Character expressions (Patreon)

Hi there new patrons, just a little art and process update for you today.

So, Mice Tea's characters are modular, meaning they're made out of a few different parts. For the most part how we do it is every character has a few outfits, and those few outfits have a few arm poses each. They're separate images that are layered on top of each other, kind of like animation cells. In addition to the body we have separate images for characters mouths, eyes, noses, and ears that are mixed and matched to create full expressions. There are also elements like hats and glasses that are layered on as well.

We've programmed a simple system to choose expressions based on the file names of the elements. So in the following block of code produces the following image: 

show margaret outfit_skirt eyes_concern mouth_nervous sweatdrop tf0

Where you get a different result  with the following code:

show margaret outfit_floral eyes_happy mouth_grin no_glasses tf4

Most of the time we draw each mouth or eye set for a specific purpose. We need a character to be angry so so draw some angry eyes. However, very often we draw an element for an expression and find it has a lot more uses than we initially thought once we matched it up with other elements. We drew closed eyes to show stuff like blinking or meditation and a grin for expressing happiness, but when we combine them together they make a nice smug expression.

We're also updating and adding to character expressions all the time. A lot of this is because we're not working on all the paths simultaneously. Sylvia in Felicia's path has a pretty limited supporting character role that doesn't need a wide range of expressions. Now that we're working on her path though she needs a richer repertoire of emotions. You can see how much bigger the amount of available expressions has grown since starting her path.

It's a big difference and lets us do a lot more with her as a character. Also, our new art can be used on existing scenes to add some more nuance to already written content.

Well, we hope you found this peak into the process interesting and we'll back with you soon to share more updates!