Week 2 Art Challenge: Character Design

This week's challenge is about character design. I can't wax quite as eloquently about it as Kymba did about the concept of silhouettes, but I can tell you that it's going to be an important thing for all of us to be able to pull off. Sometimes they are easy, coming to you and demanding to be drawn or written and not leaving you alone until you commit them to paper or pixel, but other times they are more shy or stubborn, or we just plain can't get the creative juices flowing when someone else asks us for a certain type or character.

This week, I want us to drift a little away from our normal character types. Pick your favorite reptile. Pick a fish or an insect. And think of a number between one and ten -- you got it? Write it down, no changing your mind! Now think of your least favorite job, something you hate doing, or something you would hate to have to do.

The number is the relative atmospheric pressure at which your character lives, with "normal" in this case being five -- if you picked less than five, your character lives in a low pressure environment; if greater than five, s/he lives somewhere with greater pressure. Draw some characteristics from the animals you chose. The job you hate? That's his/her job!

Draw at least three quick concepts, then take your favorite and develop it into a fuller drawing with turnarounds and some facial (or whatever!) expressions.

Sorry, no sample from me. That's your job!

This challenge is due on Wednesday, August 10.