The brief: To design two contrasting characters: a protagonist and an antagonist, and to create character turn-arounds, maquettes and a vector illustration for each character.

We were given a list of words to use as a starting point; I chose the the word kitsch.  I began this project looking at typical 'kitsch' references such as amusement rides, vintage toys and kitsch décor and saw a connection between these sources and illustration work in zines that I've collected.  I began to design my first character using these illustrations as a reference, and also taking inspiration from current subcultures that share similar themes, such as the internet subculture/joke 'sea punk'.  I wanted to create a simple, flat design that uses colours and symbols to show the personality of the character.  The flat, outline style was influenced by the illustrations of Laura Callaghan and other illustrators I looked at in my research.

For my second character I referenced characters like Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice and the group of friends in teen witch movie The Craft.  I wanted to create a darker character that would contrast with the first, but still share a similar style.  

For her overall look I referenced 1960's style dresses to retain a simple, solid shape that would be suited for drawing and animating while keeping with my concept.  I based the hairstyle and glitter tear make-up on images from a fashion show that I included in my moodboard (above).  I originally looked at using star and moon symbols in my character but found the glitter-tear motif communicated the concept while keeping the design simple.