Funny appealing shapes

Shapes are very important in helping define the look and personality of a character. Whenever I am designing a new character I try and find shapes that help give the audience a first idea of what a character is like. These same shapes need to allow the animator to easily pose a character to show specific attitudes and gestures. Sometimes certain folds or patterns in clothing, hair, and even skin can help the animator move the character. Appeal doesn't necessarily mean likeable but interesting. Even some of the best villains are appealing. You want you audience to be able to watch your characters no matter what role they play. Each of the characters and hands above are derived from appealing shapes. Though these are quick sketches you begin to get an idea of what each of these characters personalities are. The gestures in each of the hands even tell a story. These shapes are exaggerated versions of real world shapes. So go out to a park, the mall, an airport and find the shapes in people and animals.