Task 1: Exercises (Character Design) - 20%

ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL NARRATIVE - Character Design

Assignment Duration: Week 1 - Week 4

NAME: SITI NUR HASYIMAH ISMAIL

STUDENT ID: 0348369

PROGRAM: BACHELOR IN FASHION DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

1. Lectures 

2. Class Exercises & Individual Task

3. Reflection

 Lectures

Week 1

This section covers the basics of Adobe Illustrator. First, it introduces the interface and explains how to import documents using link or embed options. Then, it goes over essential skills such as understanding file extensions, using shortcut keys, and exporting work into raster or vector images.

Week 2

This week, we were taught how to create characters step by step. First, we use the Prompt Matrix (Who, Where, Trait, Twist) by writing five words for each category. Then, we roll digital dice to generate random combinations and come up with three different character prompts. Next, we sketch thumbnail drawings using basic shapes like circles, squares, and rectangles to build the character’s structure. After that, we add details and refine the sketches. Using AI tools to help polish the rough sketches is also an optional step.

Week 3

This week’s class focuses on creating line art in Illustrator. First, we prepare the document by setting up an A3 artboard, importing images, and creating a template layer, while adjusting the Pen Tool’s fill and stroke. Next, we use the Pen Tool and Shape Builder Tool to draw line art, finish details like the eyes, duplicate features such as eyes and eyebrows, and clean up the shapes. Finally, we refine the artwork with the Width Tool by adjusting line thickness, creating variable widths, and rounding caps and corners. Using these techniques, we are required to produce line art for three characters developed in last week’s tutorial.

Week 4 

This week’s tutorial focused on enhancing our character artwork. We started by preparing the line art for a Live Paint Group. Then, we used the Live Paint tool to add colors, expand the group, and finalize the fills. Finally, we created shadows and highlights on separate layers to give the characters more depth and dimension. The task was to continue developing the characters from last week by adding color, shadow, and highlight details.

CLASS EXERCISES & INDIVIDUAL TASK

 Designing 3 Characters (WEEK 2)

EXERCISE 01- Generating Ideas with Prompt  Matrix: Who, Where, Trait, Twist.

we were instructed to create a table that consists of 5 different character types and their traits. After that, we had to roll the dice to achieve 3 different random character combinations.

After rolling the dice here are the 3 different character combinations I got:

Combo 1 (Marcy The Vampire)

- Vampire + Music Studio + Has a side kick

Combo 2 (Vesper The Music Queen)

- Musician + Throne + Seductive + Electric Guitar

Combo 3 (Rhaenyra The Dark Fairy)

- Dark Fairy + Stage + Serious + Dragon Wings

EXERCISE 02 - Gathering Resources (Mood Board)

We were assigned to look for references online for our characters. I wrote down a few keywords for the concept I want to do.

THEME (KEYWORDS)

• Dark
• Mystical
• Music
• Gothic

Create Thumbnails

I started by sketching my characters using the thumbnail technique. After that, I refined the outlines to add more detail. I knew I wanted to create human characters, so my first sketches focused on figures posed to reflect the emotions assigned to each one. To build the base forms, I used simple geometric shapes—circles, squares, and triangles—which gave me a solid foundation to develop the characters further.

After refining the line..

Sketches

I continue using the figure I created as a template to develop my character sketches. 

Line Art (Week 3)

Using the sketches we made in previous week, we were tasked to recreate it in adobe illustrator using the pen tool.

Adding Color, shadow, and highlight (Week 4)

-Marcy The Vampire-

-Vesper The Music Queen-

-Rhaenyra The Dark Fairy-

Reflection

Working through the tutorials has allowed me to strengthen my character design process step by step. I enjoyed sketching thumbnails, refining outlines, and building line art with Illustrator’s tools, while also experimenting with AI to support the creative workflow. Even though I already know how to use AI, the most rewarding part was simply enjoying the process of bringing my characters to life and seeing them evolve from basic shapes into expressive designs.

A new skill I discovered during this journey was adding shadows and highlights. I had never tried this before, and it made a big difference in giving my characters more depth and dimension. Learning how light and shadow can transform flat drawings into dynamic artwork was both exciting and valuable, and it’s something I’ll continue to apply in future projects.