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SENIOR LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you had to think outside the box to come up with an innovative character design idea.

Character Designer Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you had to think outside the box to come up with an innovative character design idea.

Sample answer to the question

In a recent project, I was tasked with designing a character for a video game. The game was set in a futuristic world, and the client wanted a unique character that would stand out. To think outside the box, I researched various sources of inspiration, including science fiction movies, comic books, and concept art. I also brainstormed with the team to come up with innovative ideas. Eventually, I came up with the concept of a cyborg character with a blend of organic and mechanical elements. I created detailed sketches and presented them to the client, who was impressed with the originality and creativity. The character design added a layer of depth to the game and received positive feedback from players.

A more solid answer

In a recent project for a video game, I faced the challenge of creating an innovative character that would capture the futuristic theme of the game. To think outside the box, I researched various sources of inspiration, including science fiction movies, comic books, and concept art. Through extensive brainstorming sessions with the creative team, we collectively developed a unique concept. The idea was to create a cyborg character that would blend organic and mechanical elements seamlessly. I meticulously crafted detailed sketches and presented them to the client, effectively communicating the character's backstory, personality, and its role in the game. The client was impressed with the character's originality and how it added depth to the game's narrative. This experience showcased my ability to think creatively, visualize characters, and effectively present my ideas to stakeholders.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the candidate's research process, collaboration, and presentation skills. It also highlights their ability to craft a character with a backstory and personality, which demonstrates their strong visual storytelling skills. The answer could be improved by mentioning the candidate's leadership and team collaboration abilities and how they effectively incorporated feedback into the final design.

An exceptional answer

During a project for a video game set in a post-apocalyptic world, I encountered the challenge of creating an innovative and memorable character design. To think outside the box, I conducted extensive research on post-apocalyptic aesthetics, exploring various mediums such as movies, video games, and even fashion. This research allowed me to identify a gap in the market, as most post-apocalyptic characters were portrayed as gritty and damaged. I decided to take a different approach by designing a character that conveyed hope and resilience amidst the devastation. Inspired by nature's ability to reclaim abandoned spaces, I created a character that incorporated elements of overgrown vegetation and vibrant colors. The character's design not only caught the attention of the client but also resonated with players, adding depth to the game's narrative. This experience demonstrated my ability to push boundaries, think conceptually, and challenge conventional character design tropes.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by showcasing the candidate's extensive research process, their ability to identify market gaps, and their willingness to challenge conventional character design tropes. The answer also highlights the candidate's strong conceptual thinking and their ability to create a character that resonates with players. It could be further improved by mentioning how the candidate effectively collaborated with the team and incorporated feedback into the final design.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with various sources of inspiration such as movies, books, comics, and concept art. This will help you think outside the box and come up with unique character design ideas.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions with colleagues or fellow artists to foster a collaborative environment and gain different perspectives.
  • Practice presenting your ideas effectively, as communication and presentation skills are crucial in conveying the vision and details of your character designs.
  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and techniques in character design to ensure your work remains fresh and innovative.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Creativity and originality in character design
  • Strong visual storytelling and conceptual skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Strong leadership and team collaboration abilities

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