Mind Map
The image is preserved by value hierarchies. These may be pushed as a unit across many different value ranges into high-key, low-key territory. It is the grayscale of the image as a whole being susceptible to shifts, not an individual object’s color.
Assignment
Decent pressure to select correct and viable references. Three references minimum, one dictating the character, color, and direct light + pose.
- Pose + lighting should be coupled. Imposing the character design and color onto it is the real challenge. Background is not that important, color blocks are enough.
Instructions
Checkpoints
- Select an appropriate reference, sketch for taste.
- Finish the base map. (Assume flat lighting, tone should not consider direct light/shadow yet or be overdone)
- Lighting. Apply direct lighting and ambient colors, verify it is reasonable.
- Refinement (Transitions, edging)
Readables
Selecting Three Key References
Refers to the Color, Terminator, and Model reference
Lighting reference archetypes
Most are usable with the right skillset, but side-light is a clear winner.
Color sketching/thumbnail
I feel like this is useful if you can already imagine the final product.
Basic design templates
Styling reference templates
Characters with scarce color are only drawn out in later stages of rendering.
