Topic: Sci-Fi Character Reference help

[amadarien]

Hello everyone,

I have been toying with a comic idea and character design on the side for some time now. I have went through many designs but for some reason I can never really get one that I like or feel strongly about. I was wondering if anyone could suggest any good reference or inspiration that may help.

The gentleman in question would be a swordsman but the wear is mostly casual. Probably a jacket with a hood and a few belts. Other than that.. the vision in my mind is foggy. I am usually decent with character designs but I get "main character" block or something. I am just looking for an outfit design really. He's not a space marine and his build and features is fine. I guess I just struggle with fashion. The idea of combining futuristic light armor with clothing is not something I am accustomed to.

Any advice or resources would be extremely appreciated. I figure this could be of use to others as well. More reference and information never hurts. Thanks!

[AzusaPesant]

Hello everyone,

I have been toying with a comic idea and character design on the side for some time now. I have went through many designs but for some reason I can never really get one that I like or feel strongly about. I was wondering if anyone could suggest any good reference or inspiration that may help.

The gentleman in question would be a swordsman but the wear is mostly casual. Probably a jacket with a hood and a few belts. Other than that.. the vision in my mind is foggy. I am usually decent with character designs but I get "main character" block or something. I am just looking for an outfit design really. He's not a space marine and his build and features is fine. I guess I just struggle with fashion. The idea of combining futuristic light armor with clothing is not something I am accustomed to.

Any advice or resources would be extremely appreciated. I figure this could be of use to others as well. More reference and information never hurts. Thanks!

When I think of characters, I usually make a chart, so this will help you when looking for references.

Era:
Clothing Type:
Body Type:
Surroundings:

So if this guy is in the future, Light armor with a few hoods, and loosely hanging wear giving him the mysterious look, so I would look up robes, hoods and leather. And a swordsman, how would he dress, how would you dress yourself if you where fighting futuristic enemies throwing or slashing sharp objects at you, would you put on some armor in areas to protect yourself?

Is this a post-apocalyptic setting, then make sure he has items with him to keep him alive while not fighting, air respirators, water packs. Or is this a Utopian-future, where he has personal rocket boots, teleporter watch?

Or associate your character with an animal, and go by those traits.

But these are the things that I got up, modern to futuristic stuff. I suggest , if you find a picture you think is really cool, or a photo that you can use for characters, make a favorite file for reference pictures.

Sci-Fi - Modern References
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/05/Storm-Chaser.jpg
http://fallout3.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/raider-8-2.jpg
http://games.softpedia.com/screenshots/Fallout-3-Mod-Free-Tribal-Armor_1.jpg
http://hpdizzo.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/post_apocalyptic.jpg
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images/e/e8/Raider_Commando_Armor.png
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images/b/bd/Raider_Throwdown_Armor.png
http://pixelsandgrids.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/exodus-cover.jpg
http://th09.deviantart.net/fs40/300W/f/2009/026/e/9/Post_Apocalyptic_Siamese_Twins_by_ChateNoire.jpg
http://www.doublemoonproductions.com/wip/gallery/illo4.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/daxius_666/jedi_robes.jpg
http://www.scificool.com/images/2008/03/tobey-maguire-afterburn-2.jpg

[amadarien]

Hey,

Thank you very much! It's very helpful to hear the thought process of other artists. You've given me something to think about and springboard off of. Thank you for providing the reference you use, it is very appreciated. This has helped a lot. :)