Jinyuan Wang
Creating a character archive
Summary
Creating a character archive-- Exploring Animation Character Design Methods and the use of a Reference Archive
As technology developed in the 20th century, virtual characters entered the public's entertainment life in the form of animation, movies, games and etc. In 2019, the global pandemic of the Covid-19 is forcing people to shift more of their social activities to the internet. This trend has led to a new vision of people use animated characters as their virtual identities.
This research by project explores the practice of animation character design and the use of references within this. All character designers and illustrators work within a rich history of animated character references, and drawing upon previous visual representations is a key part of the field. How can character design methodologies be explored by creating a virtual character archive? My research considers the archive as a tool for case studies, bringing together references into an open, shared archive of animated characters across time and cultures, dissecting the various methodologies of character design. In addition, it reflects on how the archive and references contribute to the production of originality through drawing-based character design practices. This will support practitioners, students and enthusiasts in the fields of animation, illustration and game design, and promote the development of cutting-edge practice in these fields.
Keywords：animation，archive，character design，practice-led，illustration, reflection.
Research Project-Creating a character archive
Part one, Creating a Character archive
The Character Archive is a collection of animated characters from different cultural backgrounds and time periods. Character design methods are explored through the collation and analysis of information about them.
The archive will serve character designers as well as practitioners and students associated with character design. Users can add and edit roles for the archive, building up a mindset of role design in the process of archiving.
Part two, Design a new set of characters
The second part is about designing a new set of characters and the story follows the growth of a human girl, Choma, and a young wolf. The story follows Choma's family as they adopt a young wolf who has lost his family, and after raising him and returning him to the forest.
This section was used to test the character design methods found in the first section and to reflect on how the archive can support new character design.
the archive can help users with new character designs. One is to design new characters by drawing on similar character concepts and details. Secondly new characters can be enriched by overlaying character design methods.
