Character outfits

Since comic characters usually aren't too concerned with Halloween costumes, let's talk about how you dress your characters normally!

A character's outfit can convey the character's personality as well as the world they live in, and even their occupation in some cases. As a bare minimum, you don't want your character's clothes to distract the reader because they seem bizarre or out of place - unless your character is also bizarre or out of place, à la Culture Shock.

For my new comic, I've taken to saving pictures of nice outfits I see online, as well as noting neat clothes that I see on the bus or on campus. (The other day I saw a woman dressed all in pink, with pink hair, and somehow it didn't look at all tacky, just out there in the coolest way. That character will definitely be making an appearance in my comic one way or another.) Later I mesh my favourite elements together and change around colours and accessories. I find that the hardest part is keeping my character's personality in mind as I dress her, rather than dressing her as myself with an unlimited clothing budget. Dee is quite adventurous and active, so I've had to question whether she would realistically wear skirts very often - even if she would look super cute in them.

Another option is to go the Jughead route, and keep your character dressed in the same thing all the time. This technique works really well for humour comics, especially when you want to keep the art simple and the characters easily recognizable.

I'm always especially intrigued by how the creators of historical comics like The Light Eater go about researching their characters' clothing. If you've ever illustrated a history-based comic, please chime in!

So for all of you comic creators, how do you go about dressing your characters? Do you notice what the characters wear in other people's comics, or are there any that have really stood out to you?

DRUNK DUCK AWARDS

From Niccea:
"The last presentations will be released on Saturday, October 24th. Also, we are going to be trying something brand new. The Best Presenter Award! The link will be released on the Saturday for everyone to vote for their favourite presenter. Votes as well as extras will be accepted until Halloween. The awards will be fully wrapped up on November 1st.

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