Original Character Concepts

[Wumbo]

I always like to see how characters change from early concepts to when they're first shown on screen. The SpongeBob cast especially has some pretty significant changes. If you know of any I missed, please share!

Here are the main characters as Hillenburg first drew them:

<------------This one doesn't really count but I thought it was funny

 

[Kerststol]

I like those. I actually like it better than the finished product :P. It just has a 90's quirky feel to it. I'm not a nostalgia-tard, but I just like those kind of designs.

 

[BrickSponge2015]

LOL at the last one. I've seen that before.

 

[RedSoxFan274]

I can't decide how I would've felt about Sandy having a horse... or whatever that thing is.

EDIT: Oh God it's Pearl. Didn't even recognize.

 

[Popeyes Haunted Barnacles]

I LOVE these drawings. So assymetrical, lively, cartoony and fun to look at. I don't think the models that they use in promoting the show look nearly as cool as these.

 

[The Tide and Seeker]

I have scene these already. but good find anyway.

 

[Cosmic-Loop]

OMG YES since i have characters of my own i'm really familiar with character "evolution" lol

and its just really cool

I can't decide how I would've felt about Sandy having a horse... or whatever that thing is.

EDIT: Oh God it's Pearl. Didn't even recognize.

IM LAUGHING

 

[DadMom AngryPants]

Pilot character line-up:

Back when SpongeBob was Sponge Boy. They had already recorded the pilot with the characters saying "Sponge Boy" before they found out about the copyright issue and had to go back and change it.

 

[SpongeRoadie UK]

't really count

So they were originally going to spell Krabs's last name correctly?

 

[DadMom AngryPants]

So they were originally going to spell Krabs's last name correctly?

Yes, and "Krusty Krab" was originally "Crusty Crab", hence the "C" on SpongeBob and Squidward's uniform hats.

 

[Squidina]

Oh, these are all sooooo cool!

You know, it strikes me how close the designs actually were - Mr. Hillenburg had the basics of the characters' designs down pretty solid already. (I've seen early concept designs from other things where the characters were changed almost completely.)

I also really like that 'character size comparison' sheet. That'd be really useful - as I had a lot of problems determining how tall SB was supposed to be exactly. (I kept thinking he went to about Squiddy's waist.)


EDIT: Oh, and there's Plankton! Wow, I didn't notice him at first - how cute!

I can't decide how I would've felt about Sandy having a horse... or whatever that thing is.

EDIT: Oh God it's Pearl. Didn't even recognize.

Ohhh, my sides! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Best thing I've read all day!

 

[SpongeyKid]

These designs are hip, they're coral! But seriously, I love how funky they look compared to the finished product. I love it! Question: Are these designs in the Experience book?

 

[DadMom AngryPants]

These designs are hip, they're coral! But seriously, I love how funky they look compared to the finished product. I love it! Question: Are these designs in the Experience book?

Not the ones in the original post specifically, but there are a ton of others like them. Lots of really great concept art as well as art from the show like paintings and production drawings, so I highly recommend the book. :)

 

[SpongeyKid]

Not the ones in the original post specifically, but there are a ton of others like them. Lots of really great concept art as well as art from the show like paintings and production drawings, so I highly recommend the book. :)

And other then ordering the book, I would buy it at...... Barnes and Noble perhaps? I was thinking of heading there with my mom today.

 

[RedSoxFan274]

Ohhh, my sides! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Best thing I've read all day!

I still don't know how I made that mistake, but when I first looked at it I saw Sandy sitting on something big and it looked like a farm animal! I mean, given the context, that seems plausible, right? I was thinking back to episodes like Blackjack, I suppose. After all, why would Sandy be SITTING on Pearl's nose anyway? In the show they wound up not even KNOWING each other. o.o This makes me think that they were originally planned to be "girl friends" or something of that nature.

 

[Cha]

And other then ordering the book, I would buy it at...... Barnes and Noble perhaps? I was thinking of heading there with my mom today.

That's where I got mine. If it's not still available there, I'd recommend their online store or Amazon.

 

[Squidina]

I still don't know how I made that mistake, but when I first looked at it I saw Sandy sitting on something big and it looked like a farm animal! I mean, given the context, that seems plausible, right? I was thinking back to episodes like Blackjack, I suppose. After all, why would Sandy be SITTING on Pearl's nose anyway? In the show they wound up not even KNOWING each other. o.o This makes me think that they were originally planned to be "girl friends" or something of that nature.

Oh, really, no worries! I.. Didn't even notice Pearl at first (how I could not notice a whale, eh.. - I thought Sandy was standing on a cliff or rock or whatever (I totally did not even look really). And your post with the mistake and then the edit, was just pure gold! Be proud.

 

[SpongeyKid]

That's where I got mine. If it's not still available there, I'd recommend their online store or Amazon.

Oh yeah, I think you might've told me this in the experience book thread already :P

 

[Murvine Taylor]

The original designs look different than the designs that are used for the show. I am not trying to be mean, but I find the original designs to be a bit sloppy.

 

[Insomnia]

Well these are just abstract sketches.
Original concept art for characters is one thing I just love seeing, also it's interesting he came up with Pearl so early as I don't see any of the other more prominent characters here.