Illustration and Visual Narrative - Task 1

Aina Ahmed Aleem / 0355701

Interactive Design / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Lectures

2. Instructions
3. Process - Task 1: Character Design
4. Feedback
5. Reflection

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LECTURES:

WEEK 1

In the first part of the lecture, we were introduced to Adobe Illustrator’s interface, learning how to navigate its workspace and tools. We also covered how to import documents either by linking (which keeps the file connected externally) or embedding (which places the file directly into the project). The second part focused on Illustrator essentials, including common file extensions like .ai, .eps, and .svg, useful shortcut keys for faster workflow, and the difference between exporting files as raster images (like .jpg or .png) and vector images (like .svg or .pdf) depending on the use case.

WEEK 2

We learned how to generate initial design sketches using AI tools like ChatGPT by crafting effective prompts. After preparing the Illustrator document, we used the Pen Tool (P) to draw line art and cleaned up shapes using the Shape Builder Tool (Shift+M). Finally, we added detail and variation by adjusting line thickness with the Width Tool (Shift+W), creating more dynamic and expressive artwork.

WEEK 3

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INSTRUCTIONS:

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TASK 1 - CHARACTER DESIGN

PROCESS

First, I generated a sketch using ChatGPT with the prompt: "Create rough sketches of simple characters with strong silhouettes, exploring cute, evil, or sad character designs." While the initial result was decent, I found it a bit too simple and lacking uniqueness. So, I followed up with a second prompt: "Based on the generated image, add more unique details to the characters." This time, the sketches felt much more refined and interesting. However, I still wanted to enhance them further, so I imported the image into Procreate and made additional tweaks to bring out more personality and detail in the characters.

 Initial AI-generated sketch exploring basic character silhouettes with cute, evil, and sad themes.

Refined AI sketch with added unique character details for more personality and depth.

Sketch further customized in Procreate to enhance design and personality.

After enhancing the sketches in Procreate, I was sure  about the first two sketches but I still wasn't satisfied with my third and final sketch. My idea was to create a friendly monster and I took inspiration from Monsters Inc to come up with this design. 

3rd character I sketched on procreate

Here is a rough composition of the selected three character sketches in one frame.

3 selected characters

Next, I set up an artboard in Adobe Illustrator and used the Pen Tool to outline each character and used the Width tool to give it more personality. 

DOCUMENTATION

TECHNIQUES APPLIED

In this project, I applied techniques learned from the IVN module using Adobe Illustrator to create three distinct characters.

1. Shape Building & Pathfinder Tools
I used basic geometric shapes and the Pathfinder tool to construct clean, precise character forms. This allowed me to experiment with proportions, silhouettes, and layering efficiently.

2. Pen Tool & Vector Paths
The Pen tool was employed to refine custom shapes, curves, and outlines, giving each character smooth and controlled lines that convey personality and movement.

3. Colour & Gradient Tools
Colour was applied intentionally using solid fills and gradients to differentiate characters and highlight key traits. The Gradient tool helped create subtle depth and visual interest without adding complexity.

4. Layer Management & Grouping
Illustrations were organized in layers for each character element (head, body, accessories), allowing easy editing, iteration, and experimentation with poses and expressions.

5. Stroke & Shape Effects
I used stroke adjustments and shape effects to add small stylistic details, such as clothing folds, hair highlights, or expressive features, while keeping a clean vector style.

By combining these Illustrator techniques, I was able to create distinct, polished characters that are versatile, scalable, and visually cohesive, reflecting both personality and style.

FINAL OUTLINE COMPOSITION FOR TASK 1: CHARACTER DESIGN

Final Outline Composition for Task 1: Character Design

After finalizing the outlines, my first step was to prepare for coloring by ensuring all paths were properly connected. I then created additional layers dedicated to coloring and shadows. Using the Live Paint tool, I applied base colors, and for the shadows, I combined the use of the eraser tool and the blob brush to shape and refine the shading.

FINAL COLOURED COMPOSITION FOR TASK 1: CHARACTER DESIGN

Final Colored Composition for Task 1: Character Design

RATIONALE: 

I created these three characters to show different personalities using fun and bold designs. The bear is cute and friendly, with soft shapes, a bow tie, and a lollipop to make it look playful and sweet. The devil character is the opposite, designed to look mean and powerful with sharp shapes, dark colors, and items like a skull and a cape. The green alien is meant to be funny and cool, with one big eye, spiky edges, and accessories like sneakers and jewelry. Even though they are all very different, I used the same cartoon style and thick outlines to keep them looking like they belong together.

REFLECTION

This task allowed me to explore how visual design choices communicate personality and narrative through character design. By creating three distinct characters, I practiced applying Illustrator techniques such as shape building, vector paths, layering, and colour application to develop unique silhouettes, proportions, and expressions. These technical skills helped me convey each character’s traits clearly and consistently.

Through the process, I learned how to use shape language, exaggeration, and proportion to emphasize personality while maintaining a cohesive style across all three characters. Colour palettes were chosen intentionally to reinforce mood, identity, and differentiation, demonstrating how colour theory can enhance visual storytelling.

Iterative sketching and refinement were essential to developing each character’s distinct look while ensuring all elements worked together harmoniously. This task strengthened my understanding of the balance between technical skill and creative decision-making in character design.

Overall, designing these three characters improved my ability to combine Illustrator techniques with conceptual thinking to create visually engaging and expressive characters that communicate meaning and personality effectively.