Foil Character by DARIA KIBKALO

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 16:24:55 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 16:38:28 UTC

First, let us begin with the observation of what we have. The first thing that catches my eye is the pose, strong and steady pose with one hand holding a sword and another leading someone behind the “camera”. She’s appealing as a strong leader, ready to lead an army and protect whatever she believes in. Her suit and the sword show that she’s some sort of a guard, most likely a captain or a royal bodyguard. If I had only three words to describe this character, it would definitely be strategic, honourable, stable.

Brief observation

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 16:39:52 UTC

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Inspiration

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 16:45:29 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:22:49 UTC

After absorbing the character, I immediately had a thought about creating good contrast starting with their background. What if both of the characters were raised differently, but at some point their faiths have crossed? For the first reference I chose one of my favourite anime: Samurai Champloo. There’re specifically two characters whose foil inspired me the most. Mugen and Jin are two protagonists, who’s met by the total accident and had to go through many adventures to complete the mission given by other protagonists named Fuu. What immediately catches the eye when you look at them, is that they’re the opposites. Jin (in the blue clothes) is a calm and collected person with his goals straight and his martial skills perfected. However, his views were shattered by Mugen (the one in the red clothes), rude, vulgar, and unhinged guy who doesn’t follow any rules and who’s fighting style is reckless and erratic. At first, they didn’t get along at all and only wanted to prove each other their own ideas, but eventually they’ve gained each other’s respect despite their differences. Another inspiration I’ve found is from one if the Avatar episodes, where Aang had to cross the canyon with two earth kingdom tribes who doesn’t get along. I believe that the designs of both tribes were done really well and helps with visually showing the divide of both tribes.

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:25:47 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:27:20 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:45:04 UTC

The final design has ended up being a girl who’s only goal is to survive. She doesn’t rely on anyone bur herself and will stay cold-blooded no matter the circumstances. Her pose is the opposite of other characters pose, to show that she doesn’t lead, only protects her own back. Instead of a long sword, her weapon is an axe, to embrace how chaotic and irrational she is. I would imagine these two characters as someone who’d only meet under the very rare circumstances and will have conflicts related to their points of view (one is trying to lead, and another won’t follow anyone) but will still work together and slowly start to respect each other.

Final design

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:46:12 UTC

References

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dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:49:18 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:49:54 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:50:36 UTC

dariakibk — 2024-09-04 17:51:44 UTC