Concept artist Riccardo Moscatello shares his insights on how to imbue artwork with real personality. He explains that the first read is crucial, as it sets the tone for the viewer's understanding of a character’s story or role. By focusing on pose and gesture, designers can create compelling silhouettes that engage viewers from the get-go.
For instance, Moscatello uses dynamic poses to convey a sense of playfulness and interaction between characters, as in his example with a girl and her monkey. This not only makes the character visually appealing but also helps communicate their narrative: Here, the girl is depicted as a lively circus performer, interacting with her pet.
The process involves multiple stages from initial sketches to final designs, each refining the interaction, costume, and props. Moscatello discusses how choosing between different iterations can impact the overall feel of the character, and he emphasizes the importance of keeping the design flexible while responding to feedback.
His approach is both meticulous and creative, balancing gesture with detail. As he explains: 'A good pose and gesture will be the main feature defining its silhouette.' This is not just about aesthetics but about storytelling through art. His methods can make any character feel more than ink on paper—like a real friend in your fantasy world.







