The Exoskeletal Method for Designing Characters
This technique proposes a reverse path to drawing. Instead of building from the inside, it starts with the visual shell that defines the character, such as their armor or gear. This approach immediately establishes the personality and function, prioritizing what the viewer perceives first. 🎨
The Step-by-Step Process
The core of the exoskeletal method lies in its inverted sequence. First, a solid and appealing outline is drawn representing the clothing or armor. This shape is worked as a single mass, focusing on its profile and visual weight. Only afterward, within that already delimited space, is the character's anatomy fitted. This forces the body proportions to adapt to fit inside the previously designed suit, which frequently results in more dynamic and original volumes and poses.
Key Advantages of the Approach:- Quickly defines the character's personality and function through their silhouette.
- Generates forced anatomical proportions that are often more visually interesting.
- Accelerates the creative process by focusing attention on the main visual element.
The artist accustomed to sketching nude figures may perceive this as dressing a ghost, but in this case, the ghost dictates exactly how the body that inhabits it should be.
Ideal Cases for Applying the Technique
This method is not universal, but shines in specific scenarios where the clothing is the central narrative element. It is particularly effective when the external gear design carries most of the character's story or identity.
Perfect Scenarios for Using the Exoskeletal Method:- Designing soldiers with complex and detailed armors.
- Creating astronauts or characters with specialized and bulky suits.
- Developing robots where the casing defines their shape and function.
- Conceiving fantasy characters with elaborate garments or prominent capes.
Integrating the Method into Your Workflow
Adopting the exoskeletal method can optimize your drawing approach when the wardrobe is the protagonist. Prioritize the costume idea over the nude figure, allowing you to quickly resolve the overall visual impact. It is a powerful tool that, by inverting the logical order, opens doors to fresh design solutions centered on immediate visual narrative. ✏️