Character Design and Artistic Growth: Insights from Emma Gillette
Feb 21, 2024
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Professional illustrator Emma Gillette shares insights on character design and artistic growth, discussing topics like studying animation at BYU, motifs in design, appeal in character creation, and the journey from animator to illustrator. She also touches on embracing critique, drawing what you love, and finding joy in creating artwork.
Attending BYU's animation program provides valuable connections and artistic training enhancing career prospects.
Missionary experience in Thailand cultivates resilience and adaptability crucial for professional success.
Using strategic shapes and motifs in character design evokes specific viewer emotions and enhances storytelling impact.
Tailored design approaches over generic styles in character design foster audience connection and storytelling effectiveness.
Deep dives
Emma Gillette's Background in Animation and Illustration
Emma Gillette, a professional illustrator with a background in animation, discusses her college experience at Brigham Young University, known for its animation program. She highlights the competitive yet rewarding nature of the program, emphasizing the connections and art training she gained. The program's 3D focus and artistic guidance, especially in character design, contributed significantly to her career and job opportunities.
Influence of Mormon Culture on Education at BYU
Emma shares insights into attending Brigham Young University, a Mormon university, and how Mormonism influences education. She discusses the blend of general education and religious studies at BYU and the emphasis on work ethic among students. The competitive entry process and the diverse backgrounds of students, including non-Mormons, contribute to a unique mix of talent and dedication within the program.
Lessons from Missionary Work and Diversity in Experience
Emma recounts her missionary experience in Thailand, highlighting the intense commitment and cultural exposure it provided. She delves into the valuable life lessons and diverse encounters she had during her mission, shaping her perspective and artistic sensibilities. The challenges faced during missionary work, including rejection and cultural differences, instilled resilience and adaptability that now benefit her professional career.
Leveraging Psychology in Character Design
Emma explores the psychology of character design in her course, emphasizing the strategic use of shapes and motifs to evoke specific emotions in viewers. She explains the significance of shape language in eliciting audience responses and ensuring design cohesion. By incorporating motifs that represent themes or emotions, artists can engage viewers subliminally and enhance the storytelling impact of characters.
Implications of Overused Corporate Styles in Character Design
Emma reflects on the prevalence of corporate graphic styles in character design, noting the impersonal and generic feel they often convey. She critiques the practice of adopting popular or safe styles without considering audience connection and intent. Highlighting the importance of tailored design approaches for specific audiences, Emma encourages a more thoughtful and intentional design process to enhance engagement and effectiveness in visual storytelling.
Developing Artistic Skills: Training Your Arm Movement and Using a Sketchbook as a Gym for Artists
One key aspect emphasized in the podcast is the significance of training an artist's arm movements to improve drawing skills. The importance of figure drawing classes in refining stroke precision and efficiency is highlighted, focusing on techniques like ghosting and practicing mark-making. Additionally, the concept of a sketchbook being a personal gym for artists is discussed, emphasizing its role in warm-ups, idea generation, and skill development through studies and exploration.
Career Evolution: Transition from Animation to Illustration and the Diversified Path of an Illustrator
The podcast delves into the career evolution of the speaker from pursuing a BFA in animation to establishing a successful career in illustration. The journey involves a shift towards freelance illustration, propelled by discovering a passion for children's book illustrations. The speaker reflects on the unpredictability of transitioning career paths and the learning curve of navigating the illustration industry, emphasizing the importance of diversifying skill sets and income sources in the evolving stages of an illustrating career.
In our latest podcast episode, Emma Gillette, a professional illustrator and instructor of the newly released Character Design Fundamentals course, shares her experiences and insights, providing actionable lessons for fellow artists and designers.
