Creative Character Design

by Bryan Tillman

Create compelling, original characters using archetypes and design elements such as shadows and line with the tips and techniques found in this image-packed book. Bryan Tillman bridges the gap between the technique of drawing characters and the theory of good character design by using case studies, examples of professional art, and literary and pop culture references to teach you how to develop a character, not just draw one. The book also features Character Model Sheets that will guide you through the creation of new and unique characters. Finally, Bryan will break down established character archetypes to show you why and how the different aspects of good character design work. The content on the book is based on Bryan's popular 2009 Comic-Con course on "Character Design."

Genres: Art, Drawing, Design, Nonfiction, Game Design

250 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2011

Reviews

[Lanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing a grown man wearing a Robin costume just isn't cool at all…

This book is primarily for those who wants tips on creating characters for visual mediums (comics, animations, video games), but the tips would also apply to people developing character in written stories as well.

Story, story, story is emphasized a lot after all. Colors, shapes, design - that's all here but since a written story will be describing these things, yeah I'm going to say anyone can use this.

It's pretty straightforward, the types of things you get in a class - a chapter on say originality which ends with a "homework assignment" on taking existing characters you like and putting your own twist on them.

There is a character sheet and and example of how it is used - probably the only thing that is knocking this down from 5 stars to 4 in my eyes. The example character and his sheet is re-used in this book quite a bit. Useful, yup. Needed, sure. However, it's abused a bit in a book of this size. Had it appeared even one time less - oh the space that could have saved and then been used for even more advanced tips and tricks!

[Cecely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise, well written and enjoyable. Bryan Tillman manages to educate you on the framework of character design while keeping things interesting, providing plenty of examples, and maintaining a good pace that helps you move through the book. I will definitely be referring back to this book as I continue to learn about character design, and I plan to look for other titles by Bryan Tillman in the subject of art. Good read, definitely recommend.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know/couldn't figure out on my own. And the writing was way too casual for me. I ended up skimming through the end.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Describes what makes a good character design. Not just the aesthetics including shapes, colours, and style, but also requires a story, and original ideas. I think a lot of the content is quite well known if you know anything about character design. I didn't like the writing style, there's a lot of casual statements and assumptions on what the reader is thinking; "I am sure that your blood is starting to boil".

[Rexijoxsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

idk

[Abby Epplett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read gave basic character design information and had great ideas for character stats charts.

[Benita Kvinlaug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very hands-on! I like it! Great exercises, and a genius and funny author explains everything fairly simple. It's definately worth the money and will most likely get you kick-started on your characters!
As he states in the beginning, the book is not an instruction manual. It must be read cover to cover for us to get the picture, and if we fail to do so we will leave with less than those who finished it.