Shape Language

Description: Shape language is one of the core principles of character design. Generally speaking it is the use of shapes which make up the base design of a character which tells the audience something about that character. Do this well enough and it gives off an emotional response from your audience. 

Generally speaking, if the character is made up of circular shapes, then it is showing that it is a friendly character, everything is curvy and easier on the eye to look at. 

If it is made up of triangles, then it is showing that it is an edgy character, everything is sharp and pointed and therefore a little more striking to the eye. If it is made up of squares, then it is showing that it is a strong character. everything is blocky and built and therefore bolder to the eye.

Most character designs mix these all up a bit and use all of the shapes to build the base of the character, but it is balancing that out, and being selective of those shapes that really helps build out the character’s design. 

Use: Use this as a way to help you design the base of your character in terms of the shapes.

Genre:  Style, Animation