This article will be of interest to anyone considering hiring a character design illustrator, or becoming one themselves. Regardless of which path you are on, identifying the traits of a great character design illustrator will be of great interest to you. First we must really look at the purpose behind a character design illustrator, and then analyze what it would take to be, or identify a great one. After all, if you going to hire a someone, you want to be able to assure yourself that they can do the job.

James got in touch with us for a new mascot design. Conceptually called “Rocky” he wanted an upright, bipedal Raccoon that was confident and happy and strapped with gear such as a climbing harness and a helmet. Here are some of the concept sketches the team came up with.

Mascot design sketches of Rocky the Racoon
Rocky had to be a character that would appeal to adults as well as students. Above all he needed an outdoorsy feel and be charming and cool without trying. With some back and forth and feedback from James the final Rocky he loved was the mascot you see below.

Rocky the Racoon
Got a thing for cartoon robots? Me too! Some of my favorites are the Japanese made, world famous Astroboy and the Iron Giant. This robot cartoon character is one that needed an aggresive and confident look without being too threatening or dark. The result is an assertive cartoon robot who looks like he’s ready to take on anything. You can also see some of the other robot concept sketches that we part of the design process.

Robot Cartoon Character




