Character Sketch : A Drawing Course for Costume Designers

Character Sketch outlines a theory of costume rendering that explores how a designer conceptualizes and creates a character on the page. Beginning with how to create a character through gestural poses, the book explores and explains the use of line, shape, color, proportion, and texture with different mediums. Color concept and color control are also discussed, along with step-by-step painting techniques that demonstrate how to convey the character and costume designs. This book codifies Helen Huang’s acclaimed method of using creative imagination to make costumes "magic garments" that help transport the actor to a different time, place, and character.

Character Sketch outlines a theory of costume rendering that explores how a designer conceptualizes and creates a character on the page. Beginning with how to develop a sense of character through active, gestural poses, this book explores and explains the process of drawing and painting from rough sketch to finished rendering.

Helen Q. Huang 黄其智, an award-winning costume designer for more than 25 years, breaks down her process, from understanding body proportions and active poses to applying research and color concepts to renderings. Her step-by-step watercolor painting techniques cover mixing skin tones, blending colors, and applying paint in different methods for a variety of fabric textures and patterns.

Showcasing how to capture a character on the page, Character Sketch is a must-read for any costume designer looking to communicate their artistic vision.