In this module, we were tasked to develop and create two characters with distinct size difference, one big and one small. Furthermore, both characters have to be related to each other in a way, either family, friends, for, or companion. It is noted that one of the characters has to be in humanoid form.

The overall tasks were divided into 4 sections. 

In this task, we were to create our concept world creation and develop our character from there. 

For my ideation, I started with a few ideas, which includes:

1. Angel and Devil Universe

2. Underground World 

3. Witch Universe

Out of the three, I chose to work with the underground universe as I remembered watching a video about there's an entrance to the underground world in North Pole, which is related to the Hollow Earth Theory. On the other hand, there's an animation movie by Makoto Shinkai, The Child Who Chase Lost Voices, which greatly inspired me in the world creation. 

As I researched further, the underground world in 'The Child Who Chase Lost Voices' is named Agartha, which actually originates from an old myth. From there, I decided to named the underground world Agartha. From the myth, it is said that there are 7 entrance to Agartha. As I develop throughout the module, I come out with a spin off that there are 12 key scattered around Agartha in order for the people there to go to the upper world. 

For the concept of the world I created, I decided to include the local culture of my hometown -- Sabah. In this context, for the environment reference to my world creation, it is inspired with Kundasang area around Sabah. From here, I decided that for my world creation, that Agartha is a very windy place. However the city is surrounded by mountains, which protected them from the wind. Inspired from the myths and legends of Mount Kinabalu, I also included a sacred mountain in Agartha in which the people there worshiped to. 

On the other hand, for the culture and motif of the people there, is also inspired by the culture of various Sabah ethnics, which includes but not limited to Kadazandusun, and Murut. I hope to be able show these characteristics through motif patterns, as well as the design of the clothing. 

After creating the world concept, I proceed to start developing my character. Initially I wanted to have a companionship between a girl and a robot transportation. After going through moodboard and much consideration, I changed it to a girl and a creature animal.

In order to further progress with the character, I decided to add a backstory for her as it'll be easier to develop the character. Hence, I came out with a plot that the main protagonist is to embark on a journey to the upper world in search of her father. As for her personality, she's an easy going and bubbly girl, while can be quite stubborn at times. She's also really loves cute stuffs, which is then can be related with her relationship with the other character. As much as she's a girly girl, she can be quite tough at times too, as she can be quite active.

For the other animal character, as the progress goes, I decided for it to be the spirit of the sacred mountain. At the same time, it is also one of the holder to the key to the entrance to the upper world. For it's personality, I decided to get inspirations from my cats, in which they are arrogant but an be quite an attention seeker when they want to. Basically I want to shape this character as the cutie pie in this world. The relationship between both characters takes its reference from the relationship between Kero-chan and Sakura from the anime/manga Cardcaptor Sakura, as well as the relationship between Nyanko-sensei and Natsume in the anime/manga Natsume's Book of Friends.

A compilation of moodboards for the world concept and character development as well as the detail of the world concept is as attached: 

After developing the silhouettes, I decided to work with the bunny as its near Mooncake Festival when I'm working with this character.  Then I progress further with the silhouettes for the bunny.

I decided to name this character Zitu, as in the Chinese language, the word for bunny/rabbit is 兔子, which is pronounced as 'Tu Zi'. Therefore I decided to change the sequence of the words to come out for a name for the character. 

In this task, we were to come out with 20 pose sketches for each of the character. From these 20 sketches, we will pick out five that gets to present the character with a more detailed sketch. After that, we will work on the expression sheets for the character.

Tori 

20 sketches of poses

As I sketch the poses, I tried to think of how Tori would act/do in her daily life with the personality of hers. I also think of how her expression will be while doing the sketches. After consulting Ms. Anis, the five chosen poses to detail more on is as below:

As I do the more detailed sketches of the pose, I also explore with the possible color scheme I can work with the character at the same time. 

After that, I chose two poses to develop the expressions for Tori. 

I also decide to come out with other expressions which includes: happy, sad, angry, and joy, as I think these are the most basic expression a character should have. 

Zitu

10 sketches of poses

As for animal creatures, Ms. Anis reduced the amount of poses needed for that character to just 10. From the sketches, the five chosen poses are as below. 

As for Zitu, as he (yes, I decided to make this cutie a male) usually expresses himself most through body language, hence there's not much work to be done with the expression sheet, as the expressions are basically self explanatory through the poses. It is noted that the emotion/expression of Zitu is expressed through the shape of the eyes and the movement of the ears.

In this task, we were to create mod skins for our character. I chose to work on the theme Chinese New Year, as I really want to have a different feel from what she usually wears, and its part of my own culture too. I also finalized on her casual outfit. Other than that, we have to create an illustrated hero pose for both characters.

Below attached is the moodboard done for both characters:


Tori
For Tori, after consulting with Ms Anis, she said I could go for something that is low key sexy. Below are my sketches for the mod skin design:







The final chosen outfit for the mod skin is:


On the other hand, I also finalized on her casual outfit sheet as well as hero pose illustration.

Casual outfit sheet

Hero pose illustration

I also sculpted Tori in Zbrush. You can see it here.

Other than that, I also finalized Tori's orthographic.



Zitu
As for Zitu, I decided to go with something cute from Chinese legendary myths. Below is the sketches done:


As I think this character is better off with simple props, I then further detailed from the the first sketch.


As for his hero pose, I wanted to show his cute side through the pose that he is happy with the ears twirling around. I think that pose would actually gain lots of fans.

Hero Pose Illustration

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Task 4 - Final Project and Portfolio

For the final tasks, we were to come out with an illustration to show the relationship between two characters. In my illustration, I took reference in how my cat constantly treated me with. I also wanted the illustration to have some sort of dynamic movement going on. Below is the final illustration done:

We also have to compiled everything into 4-5 A2 presentation boards. The presentation boards done are as attached. 

The journey in developing and creating my own characters is a fun one. I have to say, this is the module that I enjoyed the most this semester. From this module, I also get to know that the birth of a character actually goes through a lot of process and refining here and there. In this context, I really love the characters I created. I think I'll constantly draw them from time to time on my free time as I want to keep them known.