The Classical Elements: 4 ) Character Design

For my character design, I started off with being really simple and using basic shapes, simply because I really wanted to focus on the squash and stretch of both characters as they go on the date but also as they are set on fire and are in a frenzy. I think this would be more effective than say animating a complex character especially as I will be drawing them a lot in different scenarios. I also drew them in different poses to try and get an idea of what I would be animating and I am happy with how I could illustrate the arms and body of the matchstick characters.

After I was happy with the rough line drawings of my characters, I went in with different materials to see where I could make them come to life. I only did with with the matchstick boy, because both characters are visually similar and I did want to experiment with quite a few mediums. I first went in with watercolour, I really liked the outcome of the painting, however I feel like I may not have to time to paint every single image over and over in the same way because no water painting for me can I ever get to look the identical. Then I went in with pencil crayon and i also liked the result of this. After a little tweaking with the levels in Photoshop I think the matchstick couple could potentially look really nice with this material. Wax crayon was next and this was the hardest for me to work with, though gives the strongest visual outcome. I also have limited colour selection with this material, so I probably won't be using this. Lastly was digital which is my usual favourite medium to use and I really did like this result as well so it is a tie between digital and pencil crayon.

I then went and attempted to apply a digital appearance to my matchstick girl, to see what colours I would offer her. The colour palettes are fairly similar between the two, but still I think they are easily distinguishable characters. I am still undecided as to whether I want to stick with digital or venture out with pencil crayon, but I will keep thinking about it.