Drawing graphic novel characters is fun and increasing in popularity.
Graphic novels have been steadily gaining in popularity since the '90s. Although the term graphic novel can sometimes be synonymous with comic book, the former designates something that can potentially be more expansive and story-based like a traditional novel. Artists such as Daniel Clowes and Adrian Tomine use the medium to create characters and tell stories that toe the line between cartoon and reality. Graphic novel characters come in many shapes and sizes, but like most artistic endeavors, form should follow function. If you're portraying a realistic story, then you probably would want your art to reflect that.
Instructions
1. Plan a story and do a storyboard. Sketch out comic panels and do a rough draft of what you want to happen with the plot and characters. This will help you determine the look, feel and attributes of each character.
2. Start with a main character. Do a sketch of him or her both from the front and the side. Plan the character's clothing and what his or appearance appearance says. Since graphic novels typically work more within the forms of realism, you'll want the characters to look as realistic as possible while still emphasizing physical features.
3. Make a list of character attributes for your protagonist. You might include particular mannerisms, goals and important background information. According to "Creating Characters with Personality," by Tom Bancroft, "Once you have the personalities of the characters in your head, you will know the direction to take when you sit down to draw them." (See Reference 1).
4. Develop at least two to three other characters in the same manner. Do individual sketches of each one with lists describing them.
5. Use all of the material you've done thus far to start a final and complete draft of the character. Sketch an outline, and focus on facial features and clothing. The posture, stance and movements of a character all influence how they're read.
6. Shade in the character's features to add definition. Highlight physical features that may be a clue into the character's behavior or personality. For example, a large, tan character may be more confident than a skinny, pale one. Make sure the character's final appearance falls in line with his or her personality and purpose in your story.
