Action Figures: Trenton Doyle Hancock’s Character Designs

Keywords: Graphic Design, Product Design, Comics, Graphic Novels

In the entertainment industry, character designers plan the concept, style, and narrative of characters. In this lesson, students will design their own character in the form of an action figure. Students first learn about a universe of characters created by the Houston-based artist Trenton Doyle Hancock. Then, students bring their own character design ideas to life by inventing a character, designing the packaging, and pitching their design to a focus group of peers.

Objectives:

• Students will analyze Trenton Doyle Hancock’s LEGENDS by describing, interpreting, and evaluating as a work of art.
• Students will create original artworks that are based on observation, original sources, and personal experiences.
• Students will use visual art vocabulary to describe the expressive properties of their work and the work of others.

Essential Questions:

• How can you convey narratives in your work
• What needs to be considered when creating and designing a character?
• In what ways can you tell an artist’s intention by looking at their artwork?