I think more work is required on his face - as it does seem very generic to me: old men are often defined by the size of their ears! Also, there's something about his legs that doesn't work for me; try making him bow-legged for a start, and also, try keep his knees bent always, as this will help in giving him more character; I think also, the colours need to come down in their general vibrancy, with some more detailing too; for instance - try picking an era for your story - 30's, 40's, 50's - and take a look at the fashion etc. It will also give you pointers for your environment; at the moment, you seem to be operating in a generic space and your job would be much more directed if you gave yourself some design rules.
All of that said, this part of your research and development is vital, so do try and relax into the process - you are a designer, so give yourself room to design.
Giving him braces Raising the height that his trousers come up over his waist Sideburns Giving him a 'grandad' shirt Making his head bigger, his hands bigger and his feet bigger (be braver with your proportions - this isn't real word remember) Giving him glasses Giving him a clear character - for instance, make him military, with a clear back-story, so he's wearing his medals for instance (check out the tv show 'Dad's Army for loads of useful references on comic old men) Give him a toupee (for comedy fly swat shenanigans) Take his teeth out (check out images of old people without their false teeth in - it changes the face totally) Check out 'gurning' Be braver - you can always come back from a very 'out there' design, but I suggest you go there to start with...
And definitely - change his colours - they don't say 'old' to me.
Also - if this animation is set in England, or Yorkshire or whereever, go do some research into vernacular interior design - make this house feel like an old person's place - think horsebrasses and bad oil paintings of lancaster bombers...
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteI think more work is required on his face - as it does seem very generic to me: old men are often defined by the size of their ears! Also, there's something about his legs that doesn't work for me; try making him bow-legged for a start, and also, try keep his knees bent always, as this will help in giving him more character; I think also, the colours need to come down in their general vibrancy, with some more detailing too; for instance - try picking an era for your story - 30's, 40's, 50's - and take a look at the fashion etc. It will also give you pointers for your environment; at the moment, you seem to be operating in a generic space and your job would be much more directed if you gave yourself some design rules.
All of that said, this part of your research and development is vital, so do try and relax into the process - you are a designer, so give yourself room to design.
Things to try...
ReplyDeleteGiving him braces
Raising the height that his trousers come up over his waist
Sideburns
Giving him a 'grandad' shirt
Making his head bigger, his hands bigger and his feet bigger (be braver with your proportions - this isn't real word remember)
Giving him glasses
Giving him a clear character - for instance, make him military, with a clear back-story, so he's wearing his medals for instance (check out the tv show 'Dad's Army for loads of useful references on comic old men)
Give him a toupee (for comedy fly swat shenanigans)
Take his teeth out (check out images of old people without their false teeth in - it changes the face totally)
Check out 'gurning'
Be braver - you can always come back from a very 'out there' design, but I suggest you go there to start with...
And definitely - change his colours - they don't say 'old' to me.
Also - if this animation is set in England, or Yorkshire or whereever, go do some research into vernacular interior design - make this house feel like an old person's place - think horsebrasses and bad oil paintings of lancaster bombers...