Designing Characters: Insights from Emma Gillette

In the world of animation and illustration, the journey of an artist is often marked by continuous learning, exploration, and a deep dedication to honing one's craft.

In our latest podcast episode, Emma Gillette, a professional illustrator and instructor of the newly released Character Design Fundamentals course, shares her experiences and insights, providing actionable lessons for fellow artists and designers.

We encourage you to watch the episode above, but for those short on time, here are a few highlights:

The Essence of Drawing and Design

Drawing is not just about replicating what you see; it's about understanding the psychology behind your creations and how they resonate with your audience. Emma emphasizes the importance of learning shape language and storytelling through characters.

• Emma highlights the significance of using shape design intentionally to create cohesion, visual appeal, and evoke specific emotions from your audience. 
• You don't need to be an anatomy expert to excel in character design. Focusing on key connection points, major muscle groups, and basic bone structures is sufficient to create realistic and visually appealing characters.
• In character design, the concept of Baby Face Bias can be a powerful tool. By manipulating the eye-nose triangle, designers can influence the perceived age and emotions of their characters. 
• Motifs are subtle visual cues that convey specific emotions or traits in character design. Emma suggests using teardrop shapes for a sad character or arrow shapes for a fast or dangerous character. 

Navigating the Artistic Journey

• Sketchbooks are an artist's personal workbook, serving as a space for warm-ups, idea generation, and practicing different styles. Emma emphasizes that sketchbooks are not meant for public display but rather for personal growth and exploration.
• In today's digital age, the pressure to share your art on social media can be overwhelming. Focus on enjoying the creative process and exploration rather than seeking validation through social media metrics.
• Emma's highlights the importance of diversification and flexibility in the early stages of an illustration career to sustain income and progress.
• An essential aspect of creating art is to draw what brings you joy, regardless of external pressures. Embrace your unique style and preferences, as this authenticity is key to creating engaging and resonant work.

Emma Gillette's journey and insights offer a wealth of inspiration and guidance for artists and designers. By focusing on drawing fundamentals, shape language, and personal exploration, you can unlock your creative potential and make a lasting impact in the world of animation and illustration.

Want to hone your character animation and illustration skills? Check out Character Design Fundamentals, a comprehensive, self-guided course right here on School of Motion.