Character Design Tips for Beginners | Brainstorming Ideas

[@Vexillifer]

Ocean man, take me by the hand Lead me to the land that you understand.

[@せらいちごおうじょくn]

Beautiful 😍

[@majorgunpowder7609]

Ocean Man : Holy Diver ORAAAAA

[@GINSHOTGUN]

JOTAROOOO

[@majorgunpowder7609]

@@GINSHOTGUN DIO

[@majorgunpowder7609]

My ocean man is the same type of stand as your holy diver

[@neoVIVE]

The gouache tip on how to cover up a mistake was amazing!

[@koizu]

thanks! I saw other KZbinrs do that :D Can't wait to do more watercolor and gouache art.

[@redalert697]

Yeah i also used Gouache in the past, and make mistake mixing them together, But now I realize it can work that way- Thanks for amazing advice!

[@kryyspo6294]

Wow! Neo que haces aquí?? Kskfkskd

[@sieserodro]

Opaa, un grande neo VIVE

[@neoVIVE]

Also, the fish can be a Babelfish (from the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy 1981-TV, and 2005-Film ) and serves as a translator for the Knight.

[@koizu]

That sounds like a cool idea! I looked up what the Babelfish is, very creative. I'll have to think of another version~ :)

[@Pigeonsandoranges]

The breathing bubble sounds really cool. I can imagine a beautiful animation where the bubble fluctuates with their speech and movements. That along would make me interested in a series

[@jodiesun3280]

I love this channel because you're so transparent with your thought process, and you genuinely love what you do. Thank you so much for being one of my main inspirations over the years

[@koizu]

thank you for your kind words, Jodie!

[@highonseaweed100]

Hahaha! I was just thinking “this looks a lot like Miyazaki-“ when you stated that you were going to get some inspiration from him. Really nice work as always!

[@koizu]

oh hey Matt! thanks man, haha yea, Miyazaki is still a big influence!

[@anthonypayne1556]

Most of the character design tutorial i have seen they just talked about complicated things and made the whole thing hard to understand. On the other hand, you just made it so clear and fun to understand and this also motivating. Hope to see more from you.

[@koizu]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Safayet! For this video, I just tried to share how I think about drawing and thinking of ideas-- happy to hear that it's clear and fun. I'll probably be making my next video on this character again and exploring more ideas.

[@samanthae.1002]

using a clip to hold down the pages blew my mind. HOW HAVE I NEVER THOUGHT OF THIS. thank you for the lovely video and your wisdom, clip based or otherwise.

[@sleepylady2723]

i love the way a creative mind works... you created a whole new universe by just studying armor drawing!

[@BUGHUNTER6]

Thanks a lot for sharing, it's really inspiring! The projects where you gradually develop your ideas and you manage to make them work together are super satisfying

[@koizu]

Hi Jesse, thanks for the comments! That's great to hear. It was a lot of fun to develop the ideas and see where they would lead to. Very rewarding creative exercise! I'll plan to do more like this one in the future, perhaps around different themes and starting ideas.

[@lenorelockehart8004]

Yo fr I've been having a bad art block, despite drawing every day and coming across your video helped me realize to just have fun. I love how free flowing your art is. Thank you for this video, your art is amazing ❤

[@MasterTow1994]

Actually this what-ifs always cause me to leave my comfort zone and I teach myself how to draw the answer to the what-if. :)

[@koizu]

Hi Master Tow, that's exactly the feeling! The "what-ifs" make you want to be a detective and try to discover what something could be. It starts your imagination going.

[@angusmiller8348]

This video reminded me of the essence of why I wanted to be a caracter designer. The whole process was fun to watch and the outcome was amazing. I love your videos

[@RR-dx8tv]

I just love it when you upload, like in general. Whatever it is. Only OGs will understand.

[@BennyBowman]

Me. Too.

[@AutumnExplorer]

-_-

[@brokenocarina4997]

what does OG stand for?

[@RR-dx8tv]

@@brokenocarina4997 Its a slang for old school. People who were here when it all started, the first group.

[@brokenocarina4997]

@@RR-dx8tv uh, i see, thank you. but they're probably not the only ones who "will understand", in my opinion...

[@CoronaWolle]

There are many great youtubers out there teaching / showing drawing, but you. You make me want to draw. Thank you so much for coming back

[@koizu]

Thank you Carsten for your kind words. It's been fun being back!

[@andrecunha2568]

Man thank God I live in Europe and I can watch this beautiful video fresh at 12.30pm

[@koizu]

Hi Andre. In the future, I'll be sure to upload at the same time so you guys can see it at normal hours :)

[@andrecunha2568]

@@koizu thank you i love your videos, keep up with the amazing work

[@6VJ9]

That fish in his hair is Soo adorable..uwu

[@kartikcaim751]

Why are you holding your pencil like this I am asking this because I have seen so many Manga artists they also hold pencils or microns like this is this improve your drawing

[@koizu]

Hi Kartik, I've been holding it that way since I was a kid. For me, it always felt the most secure and tight around the pencil so I have a lot of fine control. Sometimes I will hold it looser to flow with the lines better.

[@kitsunedreamz]

That's so funny! I hold my pencil like that too! I'll have to look into why other artists do the same haha

[@coeurulea]

I hold it like that too lol

[@ranizza_]

Wait what is the actual way u hold a pencil? I've been holding it like that for years

[@sir6379]

@@ranizza_ same

[@scarvello]

I enjoyed watching these ideas being fleshed out

[@rabidsofa]

i use watercolour a lot and just seeing the thumbnail of this video i was stunned by your art style, i really love it man your style is inspiring

[@koizu]

Thank you, Hector!

[@andreschavez8094]

this made me subscribe i love the idea of character creating, im really bad at character creation but videos like these inspire to want to know every detail behind a character and their story.

[@koizu]

Thank you for the comments, Andres! and welcome aboard!

[@octaviangherghe7057]

I just started art school this year and though it's not part of my program, character design and concept art is one of my dream jobs / work, and watching this video was awesome! Your voice is really soothing and your art is super comfy :) and the aquatic bubble knight idea is amazing ! Excited to watch more of your stuff

[@cesarb3431]

I really like this video more than your other ones. It feels like the viewer is part of the creative journey. I feel like a character design series would be really really cool. And get you more views since it's such a hot topic

[@koizu]

Thanks, Cesar! I enjoyed making this video as well. It was very creative and fun to try and put different ideas together and see where they could go. Glad to hear it brings you guys along for the journey as well. I plan to make more videos like this one soon. We'll continue to explore the idea of this Ocean Knight :)

[@cesarb3431]

@@koizu that's super dope man. I wish you luck in your youtube journey

[@radhikabaijal23]

That's such an interesting and awesome concept! Really loved the end result!

[@koizu]

Thanks Radhika!

[@fortfulton3889]

Honestly you read my mind everytime this is what i need dude!!

[@koizu]

Hey Fort Fulton, awesome!

[@ParadoxFree]

I love the use of watercolor for coloring and a sort of built in shading. It's probably more common than I realize, but its used beautifully here.

[@koizu]

Thanks, Paradox! I appreciate it!

[@dimoschr4286]

I love it when you come back. You are my favorite drawing youtuber. I 've learnt so much from you

[@koizu]

thanks so much for the kind words, Dimos!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

This is such a great video. It's always a pleasure watching you illustrate, but seeing/hearing the process of character development was so inspiring! I hope you share more of these. Even more, I hope you do something with this character or the world. It is VERY intriguing.

[@koizu]

Thank you very much, Tom! This video was very enjoyable to make, sharing about the creative process. I plan to do more like this and perhaps can have a theme or an idea to begin with and we can see where things lead to. I'm sure I will do more skeches and brainstorming for this ocean knight as well. So many fun things to explore with him.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

@@koizu I believe I remember you saying you work full time as an artist. Do you produce any personal projects out there? I always love picking up the creative work of independent artists.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Answered my own question when I realized I wasn’t following you on IG yet. Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to make these awesome videos.

[@WFG200]

These videos are just so fun to watch. They also teach some drawing tips. Awesome job man

[@kitsutore]

The video and the way you explore here is amazing, as the colors, as the character ideas! and I mean it. Thank you for the inspiration ❤

[@artemisedison328]

I just discovered your channel and I love it so much! your process is wonderful to see and has truly inspired me to rethink my own process and work on the basics of how I want to work

[@nickw5876]

Really interesting process. Its always great to see a character design from start to finish

[@kalon6367]

Seven views and seven likes, bro the people who like your channel koizu really like your channel.

[@vanessalipnica9563]

I was like man, his vids are really good what other stuff has he done. Looks through his old videos Oh my God!!!! I saw his videos 8 years ago! Welcome back!!!!!

[@koizu]

thank you, Vanessa. Great to be back!

[@JoaoAntonio-ox5vf]

In brazil all the kids in the school learn how to use guache and water color, and this is so cool, i love ur work dude

[@koizu]

Thank you, Joao! So wonderful to hear that kids in Brazil learn gouache and watercolor. There is a lot of enjoyment in painting with it and I feel I am only starting to see it's possibilities.

[@rowanvezeau5729]

8:37 GAAAAASP maybe the water that goes into his arm is how the fish fixes the armor! Like, it swims along and fixes stuff with its mouth!

[@koizu]

Exactly! And maybe he has like some kind of part of his body that can fix the armor. It's like those fishes in the deep ocean with the light on their head? Maybe he has a light that is like a little blowtorch.

[@cameronesler4034]

I love your watercolor so much! So great to see it incorporated into your style. I love to watercolor as well, but stopped when I ran into the water soaking the paper and wrinkling in my notebook. What notebook are you using?

[@koizu]

Hi Cameron! For this video, I used a moleskin sketchbook. I believe it's for watercolor or mixed media. The paper is cold press so it's a little bumpy. If you are able, try and find "hot press" paper for watercolor. It's a little more smooth and can take ink lines better. But ya, what you want to find is paper made for watercolor or mixed media. Then the paper won't wrinkle.

[@hyenova4550]

You make it look so easy, it's really inspiring ! Thank you for your work !

[@makostrwlkr]

You're back?! Woah! It's been six years! Welcome back dude!

[@koizu]

Thanks, Mako!

[@sebastiankalemba411]

Man, I love your process. Thanks for sharing!

[@koizu]

oh hey Sebastian, thanks! I plan to do more watercolor character/story sketches like this in the future. Was a lot of fun.

[@BlazeWolf9511]

i remember watching your vids years ago, happy to see more stuff as of late.

[@emmachristmas1641]

This is gorgeous! I love the lineart with the watercolor! really aesthetically pleasing

[@koizu]

thank you, Emma!

[@wizny70]

Do more of these they're amazing!

[@koizu]

Hi Motoki, I plan to make more like this. It's very fun to make :)

[@JuliusD]

Im halfway through and the water knight thing reminds me of Ponyo, how her dad would use bubbles and how he’d need that water can with me everywhere he went. Edit, this actually seems like it’d be a really cool movie idea and i wish i could see it :(

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

These designs are great, love seeing your process!

[@Oldylocks]

Along with creating unique characters, I’ve always struggled with compositions and poses from imagination. Do you still follow a reference when drawing your characters? Or are you at the point where you can confidently draw a character in any shape or form? I can draw just about anything i am constantly looking at, but once I’m on my own I get lost things look sloppy Love the uploads btw. You were one my first “teachers” way back in the day. 11 years later and im only just now learning to “ask” questions.

[@koizu]

Hi Hanzo, there are still many things that I can't confidently draw so I'll use reference whenever I get stuck or need some inspiration. It's a lot faster to find some reference and then you can adapt it to whatever you may be working on. Sometimes you just need that small spark to get you through whatever creative block you may be in. Thanks for all your support these many years! Being back on KZbin, I try to answer all the questions I see, although I may miss some of them, or might not have an answer at the moment.

[@epicpenOK]

Cool designs man! Looking good ✍️

[@koizu]

Thanks, Epic Pen! 👍

[@beardlessdragon]

The water extending from the helmet to surround the arm is my favorite part. That's so sick

[@koizu]

thanks, Gecko!

[@drbasumatary2007]

i watched your videos and i improved soooo much that i am the best artist in my classroom.

[@AwkwardPain]

I have tried the method of what if iterations in the past (basically what you are describing here). I seem to run out of ideas, or I get hung up on something in particular and never want to stray. Always something to work on, I guess. Thanks for sharing!

[@danteromanguerreno9659]

This is a really good video, you have intresting ideas for characters

[@cookietoons2579]

I LOVE YOUR ART AND THE WAY YOU PAINT WITH WATER COLORS!!!😆😄😁👍👍👍

[@koizu]

thank you very much, Cookietoons!

[@cookietoons2579]

Ommgggggggg you actually replied thank you so much continue doing a good job with your art!!😁😁😃

[@nightcatssketchbook]

These look super cool! I love how all of them are so interesting and creative. And the application of the water color is so nice!

[@koizu]

thank you, Jay!

[@xaerias]

This video ended up in my recommended and I clicked it because the art reminded me of Hayao Miyazaki. Other than that, I really liked the video. I will definitely be using what was said to help brainstorm my own ideas. :)

[@koizu]

Sounds great, Xaerias! Thanks for checking out the video. Hope it helps with brainstorming :)

[@IAmSpiid]

Man you need to produce more of this vids,I like you art style :)

[@koizu]

Great to hear! thanks Jad. I like this style of video too, it's fun and creative to try and come up with fun ideas.

[@fenrir-art4742]

Amazing job on the hydro suits.

[@koizu]

Thanks, Fenrir!

[@bonsailup]

I'm so excited your posting again, your first videos are what got me into art and design, ps. I see you are still using the gel grip led pencil

[@koizu]

Thank you, Rsugan for sharing that. So cool to hear! Oh yes, I still have the same Alpha Gel pencil :) Still works after all these years.

[@margam_illustration]

This was so fun to watch thank you for sharing your process! I love how much fun and play there is to it.

[@koizu]

Hi Marga, glad you enjoyed it!

[@zai9778]

2:06 ok im kinda jealous u draw hands that good

[@otherworthy94]

Aaahh this is so cool! I lack brainstorming properties, i just feel like i need a buddy to bounce off of. On Instagram i never thought you'd reply to me 😂. Considering what i heard from this vid i might try to brainstorm ideas for my knight and/or other characters. Lol this was fun to watch 😻

[@koizu]

Sounds great, SconedKitty! Have fun!

[@mshcsh]

ok so this might be badly worded but I'd really appreciate if you could answer it- how do you start to be so creative? what exercises or inspiration do you find helpful to start thinking more creatively, like i wouldn't think to blend a knight with the ocean, so, yeah, how do you become more creative?

[@chrizor]

Wow! Love the design, the style, everything! Hope to see more content like this!

[@kyletwebster]

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing the process.

[@koizu]

My pleasure!

[@aleynasonmez2443]

i really like this character design video tip! it will be nice to see more videos like this. by the way details are amazing, cute lil fish :)

[@koizu]

Thanks Aleyna! I'm planning another video soon continuing the exploration of this character and idea. Been fun!

[@christianb7266]

I find it hard to imagine cool things, and if i finally have something it never works out. Great video love the style! What kind of sketch book is that?

[@nunyabiznes33]

This vid just got recommended. Auto subscribe coz those look cute.

[@Knakky]

Major respect to your concistency man

[@koizu]

Thanks Vibeman! Many people know that I've disappeared for years at a time so I'm happy I've found my stride this time and can pose more consistently. Been a lot of fun :)

[@samankucher5117]

Nice to see you back 🌝❤🌞💚

[@robert_waltuh]

Developing ideas are as important as practicing anatomy imho. Its really easy to get lost in just studying anatomy and rendering, but what is it for if you don't have fun with creating new and fun ideas? I really appreciate this video for that

[@G8KPR]

im curious about your digital & watercolor coloring processes, especially for beginners. Great video BTW!

[@colbyrawiri]

You totally pulled off the ghibli vibe. Do you have anymore tips on painting watercolor/gouache in a sketchbook? Im just starting to experiment with different papers etc. Thank you for your videos 👍🏼👍🏼

[@koizu]

Hi Colby, I'm still fairly new to watercolors. Just got a hot press sketchbook. Hot press has smoother paper than cold press so I heard it's better for line work (maybe you know this already). For sketching with watercolor it's fun but I should eventually learn how to mix the paint with water better. I think if you have too much water, the paint won't be as smooth on the paper and the edges may be darker... I'll be sure to share some tips as I learn them :) Have fun!

[@colbyrawiri]

@@koizu thanks for the advice! I definitely need to work on having the right water-to-paint ratio down. I usually use way too much water and the paper buckles n when I try not to do that its way too dry for a nice wash etc. I'm definitely going to try some hot press paper next. I've read its great for line work as Well. I'm looking forward to your next post, thank you again 🤙🏼

[@nova8487]

I honestly just love that art style, I’m subbing

[@koizu]

thanks for subbing, Nova! and welcome to the channel :)

[@TomBoyArtistQueen]

Watching this inspires me to make a water knight of my own I love your artstyle and this video was amazing

[@koizu]

sounds awesome! thanks!

[@valianthaste5050]

Sensei Koizu is back!!!

[@koizu]

yes! :)

[@BennyBowman]

I really hung on to every second of this vid! So cool and interesting! I want to try this now!

[@koizu]

sounds great, Ben!

[@SenxKujo]

I like that character development!

[@TheUnqualifiedNerd]

Dude! Please do another vid like this. Really enjoyable.

[@koizu]

Thanks, Kyle! Will do! Next one I'm planning is a continuation of this. Working on this week.

[@brubbo5708]

hi koizu, can you please tell me what’s your drawing style? I think I fell in love with it

[@bureseru7878]

I'm starting to love this channel

[@SpicePlayz]

Dude I would love to have your rough sketches on my sketch book they are better then what I do!

[@georgie4330]

This was awesome! You’ve gained a new subscriber, and even compelled me to comment and let you know.

[@koizu]

Hi MeMyselfAndI, thank you for subbing and your comment. Welcome aboard!

[@Ogbrainded]

Yo his voice sounds so peaceful

[@cemafer]

Great video! Your content is super easy to understand. Thank you for helping us beginners out :)

[@koizu]

Happy to help, Oceana!

[@TheModernGhost]

This is so beautiful! It will surely help me a lot with my studies!

[@koizu]

Thanks, Modern Ghost! and great to hear that it will help :)

[@orenji]

Love this!! I hope to see more watercolor in your videos after this :)

[@koizu]

Hi Orenji, I really enjoyed making this video and doing the story brainstorming with watercolor. I hope to make more in the future :)

[@orenji]

@@koizu So glad to know you had fun with it!

[@kittenmeow24]

ur voice is so relaxing !

[@oziany8047]

Wow just wow please make more videos like this it's so freaking cool!!!!

[@koizu]

Thanks, Ozian! I enjoyed making the video as well and plan to make more like this :)

[@loubettgarzacuevas4072]

Wow you're so creative!

[@lilyxxxxxx7146]

You have such a wonderful art style :3

[@zorodumb3114]

This is Channel is so Amazing!!❤️🇵🇭

[@koizu]

thankss, Ethan!

[@Tejps]

you're really wholesome and you have a new subscriber now:)

[@koizu]

Thanks, Tej! and welcome to the channel :)

[@samankucher5117]

Thank you for this video and the cool storytelling ❤

[@koizu]

my pleasure Saman! thank you!

[@samankucher5117]

@@koizu 🙏

[@muzzle6372]

Well done, I like this style of showing your whole process

[@koizu]

Thanks MuZZa! These are really fun to do too :)

[@davaanyamganbold1622]

you are my most favorite artist

[@amadeus6747]

Now I can't wait for the next video

[@koizu]

hmmm, what should be the next one? I'm thinking to make a poll in the community tab and see what you guys would like-- tutorial, timelapse, or maybe another one exploring an idea?

[@amadeus6747]

@@koizu yeah a poll is the best way to see what your audience wants. But I was thinking a shading tutorial cuz I liked what you did with the water colours ^ ^

[@koizu]

@@amadeus6747 oh yes, shading, that would be a good one. And much easier with watercolors too :)

[@bonefire8640]

Love this watercolor video

[@koizu]

thanks, Bonefire!

[@Drayden731]

Thank you so much this is going to help a lot with my Character Designs!

[@koizu]

that sounds awesome!

[@patriziamusacchio1931]

How do you learn to color like this? Beautiful work! So much ideas and creativity! 😘 from Italy!

[@koizu]

oh thank you, Patrizia! I look at a lot of artists work for color ideas and harmony. A lot of Miyazaki's watercolors too :)

[@anang04_rabo]

ocean knight ooow i want to watching this film if this have a film. Awesome

[@koizu]

Thanks Anang! This character was fun to develop and I ended up having more ideas than I could draw or fit in the video. I'll draw more of him and his world and I'm sure I'll share it with you guys. We'll see where it goes :)

[@atlasroyale5294]

Damn bruh. I haven't seen you since "how to draw characters in a scene". I didn't even realize this was the same channel til I checked.