kristaferanka:

Four Redesigns I did for She Has No Head’s new article by Kelly Thompson

The theme were characters that need a redesign.

Okay, since seemingly people were complaining because they failed to look into the context for these designs, im providing my notes.

Harley Quinn

With Harley I wanted to take the approach of the super wacky and cute version of her that Bruce Timm created, but put her in the context of the more hardcore dangerous team. Given who she runs around with, and where she fits, it sort of makes sense that she would combat-ready up a bit, but I didn’t want to lose the charm of her character

Raven

When I think of Raven, “dark elegance” is what always comes to mind. With all her costumes, the “dark” is always apparent, but I felt there’s been a lack of “elegance” of late, and that’s what I sought to bring back. I also tried to incorporate as many design elements I could from an actual Raven. The tail inspired the shape of the cape, the wings inspired her shoulders, and I added actual feathers onto her, etc. I’ve never thought of her as a mobile character, so I chose to go a more “fashion route.”

Starfire

This was a tricky one. I wanted to balance equal parts Alien-Princess and Warrior. To an extent, I approached her how I would Wonder Woman – I didn’t want to hide the royal side, but I needed the costume to serve her very physical activities. Because of her power set, and her alien nature, I didn’t adhere to human practicality and the costume restrictions that might entail (bare feet), but I didn’t want her to look outlandish either.

Emma Frost

In keeping with the idea that she is currently lacking confidence from her diminished/unpredictable powers and just the overall turmoil she caused, I wanted to keep the black costume and general personality change she has now. I chose to make the full body covered, because as a character who prides herself on her confidence, and the confidence brought forth from her body, I’d imagine with this weakened state of mental resolve she wouldn’t be too keen on showing it off. But that doesn’t mean Emma won’t still be fashionable.