In our brief we were tasked with making a relate-able and likable protagonist that could be represented in multiple forms of media and be instantly recognizable. In our group we decided to create a superhero, as Marvel Super Hero movies are some of the most iconic and recognizable franchise right now, and the protagonists they center around are easily recognized in all different forms of media. They’ve been represented in comic books, video games, movies and TV animation. Our first designs were to create a hero that differed from regular perception, to create an image that would still be recognizable but separate itself from the popular idea of a superhero, so it wouldn’t have to compete with the established images present in popular superhero franchises. We came up with a contemporary design based more on the average teenager, who has to overcome challenges that most superheroes would never have to worry about. Fighting people that have superpowers, when you yourself, don’t have any. We thought that idea would be relate-able as people like to support the underdog in a situation, especially when the odds are so unfairly stacked against them.
Our design was based on trying to find an interesting design that a teenager/young adult would probably use if they were to don a superhero identity but dislike the idea of wearing colorful suits and don’t have access to advanced super armor like Tony Stark. After we came up with a design that made sense for the character and the setting, we proceeded to draw the design and come up with the back story related to it.
After we presented our idea and gathered feedback, we analyzed it to see if we had achieved the result we wanted with our character design. We wanted our character to appear intimidating but still seem like he was a hero by toning down some aspects of his design. We gave him a tie and school shirt as well as jeans to resemble a more youthful character, it fit with the back story we gave him while also providing a less imposing appearance. The analysis of our feedback showed that our design was somewhat successful but didn’t entirely make him seem relate-able without further context. People didn’t think he was trustworthy or likable, but they didn’t think his design was cool, scary and interesting. In retrospect, the next time I design a character in this vein, I would try to find more methods to make him seem likable while still keeping the core aspects of his design intact.