Character Design Project

Explore digital drawing techniques using vector graphics to develop the aesthetic appearance of a hypothetical game character. Choose one of the three basic shapes (Square, Circle, Triangle) with consideration for design principles demonstrated by those shapes. Pair your chosen shape with one of three basic objects (Animal, Mineral, Plant, Vehicle) with consideration for how you might express the element through shape. Sketch several versions of your character on paper with traditional drawing tools while maintaining the shape and object you have chosen. Consider a movement sequence for your character (rotation, scale, walk, jump) and create versions of the design as different stages of the sequence for sprite sheet animation. Sketches will be transferred to vector graphic to create a 2D character for a side/vertical scroll “tapping”, "clicker" or “infinite runner” style mobile game. You will focus on the use of flat, solid color, layered, vector graphic shapes. Character will be presented in sprite sheet format. This project will be incorporated into your future project work and can be refined after the project is complete.

Objectives:

  • Develop ability to use vector graphics in visual design
  • Develop ability to use vector graphics in concept development
  • Explore design process, iteration, and versioning
  • Explore generation of graphics for sprite sheet animation
  • Explore presentation of artwork through print and websafe images

Requirements:

  • 1 Character Developed Through Sketching (Playing Character)
  • Basic Shape Characteristic Chosen from Square, Circle, Triangle
  • Basic Object Characteristic Chosen from Animal, Vehicle, Plant
  • Character Designed to be Self-Contained (no extending ‘arms’ or ‘legs’)
  • 4 Colors (Plus Shading) using Complementary or Analogous Color Systems
  • Character Illustrations For Simple Animation Sprite Sheet Format
  • Submit Project at Deadline
    • Submit one PNG (Web Safe)
    • Submit one PDF (print/archive)
    • Layout Template Available Here (ZIP)

Evaluation:

  • 50 points – Requirements
    • Meets Requirements
    • Project Appears Complete
    • Illustrations are Well-Developed
    • Basic (30pts) - Mid Level (40pts) - Advanced (50pts)
  • 200 points - Execution
    • Demonstrates Correct Use of Vector Tools
    • Vector Tools Applied in Appropriate Ways
    • Shows Evidence of Understanding Assigned Processes
    • Basic (150pts) - Mid Level (175pts) - Advanced (200pts)
  • 200 points - Presentation
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Visual Design Principles
    • Shows Evidence of Attention to Detail
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Aesthetic Presentation
    • Basic (150pts) - Mid Level (175pts) - Advanced (200pts)
  • 50 points – Solution
    • Evidence of Self Expression
    • Evidence of Creative Approach
    • Evidence of Risk Taking
    • Basic (30pts) - Mid Level (40pts) - Advanced (50pts)

Conditions

  • Project is unlocked after students achieve 500 points total.
  • Project must be submitted in order to unlock other projects.
  • Project is required.
  • Project Formal Critique: Class 12 - October 17

Example Project

project example