Comic character design help needed!

[KanashiCat]

This character that will appear later in my series is in the developing stages. I'd love color scheme and or design suggestions(Post or edit).

The character is a young boy, roughly 7-10, and is a genius prodigy character (he's not smoking, its a candy). He's usually stoic and serious. He will be tech oriented and will wield the gatling guns on his arms. (I just drew their general shape and color that won't change). Thank you!

*Side Note: Can anybody explain the paint bucket? How do I use it with layers, whats tolerance, etc."

[silverraven0]

What tools do you use?

[KanashiCat]

Wacom Intuos Pro, SketchbookPro for Mac. Inking pen for line work, I hope that answered your question??

[silverraven0]

Sketchbook is the app? Well, I mainly use medibang, so maybe I can give you some answer for the paint bucket. What do you mean with tolerance though?

[KanashiCat]

Yes its the drawing program I use. So like, my paint bucket when selected has different functions (flat, gradient, etc.) and there is a toggle switch that changes the "tolerance" level from 1 to 255. I don't know what it exactly does.

[silverraven0]

Welp, medibang doesn't have that function (I think???) so I can't help you, sorry XD .

If you don't know what it does, maybe make a new page and experiment on it to see what it does. Or if you might Google it or looking for YouTube tutorial. There's ton of sketch book tutorial there.

Sorry I can't help you.

[qwerty]

I don't really have any specific color advice since that really is up to what you think looks good. But I do have a little general advice:

1. Consider the environment. Don't just design the colors of the character in isolation, but think about how they will interact with the colors of the environment on average. It might be helpful to pick colors that will stand out from the background to make your character more noticeable / easier to look at. Some artists stick to a specific color palette for everything, including backgrounds, throughout each chapter or even the whole story, and it really helps everything seem coherent and visually appealing. As good examples you can search for "Leftovers" by @dawgofdawgness and "Unfamiliar" by @haleymewsome.

2. If you want to design a convincing character, draw him from different angles, in different positions, and with different expressions. Even if he is a serious character, draw him laughing. Even if you don't think he will ever cry, draw him crying. This will help you to see him as a more 3-dimensional human being rather than a flat character with a contrived personality.

[KanashiCat]

I was just reading "Leftovers" before I read this! I really appreciate the advice, Im still so new to this so direction like this is great! I usually do reference pages for emotions/angles/etc. in a little sketchbook just cuz its easier for me to get work done quicker.

[dawgofdawgness]

Heyy thanks for the shoutout!!
I also recommend taking a look at Unfamilar, it experiments with color and is super appealing to look at