How To Be a Character Designer

[@diamondjub2318]

one thing I enjoy doing with humanoid characters I've made is to try to make them in every character creator I have access to, sometimes I change the official drawn designs from cool things found in the creator designs

[@shuacraft9193]

That’s actually a pretty interesting design tip

[@moldyreesescups]

i used to do that all the time when flash games were still around! i use it from time to time with The Sims 4 and character creator apps. when i do use them, it helps me break down what their most defining features are versus the features that don’t really change the design overall. you can end up finding cool things (like you also mentioned) that work perfectly with your character, many of which you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise! i thought i was the only one who did this 😅. after reading your comment i feel a lot better about using them. honestly, i think i should go back to doing it as often as i used to :)!!

[@moldyreesescups]

i just realized your comment is three months old, but if you read this i’d appreciate any character creator recommendations! if anyone else that uses them comes across this, i’ll take any recommendations i can get :)!

[@diamondjub2318]

@@moldyreesescups I can only remember 2 off the top of my head but they're the ones I use most often, the nintendo mii maker, and vroid studio

[@moldyreesescups]

@@diamondjub2318 okay, thanks!

[@spaceocelot35]

Yesterday, I gave a speech on character design for my communications class. I covered most of the things you talked about here and even cited some of your work as a source. Your videos have been an inspiration. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Hey well done, I hope it went good! Much appreciated!

[@CindyHuskyGirl]

so youre telling me i have to actually GO OUTSIDE to learn (parts of) character design? *Shudders* scary

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Oh hey, loud intro! I didn't get a chance to ask you in the video, so I will here: What are some of your biggest struggles when it comes to character design?

[@theartsyfarmer3748]

Having the outfit and hair (cough cough mostly hair) be practical in the character’s story and setting!

[@Danielcrane222]

For me first it’s actually thinking of what it should be, but a part of it is the face and small clothing details.

[@sylvesterthekiibokinnie1637]

Trying to give my cats more unique shapes

[@JW-dr2br]

@@sylvesterthekiibokinnie1637 If you own a cat, try using camera filters to exaggerate your cats form :)

[@soarimg]

Me being a horrible artist, and massive self criticism

[@caspardghost204]

Margret was doing great until last week when I had to take her to the vet because she ate a bunch of magnets. She had to have surgery to have them removed, but now margret’s feeling much better

[@CharacterDesignForge]

MARGRET, Whatd we say about eating polarizing minerals? 😫

[@graceoartyo]

you’re honestly one of the best art channels I know on youtube, and you’ve helped me a TON. Your videos have helped me a little bit on the technical side (not nearly as much as proko or sinix, but a little) but what theyve REALLY helped with is how I think about art, and I honestly think that’s played the biggest role. Thank you for all that you do :)

[@CharacterDesignForge]

That’s great! I’m trying to get more technical vids out, like the series over these next two weeks… glad I’ve been of help though 🙂

[@sundalosketch4769]

i'm confident in creating characters of all kinds of variety even if it doesn't look the best yet. Main problem for me at least is knowing or figuring out how to connect characters to the same world while not always connecting them together. My fix on that for now is to just look at their species or the particular character's situation and wonder if they look good next to other characters. Same "art style" same atomically similar ideals of the rules of the universe? It's hard to explain but you do see it when you doodle on paper. Especially on one paper where you essentially create what i like to call "page pals". Page pals usually become characters that automatically feel like they're friends, family or just fit in the same universe together no matter where it is. But it doesn't help all the time and i feel lost when it doesn't click with a majority of my designs.

[@MangoBirb22]

Every time you post a video I always rush to my ipad to draw a character. You always bring a new concept that sparks something and it really helps with art block!

[@salvidomum5287]

I'm really behind enforcing the difference between designer and an idea guy. It's like making someone put their money where their mouth is. Idea guys cheapen the amount of work that actually goes into the design process

[@WesternEchidna]

I am really happy i found this channel. Its really helped inspire me to get back into drawing (mostly do sketch pencil art, dont have a tablet or anything like that) and be more than just an "idea man"

[@little_toggle]

I’d like to mention how much your channel has helped me. Thank you for uploading helpful videos such as these.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Happy to hear that!

[@stratovolcano7813]

Brookes your dedication to breaking down information is so admirable !

[@that1sprig]

I’m so glad I stumbled upon this channel because I want to pursue character or game design as a career. I only found this channel a week or so ago, and your videos have already been so helpful. Thank you for making these videos, and thank you for all your advice!

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Welcome aboard!

[@poepoe5311]

I've always appreciated your work and teachings. Your videos have helped me a lot with character design and workflow. I look forward to more of your videos in the future. 💜

[@CharacterDesignForge]

You're very welcome!

[@emmie5386]

I'm so glad you made a video covering this! I'm currently working through your course right now, and as a beginner, it has been perfect for me. Thank you so much for sharing these lessons both on youtube & in the course!

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Fantastic, I'm glad! Enjoy the rest of the course!

[@JW-dr2br]

I think every artist should learn realism. That's just my opinion :)

[@CharacterDesignForge]

I thinks it’s really valuable!

[@goatedlogic]

People tend to enjoy drawing to a more fantastical style, however you're definitely not wrong

[@Mjumiman]

Really looking forward to the upcoming series on construction!

[@lohunterbyron3514]

5:65 I would pick THAT as my starter

[@avtpro]

Awesome Definitions with no fluff. Thanks.

[@salvidomum5287]

Positive feedback prior to forming good comments

[@CharacterDesignForge]

We love to see it, thank you

[@sylvanshroom]

Rly solid video Brookes!! It always helps me to have a base to go back to, to help me focus and refer to, so I expect I'll be watching this one many times :)

[@CharacterDesignForge]

I'm so glad!

[@markguyton2868]

Me: "maybe I should try to make new character designs, just for practice and adding to my skills." Also Me: **Decides to work on the same single character they've been working on for over 5 years...**

[@paradoxtatorstudios9681]

same honestly--but then I add new characters lol. Also--I really, really don't wanna come off as rude, but--are you non-binary? it's cool if you are

[@markguyton2868]

@@paradoxtatorstudios9681 No, I'm not. If you're referring to the background, I just like purple and the guy in the pic is leaning on a table, the image is just cropped. Apologies if it looked like a flag or something(?)

[@paradoxtatorstudios9681]

@@markguyton2868 Oh no i was wondering as you had “they’ve” No worries, i was just wondering

[@markguyton2868]

@@paradoxtatorstudios9681 No prob.

[@potatoria]

im not looking to become a character designer but I want to learn more about it to stretch my brain a little and help my art out. I think even artsy endeavours could benefit from your approach; especially for me currently because I'm kind of stuck in a phase where I'm trying to "prove" I'm a good artist by focusing on realism but I really miss/enjoy being creative and taking liberties outside of the norm.

[@probablyastarfish9174]

I've been trying to learn character design by myself for a while, still just barely one year though, I've still got a lot to learn

[@roachthefish]

Damn it, your videos always inspire me and motivate me to draw. Well, what a pity I watched it before doing homework, but I'm sure school can wait a few hours hahaha

[@sneebze6096]

This is so cool, thank you!

[@theartsyfarmer3748]

Margaret’s doing good

[@kingduckmonkey]

For some reason your links don't work for me. Says I don't have permission.

[@toadboydude5015]

Margaret says Hi.

[@cheiftainvulpix]

This helps alot. I think the only thing I struggle is world building sorta. XD

[@knotty4700]

I'm always inspired after watching one of your vids :)

[@fcathamster1997]

I'm making a fantasy fiction book about cats and dogs

[@spongebobbestchannelever2161]

Nice 👍

[@glitchy_catt]

What's the name of the song from the outro? It's too catchy!

[@edizgunes]

Legend video

[@PilferpupCartoons]

Awesome! Another great video! :D

[@fossilco.artrelateddocumen331]

Last time i saw Margaret she was doing fine.👍

[@CharacterDesignForge]

I'm so glad for her, great to know

[@TheZiiFamily]

Shoot I remembered I wanted to ask something but ive lost it oh well, but nice intro

[@allisonf.m.404]

I need some advice. I've been writing my own story for quite some time and im in love with it. All my characters are human/of human complex. I CANNOT draw, paint, or create human drawings in general. I really want my characters to come to life on paper or through painting apps. Can anyone point me to a source of helpful tip and instructions?

[@Yusufoh8]

This video is really good. Too bad I suck at writting and drawing, also I criticise myself so much that I go in a writters depresion. But good video. :):

[@godahlrogue8587]

Margaret's doing fine, if non-corpreal

[@CharacterDesignForge]

The non-zero chance that a person named Margaret will watch this video

[@trans4mer4god]

To your original question, I struggle with design style. My brain wants to approach realism, but I struggle w proportion and would really prefer something more stylized. Also, where are the links you mention?

[@adriftalina6085]

I really feel like character designing is the best job for me, but I'm not sure what courses I would have to take, beacuse some courses of 'art' is alot of painting and drawing more realistic things . What courses are best for character designing?

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Hey there Alina! Have you looked into my course, Learn Character Design? It's specifically built around exactly what you're looking for!

[@projp9057]

Good tips

[@godahlrogue8587]

Good video brookes--i have nothing to say, have some engagement

[@geryuthetzakandi2769]

Do you have any tips for comic lettering? It's my major folly, I don't understand it

[@ratans2]

the course website shows a 403 forbidden message and can't access it

[@peculiarcanine9443]

i'm shocked that we didn't get to see bico in the video at all save for his picture in the hexagons in the bg nice vid :)

[@jackiebjerga5478]

how do you make the cards?

[@Clumsynyxx]

Okay so i have taken this as a challenge for myself coz i got so ammazed by gravity falls journal 3 it made me jelous that cant i create something like that! A book of my own imaginary monsters my work! So i descided to with my bf write a list of imaginary monsters i made 63 i guess of them now the only thing left is designing em lol journal 3 was a group work that also by proffessionals... But shy cant i be a proffessional i wanna create something like that too but idk whT to do.....

[@W4ve_the_bat]

I have a sneaky charming loyal character there name moonlight

[@robbied4766]

Learn to draw by a great teacher, sure. But, teach me about those overalls.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Just a shop apron for here in the forge :D

[@robbied4766]

@@CharacterDesignForge Haha! I had a feeling that's what it was. Forge on, my brother. :)

[@isleling5191]

Can i be a character designer if i can only sculpt?

[@CharacterDesignForge]

I think it's viable for some digital sculptors to ignore drawing, depending on the application of their work, but I feel you'd be hard pressed to find someone who can iterate non-destructively as fast as with drawing. Plus, drawing is just as much about comprehension of what something should look like through observation, not just in ability to replicate.

[@ziggykatz12]

Random question, do you have a Discord group of any sort?

[@CharacterDesignForge]

There's access for Patrons.

[@AnmoSoftCreations]

Are you using procreate??

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Yep, for years! Make sure to check out the dozens of Procreate vids on the channel

[@AnmoSoftCreations]

@@CharacterDesignForge thanks for replying and your videos are awesome I really appreciate your work , all the best 👍👍

[@RosheenQuynh]

Ugh, I wish I had the time to actually learn art but I'd need help from folks who already have that knowledge whenever I need it (sometime in the future) ;3;

[@Barada73]

How to be a character designer: Step 1: design a character. Step 2: make room for all the piles of cash that will be coming your way. Step 3: figure out what you’re going to wear to the Oscars when the movie made about your character gets nominated for Best Picture. Step 4: repeat step 1. ;)

[@smgbuckeeofficial]

Hey what degree should I pursue to become a character designer?

[@CharacterDesignForge]

A good portfolio > any degree. Recruiters and studios don’t care about degrees, only good work

[@davidhruaia2820]

cant access the course,please check into this matter

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Hi David, can you explain what you mean?

[@davidhruaia2820]

@@CharacterDesignForge Forbidden You don't have permission to access this resource. Additionally, a 403 Forbidden error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request. this is what i got

[@CharacterDesignForge]

@@davidhruaia2820 Hi David, I was able to resolve this error. Turned out to be an expired card on the billing for the learncharacterdesign.com domain. Got it all fixed now!

[@davidhruaia2820]

@@CharacterDesignForge great,i now able to access it.thank you

[@jaysss410]

Okay I'd like to introduce myself, my name's Jayden and in 20 years+ I'm gonna be a well known snd respected character designer in my industry. That's my dream, that's what I'm working towards. Next week i will start my internship called sth like design assistant, my first step in reaching my goal. Let's see what the future might bring!

[@jaysss410]

***apprenticeship

[@NotASpyReally]

I love this channel but it always feels like something's missing When I got to the outro I realized why I felt like this: I think a character is incomplete without their own theme music haha

[@CharacterDesignForge]

I’m confused- which character?

[@NotASpyReally]

@@CharacterDesignForge I mean any character... But maybe I'm the one who's confused and what I said makes little sense haha I think what I mean is: For example you say that the backstory of a character is important in its design right? Well, the music is important too... Does that make sense?

[@dovahchicken935]

Don't have to be a good artist, meanwhile the art in the video.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Hmm?

[@dovahchicken935]

@@CharacterDesignForge you said you don't have to be super good at art to be a concept artist, and meanwhile your art looks really good

[@rzrx1337]

First

[@TelestoTheBesto]

I thought the thumbnail said "How To Be a Cinematic Disaster".

[@CharacterDesignForge]

I think you might be watching a little too much of *that* corner of KZbin

[@TelestoTheBesto]

@@CharacterDesignForge I've actually only watched 3 videos about bad movies.

[@legometaworld2728]

1. Design characters

[@everyonegetselfears1444]

Sprig Plantar.

[@never-live-style8827]

As a creative but very lazy person, who doesn't have the skills jet, I declare defeat.

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Just because you don't have them yet doesnt mean you never will. Laziness is usually a sign of exhaustion or a misalignment of motivation- I hope you find it!

[@never-live-style8827]

@@CharacterDesignForge Yeah, I'm still discovering myself 🤗🤝

[@kokonuss8745]

why need we to pay

[@CharacterDesignForge]

Whats the question?

[@mango9808]

@@CharacterDesignForge they probably ask why they need to pay for the courses

[@BriBrissett]

not only my first video as a 24 year old, but also the video that made me certain of the field I want to be in! this video was awesome! very well made, thankyou 🤌🏾🚀 I can’t wait to work at Pixar