Character Design for Science-Fiction

Re-imagining the Future through Subculture.

A new approach to Sci-Fi Character Concept Art.

Re-imagining the future through subcultures, graffiti, and spirituality was the challenge of this personal creative project. By analyzing cinema classics such as “Blade Runner”, I studied the fashion design to understand how it could be both believable and timeless. I learned that the key to believable Science Fiction design, is to avoid being too outlandish but to still stay true to the science fiction genre.

Any Character Concept Art, be it Sci-Fi or for something else, can benefit of these principles.

The Idea Development for Sci-Fi Concepts

Persona profiles and mind maps for Sci-Fi Character Designs

To explore a deeper Science-Fiction narrative design, I often ask myself, "Where is the emotion?" It's about having empathy for who the character is.

I use persona profiles, and mind maps to generate ideas and tie them together. This were tools I borrowed from marketing and design classes and transferred them to my Character Concept Art process.

By laying out the information in a mind-map, I can have a eagle eye view of the whole project, and then, I can find where the overlaps on the character concept may be. For example, if I'm designing a sci-fi character who is introverted, I might give them a hoodie and a mask, this will make them more comfortable with that character trait, I can see this from a far, by laying out all that I know about the character, before starting to draw. A hoodie, in this case, would not only fit the environment they live in, but it would also be a nod to their personality.

Visual Direction for Sci-Fi Character Design

To create believable narratives, I use mood boards, sketches, and any other means necessary to research and explore ideas. I balance the workings of the inner mind with what we already find in our world to avoid being too creative and wild, while still maintaining the believability and relatability of my work.

For mood boards like this, I try to gather reference that pays homage to real people, and avoid looking at other character concept art, it’s important I stay true to my own voice, I also try to look as much as possible at real life robotics for reference.

Mood boards and brainstorming through sketches.

When faced with a new problem, I see it as an opportunity to explore new creative avenues. In this case, I had the opportunity to use my 3D concept art skills to create a kit of assets that could be used to aid 3D production and solve Character Concept Art as well.

This project was unlike anything I had ever done before, requiring me to research ZBrush to solve the hard surface elements of the design. I went from test to test, collecting mistakes and wrong answers, and then searching for different contexts where they could become the right answer.

The Results:
Sci-Fi Character Concept Art that Resonates

Software used: Zbrush, Marvelous Designer, Photoshop, Keyshot.

By the end of this Science-Fiction Concept Art project, I achieved a variety of solutions for concept art and design challenges, including:

  • Fully functional mechanical designs blocked in 3D for engineering purposes.

  • Fashion design in Marvelous Designer with auto-generated UV maps, reducing production time and manual work for the 3D department.

  • Sci-fi graphics and decals that can be used for game projects and branding, as well as a style guide for future character designs.

  • Efficient 3D bases for marketing illustrations and concept art, speeding up 3D production later on.

  • Newfound fundamentals of realistic character design, using elements from real people with the same vibe, social culture, and energy.

  • Well-rounded Sci-Fi Character Concept Art, where personality prevails over eye-candy graphism.

This knowledge can be applied to any project, making me a versatile and valuable asset to any team.

Looking to start a Sci-Fi project?

Hire a sci-fi freelance concept artist with over two decades of experience in AAA and Indie industries. Get in touch today to discuss your concept art project needs, and receive a free consultation.