Ever wonder how the pros design characters that leap off the screen? From Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland to the Men in Black franchise, Bobby Chiu has spent two decades bringing iconic figures to life. Now, he’s sharing his invaluable insights – and a fantastic free class – to help you elevate your own artistic journey.
In the below video, Bobby dives into five unusual character design tips that he wishes he’d known sooner. These aren’t your typical art school lectures; they’re fresh perspectives that will challenge how you approach your designs and unlock new creative potential.
Wisdom from Bobby:
Here are five character design tidbits that he shares – but watch the video for more details and visual examples!
1. Study unique people (and animals!)
Instead of aiming for the perfectly proportioned ideal, Bobby encourages artists to seek out the unusual. He finds constant inspiration in his blind dog, Magnus, whose vibrant personality shines through. By observing people (or pets) with distinctive features, you’ll develop an eye for what makes a character truly memorable.
Think about it: if you only ever draw “average,” how can you push the boundaries of design? Unique subjects provide easier goals, boost confidence, and make sketching more enjoyable.
But there’s a flip side! While unique subjects are a great starting point, don’t shy away from the challenge of drawing less unique subjects. Capturing the likeness of someone like Charlize Theron, for example, is much harder because her features are subtly beautiful rather than overtly distinctive. This difficulty actually sharpens your observational skills.
2. Think in words
Before you even pick up your Wacom pen, Bobby suggests thinking about your character in words. What are the unique words that best describe your subject? Is your character “old, muscular, with a strong jaw, gap teeth, and squinty eyes”? You’re probably thinking of Arnold Schwarzenegger!
This exercise helps you grasp the essence of your subject beyond just copying angles and proportions. For Anna Taylor Joy, Bobby thinks: “big eyes, defined cheekbones, small mouth, small nose, slightly separated eyes.” Even if a feature feels average, try to lean into whether it’s more this way or more that way. A robust vocabulary is also key for clear communication, especially when working with clients and art directors.
3. Think in shapes before details
It’s tempting to jump straight to the most obvious details—like a character’s glasses. But Bobby advises against this. Instead, focus on defining your character through big, bold shapes first. Details like color and texture come last.
Think about how you recognize someone from a distance: it’s not by their tiny features, but by their overall silhouette. By starting with shapes, you build a stronger foundation and avoid the illusion that you’ve captured an essence just by nailing one detail. Try to imagine different general shapes for your subject until one truly “clicks.”
4. Don’t get caught up with references
While reference images are valuable, relying on them exclusively can hinder your ability to draw from imagination. Bobby advocates for drawing from memory as a powerful way to improve. It’s like taking multiple bites of a delicious steak—each time you study something, you notice new details, shortcuts, and connections.
High-level artists often embrace what others might find “boring”: exercises, drills, and repetition. This dedicated practice builds a solid foundation of knowledge and skill, allowing you to create incredible things directly from your mind.
5. Take a Class (from the right teacher!)
Finally, Bobby’s ultimate tip: take a class. Learning from experienced mentors is the fastest shortcut to improving your skills, landing better jobs, and advancing your career. However, he stresses the importance of choosing a teacher who genuinely knows their craft and has a proven track record of accomplishment. A good teacher condenses years of experience into accessible lessons, saving you countless hours of trial and error.
Ready to start your own artistic journey?
Bobby Chiu wants to give back to the community, and he’s doing it in a big way! He’s offering a completely free course on Schoolism.com: Digital Painting Fundamentals in Clip Studio Paint.
This course is perfect for everyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals, looking to master digital painting. You’ll learn Bobby’s techniques using Clip Studio Paint, a versatile tool that pairs perfectly with your Wacom tablet.
Click here to access Bobby Chiu’s FREE Digital Painting Fundamentals class!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from an industry legend. Dive into these character design tips, then take the next step with Bobby’s free class. Your Wacom tablet is waiting to help you bring your amazing characters to life!
