[mister b]

Hi all.

I'm developing a bunch of characters from a story I've been writing set in the 1940's. I'm going to work these characters into 3D models, but I wanna make sure I've got something worth doing. I'm wondering wether everyone agrees that I've managed to visually represent the character descriptions i've included with the artwork.

Character Description=============================================
Robert Coombes - main character

Physical Attributes :
age - 30
height - 5’11”
build - slight/medium
hair - mid brown
eyes - grey


General Description :
Robert is serious-minded, responsible, and stable. He loves the security of a home and family, as a parent Robert would be fair and understanding. Although Robert has good business judgment, he isn’t aggressive in his dealings because he doesn’t like to create issues.

Robert would be successful in any position as he has a diplomatic and tactful manner, possessing a charming, easy-going nature that puts people at ease. People are drawn to Robert because they feel that he is patient, kind, understanding, and responsive.

While Robert is honest and responsible, one weakness that is paramount in Roberts’ life is his lack of self-confidence and initiative, which causes him to put things off and avoid facing issues.

Robert works in a medium level position in a specialised branch of the British Secret Service in 1945.

[Shiro_tengu]

Hi Mr B,

Nice to see you here. I really like your character. I think you have represented the characters personality very well. What comes to my mind when I view your image is that perhaps his outfit is a little too modern. I wonder if suit jackets were a little heavier or something. I think trousers maybe cuffed and pleated. I dont know how to describe it but when you see a picture of suits back then they had a particular look about them. Is it set after V day or during the war?

Or I could be full of crap. I love the drawing.
:> )

[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: Shiro_tengu ]

[mister b]

heh heh .. yes you're right in a way. I picked the worst period of british history to base my characters in. At the time there was a ration of fabric and there was basically a utility ration of fabric and textiles that ppl could have. Suits didn't have many buttons on them .. where I have 4, they actualy had one, perhaps two. Pockets were a luxury but if you had to have some, they were a square of fabric sewn onto the front of your jacket .. there was no breasting, pleats or vents. Cuffs were removed altogether and collars were thinned, but longer than what I have here. After looking at 'period' costume, I kinda cheated a little and worked it into a little more interesting areas ... points noted though. If enough ppl think it should be more traditional than what I have here, I will change it for sure!

[Shiro_tengu]

Yes, I am aware of the fabric rashioning and how it effected fashion. If you want the character to look the part why not take that into account.


[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: Shiro_tengu ]

[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: Shiro_tengu ]

[Highfive]

The face and frame of your illustration of Robert matches the personality you've given pretty well. He definitely looks like someone you would want to stay out of a fray if he could help it, but at the same time there looks like there's some underlying potential in him to sort things out using more cunning methods.

As far as the costume is concerned, it all looks fine to me, but 1940's collars tend to point downwards, at an angle of about 45 degrees or so.

Check out the movie "Swing Kids" for reference, and on that note you've probably figured out who I am now ;-P

[mister b]

haha. Thx highfive. yeah, I got you pictured right now. I dragged out some reference pics but I really suck at collars for some reason (how hard can they be????)

This is Ripton Robert's best friend and although Robert doesn't realise it, his worst enemy.
Character Description==============================================
Ripton - main agitant

Physical Attributes :
age - 42
height - 6’1”
build - medium
hair - dark brown
eyes - brown

General Description :
Ripton is shrewd and aggressive in a business nature. Intent on personal gain, he is capable of very logical and analytical thinking along practical business lines. His judgment is seldom swayed by his feelings.
Ripton is inclined to be too blunt and forceful in dealing with people. He has a real failure to show more tact and understanding toward others in order to moderate a rather self-centred nature. The desires for independence and financial success have been strong motivating forces from very early in his life.
Sacrificing much for material ambition, Ripton has a lack of harmony and balance in his personal life, particularly a lack of appreciation for social courtesies and things of a more inspirational nature.

[Shiro_tengu]

Very cool Mr B

Nice illustration. Cool character.

[mister b]

thanks guys

[Junior]

Very very impressive.
I do have some character crits:

The clothes of both characters:
Your main guy looks 70's and ripton would blend in in any office today...

And...I'm afraid that in Ripton you captured the wrong look, he doesn't seem tactless, but a shrewd (spelling?) cunning smooth guy, perhaps you could give him a more square and defined jaw-line, lower forhead, more of the bully/mobster look?
He looks more like an evil James Bond than the way you described him.
of course, I might have gotten the wrong impression.

Anyway, those are two very very good works!
LOV'EM