On Monday we had a character design workshop with Rafael Hara.
We did an excersise where we had to draw only with the lasso tool. We drew a random shape, identified the the contours to understand said shape in 3D space, and then turned the shape into a character. I also drew a little Sonic for fun.
This was a great way to loosen up and explore slightly more abstract characters. Rafael also showed us his Pokemon designs done using this method which I really really liked. This is definitely a practice I’d like to incorporate as a warm up in tandem with my usual ‘draw characters from memory. I think both methods help identify what aspects of character design are most memorable and contribute significantly to a unique silhouette.
Afterwards we were tasked with thinking of one of our characters for our projects and designing them. My characters are each loosely based on Commedia dell’Arte stock characters, specifically the Zanni subtypes. I already had design ideas for the Arlecchino, Columbina and Scapino characters, but I knew I additionally wanted a Brighella, Pedrolino and a Pulcinella, so I opted to do Pedrolino.
As Pedrolino (known as Pierrot in French theater) is a little brother type, I knew I wanted the design to have a rounder, stouter shape, even though all the characters are adults. My characters will be very brightly colored both as a reference to traditional clown costume, but also to contrast the darker environments. I also hadn’t included references to the traditional stock costumes in my previous designs, but I knew I wanted to amend that. So for this design I went for a more traditional Pedrolino costume including the pointed hat and baggy clothes. To avoid using only black and white, I changed the accent colors to a periwinkle, however I may change the hair as well to introduce a third color.
Wednesday we had another creative writing session, where we explored our characters and setting for our narratives.
I began exploring the overall antagonist of my world. I personally do not believe in good or bad, and I also do not believe that any person is selfish by default. We are all a product of our communities, and thats why I really don;t want my overarching villain to be one tangible person.
Then I did a little exploration of my Arlecchino character, Arlo.
Finally I put together a potential story ladder and exploration of setting. The story definitely needs work however, as there isn’t any conflic really.
I also came up with my synopsis and logline.
I wanted to write it in second person to highlight the fact that the audience is part of the experience. I ended up workshopping it at home editing the language to suit the tone. I also realised my longline felt more like a tagline so I wrote a new one entirely.
I also stated putting together character profiles on Character Hub, a new website I found that I think will allow me to keep a much more detailed record of the world and characters to use as reference.
Friday, I discussed my project with Mario. He encouraged me to focus either on the character animation, or the installation, as if I want to create something new of high quality I should pick one new skill to focus on. I would like to still create at least a mockup of the space so I can explore projection and 3D space. I created some 3D thumbnail sketches as well as some thumbnails of the trapeze sequence. Then I redrew the thumbnails in Storyboard. I’d like to refine these further before the first interim presentation.
I also spoke with the technicians about projection mapping and they suggested I look into simple mapping with After Effects since I already know the program and they said it was possible to do. Sunni also invited me to join the experimental group’s workshop on the 18th. I really want to attend but I have work that day. I have not been getting a lot of shifts lately, so I have to have a big think about whether I skip work or not.