Society of Visual Storytelling

    SVSLearn Forums

    • Register
    • Login
    • Search
    • Recent
    • Tags
    • Popular
    • Users
    • Groups
    • Search

    Nana character design for new book dummy project

    General Discussion
    32
    51
    11412
    Loading More Posts
    • Oldest to Newest
    • Newest to Oldest
    • Most Votes
    Reply
    • Reply as topic
    Log in to reply
    This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
    • smceccarelli
      smceccarelli Pro SVS OG last edited by

      After my agent sent the book dummy I was working on back to the drawing board (too many characters, main agent unclear, story structure confusing...), I have started working on a new one. This one is a very simple "loss-coping" book about the passing away of a beloved grandmother. It is mostly about memories, so the old lady is the main character in the illustrations. She is a witty lady, life-loving and sophisticated....but also a tough, independent woman up to the very last day. Actually just like my late grandmother.
      Which one resonates most? I'll probably do some more, I am not convinced yet...

      Rich Green 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 11
      • Kevin Longueil
        Kevin Longueil SVS OG last edited by

        Number 6 seems to capture the character you are describing very well - there is something very energetic and optimistic about her expression - she may not look quite old enough though?? - they all have something very nice about them though but a possibly older 6 will get my vote 🙂

        Portfolio: kevinlongueil.com
        https://www.instagram.com/kevinlongueil/

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
        • andyjewett
          andyjewett last edited by

          I love #2... #4 is also great.

          Andy Jewett
          ILLUSTRATOR | DESIGNER

          PORTFOLIO: andyjewett.com
          TW/IG: @andyjewett

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
          • Kekkerz86
            Kekkerz86 last edited by

            I always love your sketches/line work! I think #1, #2 (maybe with some adjustments, to make her seem less shy), absolutely #6 and #8 have great potential for the character you are describing. I agree with Kevin, that #6 has the most personality and I want to know more about her!

            "A broken pencil is pointless..."
            www.keishamorris.com

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
            • Sarah LuAnn
              Sarah LuAnn SVS OG last edited by

              I feel like anyone asked would be biased to choose whichever looks most like their own grandma 🙂 That being said, I like #2 and #4.

              sarahluann.com

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
              • Rich Green
                Rich Green SVS OG @smceccarelli last edited by

                @smceccarelli - I just can't help but look at #5 and think she is Carl from UP! as a woman. The face, chin, glasses, she just needs the four footed cane with tennis balls on it and I would swear she is his sister!

                While #1 looks quite sophisticated - she might also look a bit too snooty or proper. #2 is a great character design but I am not sure I get tough/independent from her.

                There is something about #4 that says witty/sophisticated, tough but in such a charming way.
                #6 is also a stand out as she comes across as witty and independent but perhaps in a bit more loud way . Where is #4 is more subtle/quite when she enters a room but sharp as a tack.

                So all that to say I like #4 or #6 depending on if she is reserved or a bit bold accordingly.

                www.richgreenart.com instagram.com/richgreenart/

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                • MOO
                  MOO SVS OG last edited by MOO

                  4 and 6 seem to fit the character most, to me. Possibly 5.

                  Marsha Ottum Owen

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                  • BerryBear
                    BerryBear last edited by

                    I'm a fan of 1 and 3

                    Trish Newbery
                    Instagram | @creativeascent
                    Web | creativeascent.wordpress.com

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                    • Perrij
                      Perrij last edited by

                      Number 4 and 6 fit the description best! I think that 6 looks a little more exciting and kooky and 4 looks a little more warm and personable

                      https://perrijs.myportfolio.com/

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                      • Tyson Ranes
                        Tyson Ranes last edited by

                        Im leaning #4. I love these they have such a cool quality to them.

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                        • Chip Valecek
                          Chip Valecek SVS Team SVS OG last edited by

                          I love #2 but maybe a different shape to her glasses would give her a more independent feel.


                          https://www.instagram.com/chipvalecek/
                          https://www.facebook.com/cvalecek
                          http://www.cshellmedia.com/

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote -1
                          • Joy Heyer
                            Joy Heyer last edited by

                            I agree with @Sarah-LuAnn...I'm biased to choose the one that reminds me of my own grandma. (#2) I do think that #2 doesn't quite look "independent" but that may because she is looking up--like a child looking up to a parent or someone. If her eyes were focused down, I think that would totally change her personality.

                            Twitter: @Joy_Illustrated
                            Instagram: joy_illustrated
                            Website: joyheyer.com

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                            • smceccarelli
                              smceccarelli Pro SVS OG last edited by smceccarelli

                              Thank you everyone! I moved the gaze direction of number 2 - the impact is really surprising. And added two more - I wanted to try without glasses.
                              Any new favorites?

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                              • andyjewett
                                andyjewett last edited by

                                #2 really works for me because it's that "sneaky grandma factor"... my grandma was a fairly unassuming looking woman but had a very adventurous spirit (she could instantly have a gleam in her eye... man, I miss her)... I think the character design has a possibility for a wider range of emotions/expressions... able to look unassuming but will look great with more extreme expressions.

                                Andy Jewett
                                ILLUSTRATOR | DESIGNER

                                PORTFOLIO: andyjewett.com
                                TW/IG: @andyjewett

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                • andyjewett
                                  andyjewett last edited by andyjewett

                                  ...and situations. For some reason I could see that character riding a motorcycle or on water skis and in the next panel totally comfortable standing in a kitchen baking cookies. Alright, I'll stop... for now.

                                  Andy Jewett
                                  ILLUSTRATOR | DESIGNER

                                  PORTFOLIO: andyjewett.com
                                  TW/IG: @andyjewett

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                  • lmrush
                                    lmrush Pro SVS OG last edited by

                                    1 resonated with me most they are all awesome

                                    Lisa Rush
                                    www.lisarushgallery.com
                                    www.facebook.com/ArtbyLisaRush/
                                    www.instagram.com/lisarush11/

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                    • evilrobot
                                      evilrobot SVS OG last edited by

                                      I like #1, #4 and #6. Number 6 is my favorite. Seems like she fits all the traits you listed. I like #2 a lot as well but she doesn't seem like she fits the "tough" part she seems too sweet. Same with #4. I think #1 could work but would need some more fleshing out.

                                      http://www.palacioillustration.com/

                                      https://www.scbwi.org/illustrator-gallery/illustrator-detail/?illustrator_id=84142

                                      https://www.pinterest.com/evilrobot2/pins/

                                      https://twitter.com/MyEvilRobot

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                      • Camomilla
                                        Camomilla last edited by

                                        Number 6 stood out to me instantly. She is somehow more contemporary, I think - todays grandmothers are awesome 😃

                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                        • kimchizerbe
                                          kimchizerbe last edited by

                                          I love all these, but 5 holds a place in my heart, she reminds me of my great granny!

                                          http://zerbetron.com
                                          http://kimchizerbe.com
                                          ig: @kimchizerbe

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                          • Eric Castleman
                                            Eric Castleman last edited by

                                            Idk, but I like 1 & 7. Sorry if that throws your poll off a bit 😉

                                            EricCastleman.com

                                            SCBWI profile
                                            https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/eric-castleman

                                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                            • First post
                                              Last post