Fundamentals of character design : how to create engaging characters for illustration, animation & visual development / Randy Bishop (Author, Artist), Sweeney Boo (Author, Artist), Meybis Ruiz Cruz (Author, Artist), Luis Gadea (Author, Artist), Kenneth Anderson (Artist)

Includes index
Statements of responsibility from cover
Artists include: Kenneth Anderson; Olga Andriyenko; Randy Bishop; Sweeney Boo; Meybis Ruiz Cruz; Guilherme Franco; Luis Gadea; Ida Hem; Corah Louise; Vanessa Morales; Dom "Scruffy" Murphy; Tom van Rheenen; Stephanie Garcia Rizo; Noor Sofi; Eduardo Vieira

Introduction
How to use this book
What is character design? Overview ; Establishing the story ; Telling the story
Research & ideation. Why is research important? ; How can you research? ; Ideation
Key design principles. Shape language ; Color & value ; Lighting ; Balance & contrast ; Scale ; Repetition ; Rhythm ; Tangents
Figure basics. Anatomy overview ; Construction & basic shapes ; Different body types ; Exaggeration of form
Pose, movement & gesture. Lines of action & movement ; How to construct upward from gesture ; Exaggeration of gesture ; Poses library
The face. Constructing the face & head ; Exaggerating shapes ; Expressions ; Exaggerating expressions ; Expressions library
Age. Communicating age ; Baby characters ; Child characters ; Teen characters ; Adult characters ; Elderly characters ; Case study: the librarian
Accessories. Overview ; Costume library ; Hairstyles library ; Props library
Putting it all together. Creating engaging characters ; Hero versus villain
Working with multiple characters. Overview ; Two characters ; Main character & sidekick ; Classroom ; Bus-stop queue ; Family dinner ; Music band ; Crowd ; Sports team
Working in character design. Key considerations ; Presentation ; Style
Ideas grid

"What is it about the characters we see in our favorite books, animated films, and games that make us laugh, cry, and respond to them? How do character designers develop ideas that are unique, memorable, and captivate us as an audience? This book answers these questions and more, taking a comprehensive, visual, and analytical approach to discover just what it is that makes a character appealing. Understand key principles like shape language, proportion, and exaggeration, and learn from talented professionals who share industry secrets for getting the most out of anatomy, gesture, expression, and costume. Uncover ways to convey relationships and interaction between multiple characters, and how narrative fuels authentic and engaging characterization. With hundreds of lively illustrations to inspire and study, and tricks of the trade from celebrated artists, this thorough and insightful volume is an essential library addition for anyone interested in character design."--Amazon.com