Character Design?
 

I have a number of characters in my mind for a script that I am writing, and I know exactly what I want them to look like, however, I am having a huge amount of trouble converting these mental images into images on paper (or pixels). Now, it is not that I am not very good at drawing, because I am (if I do say so myself). It is just that what I get down on paper looks absolutely nothing like what I have in my mind.

Does anybody have any links to any tutorials or lectures, etc, about character concept drawing? I would look at the ****** DVDs, but it would cost me an absolute fortune to get them, what with customs, and courier fees, and the rest.

Sorry if this isn't a good place to ask this, but I couldn't think of anywhere else.

I'm not aware of anything that covers this subject exactly. I 2 would like to find something. I can only sugest what worked for me.. was try seeing whats in your mind out flat on paper, like a overlay. and practice drawing that. I'd start with simpler things at first.

Best advice I can give is to work from what you see first. Carry a sketch pad with you everywhere, and start drawing a wide variety of things. This develops two critical skills needed. The first is observation and REALLY taking a look at how things are connected and work together, whether its a human, a dog, a tree, or whatever. The second is hand-eye motor coordination, or the ability to transfer what you see to paper.

If you're looking for books, expand your search. Rather than focusing on Character Concept Design, look for anatomy, clothing design, weapons design, etc. Any elements central to the types of characters you want to design.

If you can provide more information on what type of characters you want to design, we might be able to provide more focused suggestions on reading material.

If you can already draw well, then taking this next step should come that much easier. :)

Thanks for the suggestions. The type of characters I'm trying to design are sort of animal/human hybrids, such as a dog with a human style body, and human-type facial features, if you follow what I mean. I essentially want something that is based on a dog/cat, etc, but you can tell from its face that it is supposed to be based on a human.

Something along the lines of the characters Timothy Albee used in Kaze: Ghost Warrior, but looking a bit more human.