Designing a character

When Designing a character you must first break it down.
I generally break it down in this order:
1)gesture
2) Shapes
3) Story

Don't get caught up too quickly in the details.

Gesture and Story
THE ANATOMY OF A MATCH AND A BURNT MATCH  - some wisdom from Walt Stanchfield (see Drawn to Life, Vol 1, pg 28)

Compare a new wooden match to one that has been half burned.  TH e new one is like an anatomy drawing of a person.  It simply is a human being.  now let that match be lit, let it burn half way before being blown out.  this match is no longer your standard anatomical match. it has been twisted into a shape that tells a story.  it has become something unique inwhich every twist and shape means something.  this is a gesture drawing.

when Designing a character, remember that you are not just drawing a person but Designing a Character.  Think about the shapes that will best tell their story.  the gesture that will bring them alive and give them vitality and energy.