What is Bad Character Design?
Bad character design can be the difference between a successful movie, game, or other media and one that fails to connect with its audience. Poorly designed characters can be the downfall of a project, leading to low engagement and viewership. Here are some key traits of bad character design and how to avoid them.
Lack of Expression
One of the most important aspects of character design is expression. Characters should be designed to express emotion and have a range of facial expressions that can be used to convey feelings. A lack of expression is a key trait of bad character design and one of the reasons your characters could be failing to connect with your audience.
Dull Animation
Another key trait of bad character design is dull animation. Animation should be smooth and fluid, allowing characters to move and act naturally. Poorly animated characters can look stiff and robotic, making them unappealing to viewers.
Overly Serious Characters
Characters should be designed to be relatable and likable. Overly serious characters can be off-putting and make it difficult for viewers to connect with them. It is important to find a balance between seriousness and lightheartedness when designing characters.
Unlikable Characters
Characters should be designed to be likable and sympathetic. Unlikable characters can be a major turn-off for viewers and can lead to low engagement and viewership. It is important to make sure your characters are likable and relatable in order to keep viewers interested.
Examples of Bad Character Design
One example of bad character design is the 2008 computer animated film Delgo. The film was criticized for its dull animation, overly serious and unlikeable characters, which gave it the unwanted title of lowest grossing computer animated film of all time.
Conclusion
Bad character design can be the difference between a successful movie, game, or other media and one that fails to connect with its audience. Poorly designed characters can be the downfall of a project, leading to low engagement and viewership. It is important to make sure your characters are expressive, animated well, and likable in order to keep viewers interested.
