Visual Language - Captain Character - The Powerpuff Girls

I decided to look at the character design sheets for the TV show, The Powerpuff girls, as they demonstrate a range of tips and techniques for other people to draw from in order to draw the characters consistently.

The expressions shown in this sheet demonstrate how certain features have certain placements to depict the direction that the head is pointing. Because the characters are simple shapes, it can be quite easy to draw them, but hard to draw them exactly each time in order to make them look believable and express their emotions. Because they're animated 2D, the placements of features on their round faces can be difficult.

This sheet demonstrates how  the features do not "roll" on the head, and how the hair line is curved a little. These are useful tips when a company is developing the animation for the show as these tips and images are a reference for the production side. Key points like the placement of the eyes when showing an emotion can make or break a characters acting.

Here, the dyynamics of the actions are demonstrated. Keeping the characters arms solid and consistent is key to maintaining the character's key features. The list about how relaxed arms are smaller than "action" arms help to translate the characters movements. Having the characters arms expand when in action communicates their strength and exaggerates the movement.

Because of the 2D style to the show and the characters, the placements of curves and angles are important. Incorperating certain features, such as the belt, help define the volume and direction of the character, and help demonstrate movements, which is helpful in creating smooth and swift movements of characters without making them look too flat and inactive.

The reality of weight is demonstrated through the characters limbs by having them seem weighted and solid with the smooth expansion towards the end. The shapes that build up the character flow together, and need to be in line and consistent.

Sheets such as these are incredibly useful when it comes to groups of people working on an animation, because constantly referencing character design sheets help keep the shape of the characters true. When creating character sheets in the future, I will create key notes for myself to refer back to.