BUILD CHARACTER DESIGNS THAT SING

Get ready to rock with Lera Kiryakova as she shows you how to create pitch-perfect characters bursting with personality

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In this workshop, I'll guide you through my character creation process, from drawing up the initial sketch to finalising the rendered artwork.

We'll start by exploring different poses to find the most dynamic and engaging silhouette, and then refine our sketch, with the focus on clear, expressive line work that helps to convey personality and movement.

Once the sketch is ready, I'll walk you through the colouring process, starting with base colours, adding depth with shadows, and gradually building up highlights to create a polished 3D look.

One of the key aspects of this workshop is understanding how to treat different types of material like glossy leather, soft fabric and shiny metals to make the character feel more realistic and visually appealing.

We'll also integrate the character and background using atmospheric effects and lighting tricks to enhance our final composition.

And on top of that, I'll show you how to add a vibrant smoke trail effect that gives your scene even more energy and helps to make the character truly stand out.

1. Find a dynamic pose

Before considering details, start with a few quick pose sketches. At this stage, don't focus on the anatomy or construction but rather on the silhouette, energy and movement. Experiment with different options to find the most expressive and interesting angle. It's important that the pose feels natural yet fun and memorable, with a silhouette that remains clear and easy to read.

2. Choose the final sketch