Critique for character design?

**Ayem** · February 24th, 2012, 11:44 PM

Not sure if the animation centre would be better - but it seems pretty dead over there.

Anyway, I'm making a film this year, and I'm trying to get the character designs down. I have 2/3, but the third, the tiger, is proving difficult. (I don't know why... tigers are my thing.)

I'm happy with the face, body I'm iffy about... any critique you have would be very helpful.

Also, I'm useless at drawing him side-on. I think I've been trying to get a side view of this character for like, 8 months.

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**Ayem** · February 24th, 2012, 11:48 PM

OH yes, additionally, I'd like the design to remain blocky. I realize it's a little stiff, and would love to fix that, but without sacrificing the blockyness.

**Ayem** · February 25th, 2012, 12:00 AM

I also realized it might help if I post the other designs. For consistency and all. Critique is always welcome, but I am much happier with these designs.
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**SCrane** · February 25th, 2012, 01:07 AM

Not sure if this will help or not, but I thought it would be a little easier to do a quick sketch instead of trying to explain myself through words. Basically, I just changed the front paws to read a little closer to the anatomy of a tiger, as well I altered a few aspects on the head. However, when doing so some of the blockiness that you were going for was lost... but hey, maybe seeing your drawing altered by someone else might make you see it in an entirely different perspective.

**Ayem** · February 25th, 2012, 01:09 AM

I feel bad, but I should have mentioned... the one thing I don't want to do is cheek/neck fluff.
I feel like those paws are better, though. Thanks.

**TinyBird** · February 25th, 2012, 09:08 AM

Well, the only thing that really bothers me is the two straight lines that make the body, it makes the character look pretty stiff and like it can't bend (as if it had a cardboard tube as a stomach), something that does pretty against all felines. And there's other parts in the character that curve, so...
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Here's more of his stuff about straights and curves: http://dredsina.tumblr.com/post/10878868133

**Stoat** · February 25th, 2012, 09:30 AM

Tigers have round pupils. Other'n that (and TinyBird makes a good point too), I like him.

**Lee14k** · February 25th, 2012, 03:18 PM

I personally would follow the advice of others and also just make the chest stick out a teeeny bit less.

Looking at pictures of tigers and loosely using them as reference will greatly help.

**Ayem** · February 26th, 2012, 02:26 AM

TinyBird: This makes much sense. I also love the image you linked. Beautiful drawings! It's the exact feel I'm going for. I feel like this will help the design a lot. *gets to work*

Stoat: Thanks! I must admit, though, I really like the slitted pupils, as they show a lot about his personality. (Crazed, animal like.) I hope it's not to detracting.

Lee14k: Thanks, will try it in the next design. As for reference photos, I never want to see another tiger photo again after this. :')

**Ayem** · February 26th, 2012, 02:51 AM

Less chest/more flowing body/not so chunky wrists and ankles:

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I feel like I'm losing that 'totem' feel I'm going for... I wish I was good enough to get a happy balance. Maybe I should just change the style of the film. It could be easier.

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I also feel when I take away the head the design is so much better. Maybe I'll also just never show his head. /ahrgh

**Ayem** · February 26th, 2012, 03:07 AM

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More working out. I think he's starting to feel a little too lion like.

**Marlo** · February 26th, 2012, 03:54 AM

Keep working on it until you get that totem look you are looking for, you can solve your problems. You're creative, right?

**Ayem** · February 26th, 2012, 03:55 AM

Marlo: Haha, some days I wonder. I've been working on this for far too long. But hopefully I'll get it before the deadline.

**TinyBird** · February 26th, 2012, 08:44 AM

Just a little note that I noticed with Googling:
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Also that would create a contrast to the back of the other cat (acid panther, was it?)

Also I don't know what might help to the lion-like face, except maybe the length of the muzzle. In the original the face come off much flatter and shorter, and that might be for trying again.

**LordLouis** · February 26th, 2012, 11:28 AM

I just wondered; would that help?

**Mr.Ebony** · February 27th, 2012, 12:13 PM

I think sloping the back and neck will be enough.

The rest of his build looks great.

**Ayem** · February 27th, 2012, 07:24 PM

TinyBird: Man, that looks great. How about you just design all my characters? I like what you've done.

Thanks very much. I think that's a big this that was holding it back. (Even though from the front, I liked that really tall neck thing - I guess I have to make compromises, though.)

LordLouis: I have a book from the play featuring a lot of photos of the costumes. I'll flick through it today.

Mr.Ebony: Thanks!