Megami Magazine 2011-01
Source: Megami, January 2011. Translation: [1].
December 4, 2010
Pre-broadcast interview with original character designer Aoki Ume from Megami Magazine Vol.128 regarding character designs in Puella Magi Madoka Magica with a bit of interesting aspect of herself.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica, a currently hyped original series from gathering of creative creators; since all main heroines are now present, we've asked Aoki Ume, the character designer and mangaka, to talk about character designs.
Aoki Ume Exclusive Interview!
How did you become in charge of character designs?
Producer Iwakami Atsuhiro was looking for a candidate that could be interesting when work together with the scriptwriter Urobuchi Gen-san. So he approached me.
What’s your impression of Urobuchi-san’s scripts?
Since I wasn’t given all scripts at once, for each one that was sent over always thrilled me into wondering how will the story continue. Part that influenced me the most is a daily life portion of the story. Things like conversation on the way to school or chat inside a classroom. I keep them in mind when designing characters.
Did director Shinbo have any special demand regarding character designs?
It’s been a long time, I can’t remember…. (Sweat) Concretely, there’s not much of it. I was free to design in a way I want.
How did you design the magical girl’s costumes?
Since magical girl costume is also a combat costume, I don’t see the need for them to be in uniform. This also include colors, where I asked Urobuchi-san color image for each character and design them accordingly.
By the way, do you have any nostalgia of magical girl series?
In those days, my brother is the one who take control of a TV remote. Thanks to him watching only boy’s shows, I ended up not having any nostalgia of magical girl series…. Strictly speaking, there was a coloring book I got when I was kid. There is a magical girl illustration inside, which I like it very much. I can’t remember who she was, though…. (Laughs)
The last question: please tell us about main features in this show.
It is an anime that middle school girls are trying their best in their own way. Please hearty watch over these young girl’s feelings and look forward to each week’s broadcast.