Is Using Reference Cheating?
No, unless you’re copying it 1:1 with no intention.
For instance: Did you know that if you leave a young child isolated from human contact from a very young age, they are likely to be raised by wolves and other wild animals?
It sounds Lovecraftian, but it's a real thing.
They are called "feral children" and were the central research focus for this Character Design.
Using the Real World as Reference
To arrive at this idea, I used a "mind map" tool, which allowed me to brainstorm all possible ideas that could fit and elevate the project, and then filter the best ones. Ideas branch out in my head in the same way they branch in this map, while I always keep an eye on the root that sprang the idea.
This may sound complex, but it's simple and goes like this:
1. Start with the project mission: "We need a caster/magic character."
2. Okay. Start brainstorming: "Magic? → Voodoo? → Spiritual → Natura? → Lives in the woods → Wait.. Feral children!"
3. Great idea, but let's keep going → "Maybe he shapeshifts into a werewolf?" → "A supernatural character design that summons wild animals into battle to fight for him; the ultimate skill is shapeshifting but costs more mana, a good fit for an RPG or MMORPG."
Concept Artists know a little about a lot, and research like this empowers story and immersion, which, of course, is what sells a game or movie.
This research allowed us to bring a unity of storytelling, gameplay, and silhouette that supports both. Good design isn't made of random choices; every layer you add improves or breaks your design. It’s the difference between a $10 suit and a $3,000 suit that is tailored to fit.
The job of a concept artist isn't to paint pretty images, but to design through mood, personality, feeling and experience.
Thanks for reading,
My name is Miguel Nogueira, a Freelance AAA Concept Artist working in Games and Film for the past ten years.
If you need help researching and concepting your project, reach out by email.