Character Design Tutorial (Part 1)
Step 1: Have an idea!
A lot of people ask me how I get inspire for all the strange and bizarre characters and plot twists in Sister Claire. Contrary to what you might think, it doesn’t always come to me naturally- I have my share of artist’s/writer’s block, too! My worst nightmare is a blank sheet of paper- or rather, a blank Photoshop document- and having no idea where to start. The best way to get inspired is to keep your mind open to all possibilities, and always be willing to explore new things. You never know where your next big idea may come from.
Here are some tips that have helped me come up with creative and unique characters:
1. Personification!
A very popular trope, particularly in Japan, is to take an inanimate or non-living thing and “personify” it. There are many great examples, such as the OS-tan or Hetalia cast. Personification can easily result in some seriously bizarre interactions and metaphors, if you are willing to let your imagination run wild.
2. Parody/Puns
Sometimes, a simple play on words can spark an idea for a funny and interesting parody character. That was the case with Lady Naga, who is a fusion of Lady Gaga and Hindu snake deities. On further reflection, the idea really appealed and made a lot of sense – she could be the misunderstood queen of Little Monsters. See how one little spark can ignite a flame of inspiration? =)
3. Take two unrelated things, fuse them, see what happens!
Sometimes making a parody just isn’t interesting enough. So much has been done already, it’s hard to be original! So why not take some things that you would never relate to one another, and make it work? That was my idea behind my brief Witch project, where I took the stereotype of “witch” and mixed it with a bunch of different things you don’t usually associate witches with- for example, Cheerleaders! (complete with Chihuahua familiars!)
