around him, all have to be visible in his/her/its design / expression / attire. As with all design positions, you have to be flexible and communicative, as your ideas will influence other people's work and vice versa.

What sort of schooling would you suggest

Design, Fine arts, Literature, Biology, Architecture, Acting - all are relevant. The main thing is that you get an understanding of form/function and how the way you live manifests itself physically. You'll also need as many of the above skills as possible (sketching, sculpting, writing, acting) so no matter what you concentrate on, dabble in the others.

If you yourself had no schooling on character design, on a scale of 1-10, how much harder do you think it was figuring it out? Which is more important, the 2D end or the 3D end?
Is more work cut out for the 2D department or the 3D department?

I studied design theory and worked at the same time evenings doing graphics. More or less, I'd say what I learned was problem solving. Very helpful.
2D / 3D are both subordinate to the story, or the mood / message you need to get across. Amount of work depends on stylistic and pipeline.

What sort of design jobs are most enjoyable?

The ones where you are in a good team. Great sounding jobs turn to muck without one.

What methods do you generally use?

Pencil.

Who are your heros?

After watching the LOTR CDs, I really don't have to think long. The passion involved in that film is truly obsessive - wonderful!

[Bmud]

Thankyou soo much for a quick response! This was very enlightening fo rme, and I'm sure others who read it will be enlightened as well. I'm putting your site's url on the bottom.

is that maya?

Can I have your real name? I forgot oh so foolishly.

Thanks again! =D :thumbsup:

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