ZBrush as a Character Design Tool - ZBrush Creature Design: Creating Dynamic Concept Imagery for Film and Games - page 24

The concept of shape language extends to more than just the silhouette of the figure. I will often try to
visualize the character as being composed of basic forms. Then I will examine how those basic shapes in-
teract. Figure 1-23 shows a character broken into simple volumes, while Figure 1-24 shows the same for a
human figure. Understanding how to recognize and manipulate the graphic shapes in your characters is an
important step to being able to control how you communicate with your designs.
The following are some things I keep in the back of my mind while I work on the shapes and forms of a
character. These don't need to be conscious considerations on a checklist as you work. It's best to read this
section and be aware of how these structures manifest. Look for them in other work, and they will inevitably
creep into your own design language.
Figure 1-23: A character broken into simple volumes to examine the shape relationships