This Week's Work:
Monday (12/13): Finish working on second body
Tuesday (12/14): Work on boots
Wednesday (12/15): Finish working on boots; Begin beard
Thursday (12/16): Work on beard
Friday (12/17): Work on beard
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Character Designer, Heidi Smith:
As I move into modelling my other characters, I wanted to do more research on how professionals create intriguing character designs.
I gained interest in Heidi Smith for her character work on Laika Animation Studio's 2012 film, ParaNorman. Laika Studios has always had fun designs but I especially like ParaNorman for its unnerving designs (while still being available for younger demographics).
Heidi Smith joined in on the production in 2008, just three months after graduating from CalArts. Her art in her portfolio displayed "scrappy and unhinged" designs which resulted in Laika picking her up for the project (Arrant). Smith claimed the asymmetry, a recurring characteristic in her art, created a mood that would be perfect for this children's thriller movie. When she officially signed on, she found that she was the sole character designer, responsible for imagining the large cast of the movie.
Her designs were inspired after reading the script for the film. Whatever she felt fit the character best, she drew. Later her designs would be reviewed and changed as needed. Interestingly enough, the design for Norman Babcock, the titular character of the feature, was inspired by her professor, Norman Klein. Before she even joined the project, Smith wanted to create a story based on him as a child. The reference picture of him as a kid would later inspire Norman Babcock.
Without her distinct style and varied inspiration, ParaNorman would never be the film it is today. Heidi Smith's ability to illustrate a world largely on her own is inspirational and impressive, especially when considering the end product. For my own work, I took into consideration the story, and how the characters should fit into the world I create for them. Reading Smith's story only makes me want to develop an even more unifying work.
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Heidi Smith's Portfolio: http://hesmith.blogspot.com/
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/meet-paranorman-character-designer-heidi-smith-67775.html
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