Stylized characters 101

This article explores the captivating world of stylized characters, breaking down some of the proportions, coloring and tips that we have learned. This article serves as an entry point to those who want to start or explore this style.

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The mission

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Lately we've begun to design a lot different characters, some of them more realistic, others far more stylized.

In this first article I want to talk about stylized characters and what it takes to make one.

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Resources

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• Maya LT 2018
• Zbrush
• Substance Painter

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Brief explanation of a Stylized character

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An stylized character, in short is character that has its proportions deformed and exaggerated in someways to create a "softer" or cute look in characters that in other ways look way rough.

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There are many ways to approach how you want your character to look. You can try creating a Chibi version (a term derived from Japan) or a stylized character similar to those seen in contemporary animated movies. The main distinction between them lies in the level of deformation these characters undergo. Chibis, originating from already stylized characters in manga or anime, exhibit significant deformations.

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Currently, these types of character find use in several applications, primarly in animated pictures or video games. Their visually appealing aesthetics easily capture the attention of younger audiences, but their charming appearance also attracts adults.

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However, there are numerous ways to create stylized characters, making them one of the most challenging aspects to achieve, not only in 3D but also in paper. They can be used ironically for a cute or humorous effect.

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Looking at a broader perspective, these characters share common characteristics that can help you achieve the desired look for your character.

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Proportions

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When it comes to proportions, the process can be divided into three parts: head, body, face. Depending on the proportions you choose, you can achieve a more realistic impression similar to Fortnite or a more cartoonish character.

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• Head: the bigger the better. The head, along with the face, is the most crucial aspect of these models. Not only do you need to enlarge the head, but you should also make it rounder to give the character a softer appearance. If there are special features on the head that are characteristic of the character, such as scars or wrinkles, include them, but exaggerate their appearance.

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• Face: the face, together with the head, is one of the most important parts. The face should be proportionate with the head, so maintain balance in their proportions. Pay special attention to the eyes, making them rounder and larger than the other facial features. Even if you are aiming for a more realistic proportions, consider enlarging the eyes slightly to enhance expressiveness.

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• Body: in contrast to the head, the body tends to lost its shape and become smaller, often as small as two and a half heads. Additionally, the body tends to lose its landmarks on the muscles. To create the desired shape, you will need to exaggerate the basic forms of the body. For instance, you can use a triangular shape to emphasize a muscular body or a rectangular shape to create an slender body.

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Colors of all kinds

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There are different ways to paint these kind of characters, and it usually depends on what you want to use the character for and what you want to express with them. Although you can use any method you prefer to paint the models, I want to offer some tips that have helped me start creating hand-painted models.

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As a rule of thumb, try to use a small color palette, ideally with no more than five colors. This will help you focus on your artistic goals.

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Consider incorporating a color that contrasts with the main ones you intend to use in your project. This can help accentuate specific parts of the character that you want to highlight.

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Also, it’s important to note that even though you can use as many colors as you want, it is recommended not to span the chromatic variance of the characters too much due to the simplicity of the models.

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Conclusion

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Mastering stylized art requires a thoughtful blend of proportion and a limited yet impactful color scheme for charming character design. With these small tips, hopefully, you can start designing your own characters.

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As you continue to practice and refine your skills, you'll discover your unique style and approach to character design.

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Always remember, the devil lies in the details.

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Remember, every artist has their own journey, and every character you create is a step on your path of artistic discovery and growth.

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