Character Style Research

I need to define a character style that I enjoy the look of personally, and is relatively simple as detailed modelling is not the focus of this project. I'm envisioning a style of character that would fit into a modern city setting. The fashion as well will be inspired by current and recent fashion trends - further research and reference collation to be done at a later stage. Before having delved deeply into finding artist inspirations, I'm thinking that I will look into different 2D cartoon styles as well as low-poly 3D styles. There are a lot of differing simple cartoon styles that I could draw inspiration from. Apart from its simplicity, what also draws me to low-poly styles is the sharp edges as I quite like making my art a little angular.

2D Inspirations 

Adventure Time

I think I'd like my characters to have more form than this and I don't want my model to be based off of tubes. I do quite like the movement and tone in Adventure time. 

https://characterdesignreferences.com/art-of-animation-4/art-of-adventure-time

 

Kipo

I like the sharpness of Kipo's art style and thing this could lend well to a low-poly look as well, but I do think the style is a little too spindly.

https://www.chuwenjie.com/filmtv/kipo

 

Bee and Puppycat

The characters in Bee and Puppycat have a lot more squish to them. I don't think I want my models to feel squishy but this kind of form is okay, though a bit basic. 

 

Pokemon

The Pokemon character style is quite solid and has a good level of simplicity. 

 

Looking at their 3D character models as well, I think they could be more stylised as they're a bit boring, but I quite like the body proportions generally.

 

  

 

Other artist works

Of course, I like the sharpness of this work, but the dynamic proportions are also interesting. I don't think I'd have the character heads so large on my model, but areas of interesting size variation such as between the thighs and calves could be fun to explore.

Artist: 87kt_

 

 

In contrast to the last artist's work, this artist keeps the leg (and arm, and body) width uniform and uses quite rectangular shapes.

 

Artist: Deppa

 

This is actually kind of an in-between of the two styles above, and similar to the Pokemon style. It's a nice balance and I also like the slightly large hands and feet.

Artist: evilstapler

 

 

 

3D Inspirations

Ivan Constanta

Ivan follows a self-described low-poly style that focuses more on creating detail through his hand-painted textures. I would argue that his work is actually quite high-poly, though the shapes are very simple. He posts many screenshots and renders of his work on his Pinterest account which is very helpful, although he works in Blender.

 

 

 Some of his face models are actually quite detailed as seen below.

i cant remove

these two rows

https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/957437202040771477/

This video posted on Pinterest shows his modelling and texturing process.

And this video shows a head movement rig.

 

jumpbreak96 (tumblr)

It's a bit difficult to tell what this artist's topology looks like as I haven't found any posts showing this and their shaders have a very 2D look. Their texturing is something I'd definitely want to try to replicate. In terms of the character designs and models themselves, their body proportions are maybe a bit more realistic than what I'm after for this project.

https://jumpbreak96.tumblr.com/post/779570209780629504/wavelength-3d-model-comm-for-ikaribunbun

 

Their 2D face rigging is another thing I'd like to try to recreate or, at the very least, understand.

https://jumpbreak96.tumblr.com/post/780288805173379072/zipper-3d-model-for-creepincrawl

 

This in-program screenshot shows one of their 3D models a little clearer. I enjoy the sharpness of the edges. 

https://jumpbreak96.tumblr.com/post/777550748632350720/grime-action

 

Raildo GameArt

This style is probably closer to true low-poly than the other two as it uses very minimal polygons - just enough to communicate the shape of the character effectively. They also use pixel art textures, fully going for the low-poly aesthetic in this way as well.

https://www.reddit.com/r/low_poly/comments/1cccgwg/lowpoly_character_with_pixelart_textures_koh_ellya/

 They link this YouTube tutorial for creating 2D face animation rigs.

 

Next Step: Ideation

I'll spend the next few days (where I'm not busy) doing some stylised figure sketching. Based on my research and references, I'll try to play with:

• shape language (although I expect I'll lean towards something sharper)
• distinction of form, whether exaggerated or simplified
• proportions - especially that of head size, hand and feet size, and face. Most other variables could be adjusted dependent on the specific character and aren't so core to the overall style.