Presentation for the character design session of WIP creating comics.

1. Character design in comics
WIP Creating Comics – 16/05/2020

2. Character design in comics
McCloud (2006) p. 63
Today, we’ll be focusing
on these parts!

3. Concept of shapes in character design
Characters can usually be simplified into shapes, (CIA, 2014; Al-Ali,
2019; Tomatatoro, 2016)
Can represent…
• Strength.
• Dependability.
• Honesty.
• Traditional
Can represent…
• Soft characters.
• Friendly/Non-threatening
persona
• Caring personality.
Can represent…
• Sharp, sinister characters.
• Thrill-seekers.
• Conflict.
• Dynamic.

4. Characters as shapes…

5. Body language
Observe people. What are their mannerisms? How do they reflect their personality?
But how can you emphasise a character’s body language in comics?
• In this video, Strip Panel Naked (2018) discusses using silent panels to show
characterisation.
• Moment to moment transitions can focus on a character’s emotions (Scott, 2006).
• You can “zoom-in” on a character’s body language.

6. Signifiers
Signifiers are images that represent a concept. Using signifiers drawn culture
can sub-consciously tell the reader information about a person or place.
Examples of British Signifiers:

7. Put them all together and you get…
Super Eyepatch Wolf (2017) discusses creating unique characters in anime and video games.
Using different techniques for character design can help create memorable characters that tell a
reader about their personality and motivations.

8. Giant Days…
What can you tell from these designs?

9. Fullmetal Alchemist…
What can you tell from these designs?

10. What can you do after this session..?
• Practice sketching people, simplify their shapes and draw their
mannerisms:
Will Terrell has a YouTube playlist for guidance on how to sketch people,
plus other advice for artists.
• Look at and analyse other character designs:
This Visual Reference Library has various character sketches to study.
• Try the drawing activity on the last slide with your own shapes:
You can find your own shapes on Pinterest or Unsplash.

11. Useful Resources…
Character Design References (n.d.) Visual Library. [Website]
CIA (2014) Quick Tips for Character Design. [Website]
Hana Al-Ali (2019) The Shape of Character Design. [Website]
Salgood Sam (2015) Character and Design. [Website]
Scott McCloud (2006) Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic
Novels. [Book]
Strip Panel Naked (2018) The Silent Reaction Shot | Strip Panel Naked. [Audio-visual
content]
Super Eyepatch Wolf (2017) What Makes Good Character Design? [Audio-visual content]
Tomatatoro (2016) Character Design Tips. [Website]
WeAre.MakingComics.com (2020) Comic-Making. [Website]
Will Terrell (2012) People Sketching. [Audio-visual content]

12. Activity! Choose a shape and try creating a character…