Creative Character Design for Games and Animation

by Jenny Harder

Overview

This book takes you through all the basic steps of character design for games and animation, from brainstorming and references to the development phase and final render. It covers a range of styles such as cartoon, stylized and semi-realistic, and explains how to differentiate between them and use them effectively. Using a step-by-step approach for each stage of the process, this book guides you through the process of creating a new character from scratch. It contains a wealth of design tips and tricks as well as checklists and worksheets for you to use in your own projects. This book covers how to work with briefs, as well as providing advice and practical strategies for working with clients and creating art as a product that can be tailored and sold. This book will be a valuable resource for all junior artists, hobby artists, and art students looking to develop and improve their character development skills for games and animation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032152998
Publisher:	CRC Press
Publication date:	05/31/2023
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jenny Harder has been working as art director, visual development and concept artist in animation and games for almost 10 years. Projects she has worked on include the TV show 100% Wolf, UBISOFT’s For Honor and Disney Infinity. She recently directed her own animated short film “Being Good” which won several awards in 2018/2019. She has been giving educational talks at several events like THU, CTN, IFCC and recently started teaching at schools and universities.

Table of Contents

1 Designing with Purpose

2 Working with Clients and Briefs

3 Creative Thinking and Brainstorming Methods

4 Creating a Personality

5 Diversity and Stereotypes

6 Mood Boards and References

7 Style

8 Creating a Character Design Package

9 The Render Process

10 Tips and Tricks

11 Industry Advice and Last Words

Editorial Reviews

"This is the kind of book I wish I'd had when I first dipped my feet in the art waters, filled to the brim with time-honed perspective and know-how for a young artist to aspire to."

Even Mehl Amundsen, professional artist

"Jenny Harder is part of a new generation of artists bringing a fresh and in depth look at character design. If you are a beginner artist or a veteran in the business, this book offers great lessons in the fundamentals of good design."

Christian Alzmann, Concept Design Supervisor at Lucasfilm

"Every artist entering a professional career path has a lot to learn, and obviously, it takes years to connect all the dots between craft, human nature and visual perception. Jenny Harder creates a phenomenal compendium for any artist or supervisor wanting to become a more aware, efficient, and happy creator."

Jakub Knapik, Global Art Director at CD Projekt RED

From the Publisher