L.U.M.I. Character Design & Development
LUMI is an original character developed for a sci-fi narrative inspired by themes of light, identity, and resilience. The project focused on creating a clean, animation-ready character sheet that included turnaround views, a hero pose, and color variations. The design process combined hand-drawn concept sketches with vector-based refinement in Adobe Illustrator, and expressive detailing in Photoshop. LUMI’s aesthetic was informed by the National Security Space Institute (NSSI) color palette and a custom scheme to reflect the character’s dual nature and narrative flexibility.
Inspiration & Iteration
The design of LUMI was inspired by a blend of real-world rover technology, retro-futuristic robots, and expressive animated droids. The initial moodboard brought together references from NASA’s Mars rovers, stylized concept art, and toy-like robots to explore the intersection of functionality, personality, and visual appeal. These references helped ground LUMI’s design in believable exploration hardware while allowing for stylization that conveys charm and curiosity.
Through early explorations, LUMI evolved from a range of possible silhouettes and proportions. Initial sketches focused on varying body shapes—from compact capsule forms to boxy units with treads or arms. I experimented with different leg types (floating, stubby, treaded), eye shapes, and antenna placements to find a balance between mechanical utility and friendly presence.
As the design progressed, the character became more cylindrical and expressive, with a face-screen interface and detachable or flexible parts to reflect adaptability in unknown environments. Iterating with multiple versions helped clarify which visual traits best supported the character’s personality—ultimately settling on a compact, modular body with childlike proportions and a screen-based face that could shift expressions easily.
