Genndy Tartakovsky

While following artists who specialise in character creation and animation, I found Genndy Tartakovsky; the animator responsible for Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory, Star Wars The Clone Wars 2003, Hotel Transylvania etc. I am very interested in this art style. Its very graphic, and uses angular and ergonomic shapes to create a simple yet extremely effective art style.

More Research

This model sheet from Disneys Aladdin is a perfect example of of the different shapes I can build from when designing a character. I'm sure this will become very useful as a reference when making my own. 

Character Re-analysis

After sketching out some ideas for bat-like creatures, I found myself disliking my idea heavily and so I've rethought the character entirely. I am now thinking of a gaunt and blind old man. I want him to have slow sweeping movements around the room so that there's no doubt he controls the situation.

I want him to be tall yet skinny with ragged clothing and a greyish toned skin. this will amplify the withered and aged look I hope to achieve. I plan to elongate his fingers so that when he grasps an object it is engulfed completely. This should hopefully aid the idea of his need to control and own things. I like the idea of making his robes drape from his arms in a wing-like fashion, almost giving an animal characteristic.

Head Concepts

So I've begun initial concepts and sketches of what my character shall look like. Above you'll see various features and additions to the head; each create an entirely different personality. I've had a lot of fun just playing with ideas and enjoyed seeing what i can produce.

head and neck shape redesign

After talking to Peter I decided to rethink the shapes of my head and neck; I wanted to get a better sense of dominance from my character and so I've created more of an ark on the neck so that the character looks down on others. This will create a smoother shape. For better and easier animation I've simplified the head shape as well.

Initial Concepts and Sketches

Bat-like Creature References