Ideation
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/30-characters-916x1024.jpg)
This project was for ILLU 351 Contextual Character Design. I began by drawing 30 characters, 10 men, 10 women and 10 children. I then choose and refined the ones which I thought had the most potential.
Refinement
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SAV_2020SPR_ILLU351_Benjamin-Butler_A2_ValueComps-1024x663.jpg)
Following feedback, I developed my 3 chosen characters into these black and white comps in which their detail was more clearly delineated.
Color
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SAV_2020SPR_ILLU351_Benjamin-Butler_A2_LineUp-1024x663.jpg)
At this stage, I added color, making sure to give the colors a cohesive palette that placed them all in the same world. Giving the character’s a sense of texture at this stage was also critical.
Turnarounds
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sheriff-Turnarounds-72-DPI-1024x282.jpg)
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Woman-Turnarounds-72-DPI-1024x375.jpg)
Turnarounds give information about a character’s form from all sides. They are also labor intensive.
Thumbnails
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sketches-1024x903.jpg)
In this stage, I develop thumbnails so that I can understand the composition and value structure of my image. I choose No. 23 to take to the final stage. Several other thumbnails have potential to be developed into illustrations as well.
Moodboard
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Moodboard-1024x663.jpg)
A reference moodboard is developed to aid in ideation and to serve as reference for color palettes, mood, composition and style.
Final Illustration
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Annotation-2020-05-04-122903-1024x556.png)
![](https://benbutler.art/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Flying-Zephyr-1024x542.jpg)
The final illustration is carefully rendered to bring the attention to the heroes and their story.