I am very glad that I had one more chance to contribute to the “Hansel and Gretel” books project. Here is the model of Gretel, based on the design by Sandro Cleuzo. The most difficult part for me when creating a character is always getting the eyes to look correct. I spend a lot of energy making them feel alive. The legendary Disney animator and character designer, Glen Keane, once said: “If you’re going to make a mistake, don’t make it in the eyes.” I think the key to achieving eyes that are full of life is to use references and follow the anatomical structures. Even though the character is stylized, believable forms are obtained only when they are based on real life.
It was also vital for me to follow all the design decisions made in the concept art by Sandro Cleuzo: shapes, negative space, silhouette, color and value etc. It is hardly possible to find parallel lines in Gretel’s design, all forms are dynamic and smoothly flow into each other. It’s always critical for me to focus not on which tool to use in any particular situation, but how to create a character that feels alive and breathing.
Link of the project: https://www.hanselstorybook.com/
Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/illialoginov
