I started developing characters and stories quite early in my project. While still researching and finding more information about the connection between people and work, I started drafting few characters starring in my book.
I based their job titles and personalities on the results of my survey. I wanted to represent real people and showcase their relationship with their work and private lives. I knew I wanted all my characters to be females, but I didn’t have a specific concept for the audience yet.
I created 5 characters, specifying their age, where they live, their jobs and few details about their personal lives. I also included what they value, to help me write interesting stories for each one of them.
ELLA, 25 yo, BRIGHTON, white middle class background, works as small office assistant/admin, lesbian, writes feminist poetry and short stories, literature background, plays ukulele and writes songs sometimes, struggles with mental health issues, is a bit paranoid. REASON FOR WORK: likes organisation, first job after uni, no desire to climb any ladders though, and to pay rent + bills, live middle class life. CYCLES TO WORK. VALUES: environment, individualism, socialism, honesty, comfort, empathy.
KIMBERLY, 28 yo, LONDON, asian background, works in finance, can code, single, but is dating all the time, wants kids eventually, looking for a prince, will realise she doesn’t have time for motherhood though, on social media all the time – that’s how she define success – money and happiness. REASON FOR WORK: mainly money, because money is independence, and allows her to buy all the expensive fashion and go on holidays, show off friends and people online, a consumer. COMMUTES 1-1.5 HOUR TO WORK (Holland Park – Canary Wharf), TUBE/DLR (if she arrives at Canary Wharf too early, she goes shopping or spends time on social media). VALUES: wealth, material possessions, consumerism, self-improvement, achievement, hard work.
PAULA, 55 yo, BRISTOL, lecturer at the university, widow (lives alone with 2 cats), creative/craft based, printmaking, doesn’t want to retire, loves her job, feels fulfilled, helps other at her job (students), drives to work, drives everywhere (eco friendly car), loves cooking and vintage shopping, old soul, good values but is tempted by consumerism; family: daughter and her husband, 2 grandkids (they live in London though, so she doesn’t see them everyday – embraces technology to keep up with loved ones though). VALUES: family, intelligence, knowledge, academia, honesty, hard work, environment.
FARA, 30 yo, LONDON, muslim background, not strict though, (she has non-muslim husband), strong family values, creative and smart, works in PR agency, good financial situation, sends money to her brother abroad though, gets pregnant, needs to chose between career and motherhood (after internal debate on feminism and motherhood and her own values and dreams, chooses motherhood, but her work is very accommodating, because they value her so much). REASONS FOR WORK: enjoys it, utilise her skills, saving for paying off mortgage, future family, holidays, comfortable life basically. VALUES: family, community, wealth, comfort, entitlement, consumerism.
PAM, 40 yo, MANCHESTER, part-time job, cares for her disabled son (13yo), not allowed to work more than 16 hours a week, work accommodates her schedule though (she can only go to work when her son is doing activities – 4 times a week, someone comes and takes him out to day care, so he can meet other kids etc.), her work is close by, WALKS TO WORK, lives very locally, strong community bonds. Receives benefits, because of her son and alimonies from son’s dad. BAKES. REASONS FOR WORK: money, socialising, taking break from caring for her son. VALUES: family, community, honesty, hard work.
Main goal of this exercise was to start identifying areas of human personalities and how they link to their work, plus to experiment with different colour palettes and styles of digital drawing. I originally wanted to draw realistic-looking people, and I wanted to know how difficult would that be for me, and how much time it will take.
