Character Design and Development???

[Rickmeister]

I would first think about what it is, and what kind of role it has and after that put it on paper...

[no-name-party]

I am drawing all the time and don't think about what I am doing. After all I select a great character and think about the story, background and stuff.

cya

[jarisky]

OK first my disclaimer, I'm not a professional writer but do it as a hobby, and I'm still in school for art (almost graduated) so take my opinion for what it's worth.

I think story is always more important than design in order to create a piece (be it feature film, ad, video game character, whatever) that's captivating and interesting. Creating a design and then trying to come up with a story to suit it ends up creating a cliched, forced, and/or trite story. It's awesome to just draw and design random stuff but I find it works better to think of a story to inform a design rather than trying to justify a pre-existing design by forcing a story out of it. A good mix of both should work I think. There have been a million cliche characters with huge guns and armor but the ones with interesting personalities stick. of course of it's like for a first person shooter game and you rarely see the character you play as that may differ.

Just my two cents.

[DMNY]

I'd go with Jarisky's idea here.
spacehogkuba, it would depend what you intent to do with your character(s). If this is for an animated or a game, then sure, I would think you'll find more satisfaction creating a character on paper before starting on the drawing.
For my scripts and short stories, I find it easier to create a template for each of my characters (may them be protagonists or antagonists) and add info into it. This (optional) exercise will bring a certain feel and restrictions onto your creation.
Again, it would truly depend on what your intentions are.

[wiserender]

A character should break down int two parts (internal) and (external). The internal is the character's backstory, one that a good writer will not mention at all but alude to and crossreferance thoughout to story. This the (internal) has to come first because that defines who this person is, his personality,idiesincrasies and frailties. Yes all of the things that are used in the writing are the (external).
Just remember that the internal is the catalyst for who the person is. Just think about yourself in these terms and you'll see how true it is.

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.