What’s up? It’s me, JJ: amateur webmaster and social imbecile extraordinaire. Welcome to my character design blog!
I spent a lot of time watching cartoons as a kid. In the gaping cerebral crater where my people skills should have been grew a cursory knowledge of visual storytelling. I figured I could do worse than publicizing something I enjoy doing in my spare time anyway. With concern to my audience, this blog is like a calling card to all aficionados of my ilk: artsy-fartsy-types with a passion for character design.
As far as what’s on offer, I’ll make two kinds of posts: Challenges, which have me designing a character from scratch based on four random words, and Breakdowns, wherein I’ll analyze existing and culturally relevant designs—from the appealing to the abhorrent.
I’m trying to explore what makes an effective character, visually—what exactly I can do to cobble together a design that conveys its intended purpose. By both creating and deconstructing a character design, I’m aiming to demonstrate the myriad tenets that are involved in the artistic process. There’s also the hope that I evolve as an artist along the way! This is as much as a learning experience for me as it might be for you.
I do plan to link to relevant and credible creators whenever I’m discussing a certain aspect of character design, and maybe to neat tools for making digital art. The goal is making this as accessible as possible for anyone even toying with the idea of giving art a shot. I am by no means a teacher (which is why I’ll reference more learned artists), but maybe my fledgling perspective can resonate with you and inspire you to give this masochistic hobby a college try.
Anyway, that’s all for today. We’re diving right in next time. Welcome to my demented menagerie of doofy imaginary friends.
P.S. – Here are links to my personal art, if you want a look at my style before we get started:
SIKE AHAA
JJ's Character Design Blog 