... Read moreCreating an original character (OC) from scratch is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist, and I wanted to share a deeper dive into my process, especially since many of you are looking for tips on animation character drawing and how an artist takes a simple idea and makes it their own. My OC, Raven, is a perfect example of this journey, drawing inspiration from games like Call of Duty to create a unique and dynamic figure.
When I first thought about Raven, I had a very basic 'base' idea: a tough, enigmatic operative. But the real fun begins when you start adding layers to that base to make him truly stand out. For me, that meant thinking about his backstory and personality – what kind of visual elements would reflect that? This is where the '1 base 2 artist' concept really comes into play. You start with a foundational concept, and then as an artist, you infuse it with your unique vision, style, and intricate details that bring the character to life.
For Raven, those details were crucial. Take his dragon tattoo, for instance. I spent a lot of time sketching different designs for his back, wanting something powerful and symbolic. And then there's the snake tattoo on his torso, intertwined with those detailed abs – it adds another layer of intrigue and visual flair. I also pictured him as someone with a certain rugged charm, which led to the close-up sketches showing his beard, long hair, and an earring, often with him smoking, which adds to his mysterious aura. These aren't just random additions; they're all part of building a cohesive character that tells a story even through a static pencil sketch.
When it comes to animation character drawing, even if the character isn't going to be animated immediately, I try to think about how they would move and express themselves. What kind of poses convey his personality? How would his hair or clothes react to movement? Even in a still drawing, you can suggest motion and life. This is why I focus on dynamic lines and strong silhouettes. While Raven currently exists in pencil sketches, I'm always imagining how he'd look in action, how his dragon tattoo would flex, or how his expression would change during intense moments.
Developing an OC is an iterative process. You start with rough sketches, refine features, experiment with different expressions and poses. Sometimes, you get distracted – like by a cute black cat that wanders onto your desk! (It's always funny how unexpected things can pop up during a creative session.) But ultimately, it's about pushing through, constantly refining, and letting your imagination guide you. I hope my journey with Raven inspires you to take your own 'base' ideas and transform them into incredible, fully realized characters! What kinds of OCs are you currently working on, or what inspires your character designs?
Booty..?