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Comic artists outline step-by-step approach to character design
Summary
At a Missoula Community Access Television program, comic creators described how they build characters from story, use thumbnails and markers to keep designs consistent, and iterate with writers until the design fits the narrative.
Jason Williams, moderator and comic-book artist, and fellow creators described a storytelling-first method for designing comic characters during a Missoula Community Access Television program.
“When you create a character, you build a backstory,” Williams said, explaining that he develops a character’s history before drawing a single line.
The presenters said the most common workflow begins with story and brief(s): if a writer has a clear description, the artist matches it; if direction is open-ended, the artist thumbnails and sketches a variety of silhouettes and expressions to test what serves the story best. Speakers emphasized variety in height and facial structure to help readers immediately distinguish characters. “Height is important,” one presenter said, noting that similar heights make characters blend together.
Artists described practical steps used in production: rough thumbnailing for silhouette, repeated quick sketches to test poses, and then resolving a chosen design into final sheets. They recommended keeping distinctive features simple—large, repeatable markers such as a ponytail, a particular jawline or one repeated tattoo—so the element can be drawn consistently across many panels.
Presenters said they keep reference material and prior work visible while designing to avoid accidental repetition and to preserve a consistent house style across stories that are related. Scheduling and workload were also noted as constraints: artists may tailor level of detail to the production timeline and whether a piece is a one-off illustration or an ongoing series.
The session closed with advice for sustaining a career in comics: iterate, seek feedback from people outside your circle, and keep producing work so editors and collaborators can see what you do well.
The program was produced in whole or in part with equipment and facilities provided by Missoula Community Access Television.
