Thematic Character Design
Video Program
Description
Shihou has built a career out of his inventive characters, imbuing them with deep levels of personality, culture, and backstory. In this class he takes you through an artistic process of discovery as he develops a whole new female character using a Daruma Doll good luck charm as inspiration. Daruma dolls are talismans of good luck and perseverance in setting goals. The recipient of the doll decides a goal and paints in an eye. Upon reaching the goal the other eye is painted in. All the elements of the design of the doll are steeped in Japanese tradition. Shihou uses this rich tapestry to show his process in inventing a new character. Follow along with him and learn to make your own characters that are deeply anchored and irresistible to your audience.
Audio: Japanese
Subtitle: English
Video List
| 001 | Introduction | 00:00:07 |
| 002 | Character drafting | 00:51:44 |
| 003 | Inspirations and improving the structure | 00:57:52 |
| 004 | Improving line work | 00:11:36 |
| 005 | Preparing for color work | 01:13:23 |
| 006 | Painting facial features | 01:15:58 |
| 007 | Adding drawn details | 01:11:31 |
| 008 | Blending and color work | 00:40:12 |
| 009 | Developing background and foreground elements | 00:43:55 |
| 010 | Background details | 00:07:28 |
| 011 | A quick lesson in hair drawing theory | 00:30:59 |
| 012 | Fixes and compositional edits | 00:39:05 |
| 013 | Painting the smaller forms | 00:40:32 |
| 014 | Textures | 01:06:42 |
| 015 | Finishing details | 01:12:12 |
Resource Files
| 001 | Daruma.psd | Photoshop File |
| 002 | Daruma.jpg | JPEG Image |
| 003 | Daruma.png | PNG Image |
| 004 | Hair.jpg | JPEG Image |