Week 3 - Character Design

Top Traits + Cute Factors

1. How visually depicts these elements?
2. How many cute factors are included?
3. How to get desired emotional responses?

Artistic Direction:
Fairytale + Futuristic + Evil + Hilarious


SNOW WHITE (2D Animation)
Dopey, the Seventh Dwarf -> acting stupid

DISNEY © 1937
source: American Inventor: Walter Disney, p. ?

Top Traits
1. Dazzling smiles, opened mouth -> playful manner
2. Big, mischievous eyes -> puppy-like personality

Cute Factor
1. Short, childlike hesight
2. Big, rounded head -> to contrast with his small brain

Adjectives
Soft, gentle curves
Classic fairy tale

Note
Tested formula: eyes set low on rounded big face, big ears, floppy limbs, doll-like character


ASTRO BOY (Japanese Manga / Animation)
Tetsuwan Atomu -> Japanese equivalent of Superman + Mickey Mouse

TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS CO. LTD. ©2004, SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC., DENTSU INC.
source: Astro Boy: The Complete Series, dsic 4 cover

Top Traits
1. Rocket feet -> a robot
2. Spiky, angular hair -> mental
3. Stiff, rigid body gestures

Cute Factors
1. Young boy robot - human-like
2. Rounded face, ears & small nose
3. Big, sparkling eyes with long eyelashes

Adjectives
Bold, tight curves
Futuristic hero, sci-fi story


DEATH JUNIOR (Third-Person Action Adventure Video Game)
Death Junior, Son of Grim Reaper -> sweet and scary

BACKBONE ENTERTAINMENT ©2006
source: Game Design: From Blue Sky to Green Light, color plate insert

Top Traits
1. Skull, tattoo -> evil, underworld, dark, deadly
2. Toothy mouth, frowning face -> spooky & distressful feelings
3. Gloomy body gestures

Cute Factors
Cuteness Formula:
1. Baby, doll-like character
2. Eyes set low on a big round face


SPORE (Online MMO / Sim)
Spore Monster & Alien-like Creatures -> user-created using character editor

ELECTRONIC ARTS INC. ©2008
source: TIME: September 15, 2008, p.64

Top Traits (modular elements)
1. Animal parts
2. Rounded bodies -> contrast with sharp teeth and bones

Cute Factors
1. Pet-like
2. Colorful (candy colors)
3. Sound effects

Note
Low bar of what makes something cute