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JUNIOR LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you had to revise a character design based on feedback. How did you handle it?

Character Designer Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you had to revise a character design based on feedback. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

One time, while working on a character design for a video game, I had to revise it based on feedback. The client wanted a more menacing look for the antagonist, so I made the necessary changes to the design. I communicated with the client to fully understand their vision and incorporated their feedback into the revised design. I adjusted the character's facial features, body posture, and outfit to give it a more intimidating appearance. Throughout the revision process, I regularly updated the client on my progress and provided them with sketches and drafts for approval. The final design was well-received, and the client was happy with the outcome.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a character designer, I encountered a situation where I had to revise a character design based on feedback. I was working on an animated series, and the director requested changes to one of the main character's features to make him more relatable to the target audience. I approached the revision process by first thoroughly discussing the director's vision and understanding the specific changes required. I then conducted research and gathered visual references to inform my design choices. I meticulously adjusted the character's facial expressions, body proportions, and clothing to reflect the desired attributes. Throughout the process, I maintained open communication with the director, sharing progress updates and seeking feedback to ensure the revisions aligned with their expectations. The final design successfully captured the intended emotive qualities and resonated well with the audience.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details about the candidate's approach to handling the revision. It highlights their ability to understand and interpret feedback, conduct research, and effectively communicate and collaborate with the director. The answer showcases their creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills. However, it can still be improved by including specific examples of how the revisions addressed the director's feedback and the impact of the revised design on the overall project.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a character designer for a graphic novel, I had an experience where I had to revise a character design based on feedback from the author and publisher. The protagonist's appearance needed adjustment to better convey their personality and emotional journey. To handle this revision, I scheduled a meeting with the author and publisher to thoroughly discuss their expectations and gain a deeper understanding of the character's motivations and backstory. I also conducted extensive research on visual storytelling techniques and character archetypes to inform my design choices. With this knowledge, I carefully revised the character's facial features, body language, and wardrobe, ensuring each change reflected their growth and transformation throughout the story. To present my revised design, I created a comprehensive visual presentation that showcased the character's evolution and the reasoning behind each design decision. The author and publisher were impressed with the revisions and appreciated the thoughtful attention to detail. The final design not only captured the essence of the character but also enhanced the narrative impact of the graphic novel.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer further elevates the response by providing a more detailed account of the candidate's experience in revising a character design. It demonstrates their ability to thoroughly understand the expectations and motivations behind the revision, conduct extensive research to inform their design choices, and effectively communicate their thought process to stakeholders. The answer showcases their creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and exceptional communication skills. It also highlights the candidate's understanding and application of visual storytelling techniques. The candidate's ability to align the revised character design with the overall narrative impact of the graphic novel sets them apart as an exceptional candidate for the Character Designer role.

How to prepare for this question

  • Review your previous projects involving character design and identify instances where you had to revise designs based on feedback. Note the specific changes made and the outcomes achieved.
  • Familiarize yourself with techniques and principles of character design, such as proportion, color, and composition, to ensure your revisions align with industry standards and best practices.
  • Practice effective communication and collaboration skills by engaging in mock feedback sessions with peers or mentors. Seek feedback on your design choices and learn to incorporate suggestions into your work.
  • Research different art styles and genres to expand your knowledge and versatility in character design. This will allow you to adapt existing characters to new styles or formats more effectively.
  • Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your character design work, including both original designs and revised versions based on feedback. Ensure your portfolio highlights your ability to incorporate feedback and improve designs.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest design software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and Illustrator. Familiarize yourself with the tools and features to efficiently execute design revisions.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability
  • Communication

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