Capitalites Log 4
"Capitalites" (https://babblegumsam.itch.io/capitalites) is a TTRPG made by BabblegumSam that is part of the Our Shores RPGSEA anthology, recently funded on Kickstarter in October 2021. I was commissioned to do character design work for this TTRPG. The gameplay consists of roleplaying as one of many socialite characters inspired by modern Asian stereotypes in absurd high school drama-esque scenarios.
All the characters are meant to be poking fun at these stereotypes specific to modern young adult culture, so all the characters I designed are very exaggerated personas of what that person might be in real life.
The characters featured in this Part 4/6 are the Himbo, Cynic and Leftover.
I also shared more about this log on Twitter (https://twitter.com/JL_icious/status/1650800568359698433?s=20)!
Project thumbnail starring (left to right) The Leftover, Himbo and Cynic.
The Himbo character design process sheet. I was very adamant on how someone like him would show off his body—his innocuous "rubbing off sweat" pose was best to show off his assets and his ideal "boy next door" personality.
Himbo developmental sketches and drafts. We did experiment with a more typical jock "gym bro" design with simple workout clothing, but it didn't stand out, let alone differentiate the Himbo from the Player.
Himbo alternate outfits. We even had in-depth discussions about his socioeconomic status to determine his fashion—he should dress like every other boy in your neighbourhood. His slippers are the most expensive item on him!
Character design reference moodboard for Himbo. Lots of references for a specific male rugged beefy body type.
The Himbo character design process sheet. Though you can interpret the playbook in many different ways, the character design was fairly easy to come by. Certainly helps that the Cynic's faceclaim had a photo of himself in a near-identical outfit...
Cynic developmental sketches and drafts. The outfit was already obvious, so we had alts on his facial expressions to see how moody and sad he should be.
Character design reference moodboard for Cynic. I imagine the Cynic basically shops at Levi's and Timberlands.
Character design reference moodboard for Leftover. I can't even provide a moodboard for this character because I was told to literally copy the faceclaim's outfit. It's a perfect fit anyway!
Leftover character rendering process.