Graphic Novel Concept Work

Was working on character designs trying to iron out a process, settled upon the following:

Thumbnails

Define a general idea for the character e.g. A Victorian-era detective or a Medieval-era noble

Create a face and general body structure to suit the idea

Look up reference to consider different approaches

Devise thirty small thumbnail designs to illustrate the general shape and tonal value

Look back through the thirty, mark the ones you like and take notes on what you like, especially if they have commonalities

Costume Exploration

Illustrate four larger designs (iron out the details) based upon your notes and pick one you like, but note if there is anything you like about the others

Costume Variants

Take the base design and try to add the things you liked about the others from the 'Costume Exploration' stage. Also, try simple variations like moving hemlines, lengthening boots, rolling up sleeves etc

Costume Colouring

Flat/Block out the different areas using grayscale tones e.g. Jackets, boots, skin, hair etc. Try different value schemes for four variants then apply flat colours. For the forward facing design, shade and highlight. Iron out the designs for weapons/accessories

More character processes can be located on the 'Graphic Novel' tab