This turnaround sheet serves as the final concept art of Hilda prior to her addition to the comic. The use of colours here is reminiscent of my previous designs.
The Hair
An important design aspect, the final hair retains the sense of careful control I wanted to convey for the character. A deep red is used to offer hints towards the later gore and a slight asymmetry to the bob suggests the teetering edge that is her carefully balanced control. She is the epitome of the 50's/60's housewife, and the style, right down to its back, is reminiscent of this.
The Eyes
Another important design aspect, Hilda's eyes have a wide-open effect that offers a hint of her later madness. While certain angles appear calm and controlled it is obvious from the right point of view that there is far more going on beneath the surface. The wide pupils and excess of sclera, as discussed in previous sections, really do assist in creating this.
The Clothes
This aspect went through quite a few iterations before I finally settled on the mix of the dark blue skirt with the light blue blouse and white apron. Whilst not quite as immaculate as the initial full white dress and apron, this design fits more naturally into the style of the time. The use of the darker blue evokes her deep unhappiness with her life, whilst the blouse and even the earrings seem to give the facade of calm. This seperated outfit also allowed me to do more as the comic progressed, ensuring that her clothing showed more signs of dishevelment ie, torn apron, unbuttoned blouse, stained skirt etc.
The Figure
Following the "ideal" standard of the time, Hilda has an exaggerated hourglass. However, by pulling this to its extreme, much as was common in the advertisements of the time, her curves have taken on a pointed quality. Rather than a soft sensual curve, Hilda seems sharp at every edge, from her tipped feet to her raised nose. This gives a sense of hostility and discomfort that is later assuaged by her far more comfortable red dress at the end of the comic. It is her role that has left her this way, along with her relationship. The loss of her sanity is a reclamation of her freedom and her natural womanhood.
The Colour
This is by far the most interesting aspect of this turnaround. Whilst the pallet here is powerful and offers distinct contrasts, the monochrome style of the comic means that this is the only fully colourised image of Hilda. The limitations of the style, however, do not negate the need for this colourised version. In order to properly gauge her shadows, how she interacts with the light, and her overall style, this image serves as the ideal reference.
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