Developing endearing characters is a natural part of illustration. Characters are used for all sorts of projects. They are needed in books, advertisements, as mascots for stores and companies, greeting cards, and for innumerable consumer goods. Look at some of the examples in class of cute monsters adorning various products and find other inspiration online. For this project, we will watch an artist go through the process of creating a character - including many physical and character traits. Then, we will go through a similar process to create our own monster characters.
This project will also introduce you to the concept of finding inspiration. You will collect your own inspirational images to help you solve visual problems. Working in a group, you will learn how to analyze an inspirational image to unlock the secrets to images to which you naturally respond. |
objectives
Project management skills
Design skills
Research and communication skills
Technical skills
- Planning an illustration
- Organizing and managing files from a variety of sources
- Managing and organizing a complex, multi-layered document
- Manage multiple assignments within a single project unit
- Managing a complete workflow in Illustrator
Design skills
- Character development
- Illustrating a character, environment or situation
- Working from sketches in Illustrator
- Working with a color scheme
- Deciding on the appropriate level of detail
Research and communication skills
- Communicating a clear, intended story idea through an illustration
- Communicating with correct terminology
- Analyzing and assessing workflow for use in your project
- Finding new techniques or other information when needed for your specific project.
Technical skills
- Review tools in Illustrator
- Making Offset Paths and Warps
- Creating images using simple shapes and gradients
- Finding ways to minimize pen tool use
activities + assignments
Assignment 1 - Character Development
I CAN develop a character with interesting attributes. I CAN communicate attributes about a character by considering their physical appearance and environment. When beginning a project, I think it's helpful to see a professional in action. The video below features just such a pro. Watch and listen as he works on his creation. He is sketching on the computer. In assignment 3, you will also sketch. You may use the computer or a piece of paper for your sketches. For now, however, keep a piece of paper nearby to doodle and take notes as he works. After the video is complete, open the character development questions to begin thinking more about your own character that you would like to create. Answer the Word document questions. |