How Long Does It Take to Design a Character?

How Long Does It Take to Design a Character?

Graphic designing is a great way to get into the world of building and designing characters. You can build characters that can be used for stories, video games, and so much more. The only limit is your imagination. But how long does it take to design a character?

To make a basic character can take about 150 or more hours. This depends all on you and what your character will look like. A simple character may take less than that, while a complex character may take even longer.

There are many considerations to take when designing your character and things you can do to help reduce the time of designing your character. Here are tips and tricks to help you in the process of designing your character.

How Long Does It Take to Design a Character?

On average, it should take you about 150 hours, but this number can change depending on your character. If you are designing a 2D character, you will find that this will take less time than if you were designing a more complex character or 3D character.

Simple characters for comics, mangas, or other 2D modes of storytelling may not need as much detail to create. You may even be making a character that isn’t complex in a more realistic world.

3D characters or more complex characters, usually for video games or fantasy and science fiction genres, are often more detailed. It makes the characters more intricate, like telling a story about them without telling the whole story.

The time it takes to design a character also relies on you and how fast you work. Some artists like to work quickly, while others take their time to work through the character. So it all depends on your determination to finish the character you have started.

Tips For Making Your Character

Making your own character can be difficult, especially when you are new to designing or are just hitting some creative obstacles. Here are some ways to help you create your characters and to help you move the process smoothly:

  • Create a list of characteristics or things you want to include with the design.
  • Figure out the pose you want to use for your character.
  • Find characters that are similar to what you are searching for.
  • Use these characters as references while you create your character.
  • Make a backstory to help add details to your character.
  • Use a 3D model within the program you are using when posing your character.
  • You can also buy a character from a marketplace to help you start.
  • Make a few versions of your character.
  • Every addition to the character should tell their story.
  • Give yourself grace.
  • Take breaks when creating the character.
  • Ensure the character fits with the environment of the story.
  • Remember that it doesn’t need to be perfect.
  • Get someone’s perspective on the character.
  • Start without color as a beginner.
  • Don’t overwhelm yourself with the process.

When you are creating your character, it doesn’t have to be perfect. You can make mistakes. Your character doesn’t always have to look complete in your eyes because to others, and it will look complete.

It is okay to seek help when you design your character. They can help you see the character from another perspective. If you need ideas, bouncing them off even a friend can help you work through some of the processes of making a character.

If you find starting your character out, you can always find character designs online to purchase. You don’t have to stick strictly with that character and tweak it so that the character reflects your style more than the previous artist. 

Always give yourself a little mercy when creating these characters. Character designs will not be appealing to every person. Audiences will sway back and forth between characters based on their personal experiences, so sometimes, clients or customers may not find your character as appealing. All that matters is that you love your character.

Outro

Designing a character is not always as easy as it seems. When drawing them out, you have to make so many decisions that sometimes can be overwhelming. How long it takes you to create your character depends on your process. 

Find a process that best fits your style, and you will begin creating your characters. As you continue to practice your art and use programs, the easier it will be to design the characters. It just takes a little patience.