Jeremy DeWilde - Character Development and Storytelling: Caricature
Multimedia Storytelling
Multimedia Storytelling
Introduction:
The challenges I faced when working on this project weren't necessarily very challenging, as in they were fairly easy to overcome. Furthermore, while our original project was supposed to be both a CARICATURE and a CAMEO, our professor decided to simply have the caricature done, with the cameo being an option.
The challenges I faced when working on this project weren't necessarily very challenging, as in they were fairly easy to overcome. Furthermore, while our original project was supposed to be both a CARICATURE and a CAMEO, our professor decided to simply have the caricature done, with the cameo being an option.
Above: A caricature (of myself) symbolizing who I am and my heritage.
MATERIALS:
Hardware: iPad, MacPro, Acer laptop
Software: Illustrator Draw; Illustrator CC
Platforms: Creative Cloud, Behance
CREATIVE PROCESS:
I used various forms of symbolism to create and define my caricature. For example, the clogs symbolize my Dutch heritage; me stepping across Canada and Quebec symbolize my Canadian and French heritage. Furthermore, the scrolls symbolize my passion for history and the compass symbolize my passion for geography, while the paint brush symbolizes my passion for the arts. The simple, modest clothing just represent my fashion choices and how I wear easy-going and casual clothing. Lastly, the hat being blown off my head was a simple, aesthetic choice made by myself but after giving it a thought, I believe it could represent my dislike of wearing hats in general.
PRODUCTION METHODS AND WORKFLOW:
First off, I would like to thank my professor, Jim Kinney, for aiding me with the initial brainstorming for ideas and concepts for what my caricature would include.
To begin, I used an iPad and the software Illustrator Draw to create the initial caricature. I first worked on the head (which had to be exaggerated). I traced an image I took of my head via the iPad and subsequently the Illustrator Draw app. I then saved it and shared it to my own, personal computer via the Creative Cloud so that I could work on it at home.
After doing so, I began work on the main body of the caricature. Firstly, I used a simple cartoon image to trace the body and made sure to shrink it down so that the head still appeared overly large. Satisfied with the body, I began the process of creating the environment my character would be located in and also the props that would be used. This process would take a few hours to complete.
Upon completion of my caricature, I saved both an .ai file as well as a .PNG file on my USB key.
Below is a short series of screenshots of my process.
Above: Initial head drawing (via Adobe Illustrator).
Above: Completion of the body.
Above: Addition of some details and the environment.
Above: Final illustration (I later changed the type for Canada and Quebec).
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, I am very satisfied with the way this illustration turned out. I personally think that i both succeeded and didn't in terms of exaggeration. Perhaps I could have made the body smaller and perhaps I could have added more details.
Some frustrations I had with this project were the inclusion of certain details and how I could weave them through the different sections. For example, the front strap of the bag was a particular bother to me, especially around the right hand. Another challenge of sorts was figuring out how to recreate the border between Ontario and Quebec in a sort of curved/globular way, where to add the lakes and the St. Laurence River. However, in the end, i succeeded in breaking through these "obstacles".
While I wouldn't consider this as one of my BEST works, it is definitely up there, in my opinion anyway.
I've come out of this project with a better understanding of digital art and I believe these new insights will be most beneficial for me in the future, both in and out of work.