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Prototype

Visual Concept

The visual component of this thesis will be a breakdown of three original diverse characters and their design process including the conceptual processes: character development chart, initial concept art though to the final in game actor asset. These characters will be an attempt at successfully deviating from current character design stereotypes and trends while maintaining appeal and continuity. This will be done using a series of classic character design principles while including a new take on design diversity. Beginning with a breakdown of character body types addressing common pitfalls of gender stereotypes. Moving into facial structure and color pallet with an emphasis on how to incorporate ethnicity without the stereotype crutch. Continuing with sexuality and posing a character for appeal and what a pose says about a character.

Character development outline

  • Basic statistics

  • Physical characteristics

  • Intellectual/Mental/Personality Attributes and Attitudes

  • Emotional characteristics

  • Spiritual characteristics

  • How the character is involved in the Story

  • How character is different at the end of the story from when the story began

  • Additional notes on this character

 

Character design sketches

  • Charting for body type that best represents the character

  • Breakdown of facial features that indicate a person’s ethnicity

  • Palettes for complexion

  • Character Reference

  • Etc…

Constructing Facial Features to Promote Ethnicity

Rather than relying on stereotypes found in American culture these characters will adhere to the understanding of the facial features and bone structures that make different ethnicities unique, interesting, and appealing. This research and development will feed into a guide to the human face and describe how artists can push the facial features of a character to develop appealing diverse characters even before exploring skin complexion and costume.

Exploring the Human Body

The human body takes so many shapes and sizes yet it seems characters in games only focus on the sultry and the ultra-fit. Character artist can explore a wide range of body types that could fit a game character and expand their designs to begin exploring what is appealing about other body types.

Base Model

I developed these base models to be used as a starting point to defining a character. They have intentionally been modeled to appear Caucasian with the purpose of supporting my exploration of defining ethnicity through facial and body proportion before color and costuming.

Costume and Posing

How a character is dressed and carries their body can say a lot about who they are and how they relate to the worlds in which they exist. It is important that character designers begin to explore the possibility of the powerful and poise female rather than the overly sensual or inherently weak damsel. Developing characters who both physically and mentally resemble the parts they are meant to play can be just as appealing as characters designed to catch the interest of the viewer though sex appeal. 

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