How to get better at character design? - My approach
I recently asked myself this question because I realized that this skill is by far my biggest weakness.
My Achilles tendon in my hand, in a way. Still better than the characters I drew, who looked like they had no Achilles tendons at all, but instead muscles and bones in places where they shouldn't have any.
To change that, I decided, as I often do, to simply practice daily.
And immediately, my fingernails began to curl backward when I saw the first results oozing from my left hand.
After the obligatory existential crisis and the urgent desire to forbid myself from doing anything even slightly related to drawing, I pulled myself out of my fetal position. I blew the dust back into place, shook out my ego, washed the ashes from my head, and closed the sketchbook.
I tucked the bookmark between the next two white pages so I wouldn't have to look at today's shame again tomorrow and devoted myself to my daily tasks. I'll be better at it tomorrow.
I've been doing this exercise for 33 days now; the crises have gotten smaller with each day, and my characters have gotten better. I wanted to get the mantra "Tomorrow I'll do better" tattooed on my forehead. Since I couldn't read it there, however, I decided to write it on my bookmark along with all my other insights.
I've even drawn a character that I really enjoy.
I don't think my approach is the fastest or most effective, not a super-shortcut, and certainly not a hack. But it's the one that's easiest for me to implement. And for me, simplicity is ultimately more effective than first figuring out how to do it "right."
If you also want to draw more often, feel free to subscribe to the Drawing Quest Letter, a drawing RPG where you receive new tasks every two weeks.
What I’m working on
Drawing Quest
This is my newest project, a drawing RPG, has been running for two months, and I'm very happy with it. It has its rough edges, but the community is growing and the game is constantly improving.
What I recently added, but haven't advertised yet, is the Drawing Quest Tavern, a Discord server where all adventurers can hang out, support each other, level up, and share inspiration. Feel free to stop by for a drink.
Boardgame
My drawing table currently primarily contains the drawings for a board game I'm developing with a friend. He's developing it, and I'm drawing it. Subscribe to the mailing list if you're interested.
& Stuff
Life sometimes dances polka, even if you're dressed for a waltz.
~ Chat GPT
I recently came across Rob Pointon's paintings and had to take five minutes to unravel my head. These paintings are simply amazing.
If you've read this far, I'm very impressed, and I think you can be proud of your well-trained prefrontal cortex.
It was a pleasure & see you next time,
Dan 🌱
Still not enough? Or would you like to support me?
Are you interested in improving your drawing skills? Subscribe to the Drawing Quest Letter or stop by the tavern.
Give the pig a tip, click the pic:
Interested in my Products?
Picture Book: Sternenauge (currently only in German)
“Sternenauge und Venusstern” on Amazon
Maybe some Cute Stickers?
If you want to read more, check out the archive.
