How Did Jamie Hewlett Create Gorillaz Characters?

Question

Roman · Answer

Ever notice how Gorillaz characters look like they’ve lived hard lives? That’s pure Hewlett. He doesn’t do ‘perfect’—Murdoc’s got yellow teeth, Russel’s got scars, and even Noodle’s cuteness hides trauma. The designs are storytelling tools. Take 2D: his name comes from his two ‘dented’ eyes, and Hewlett drew him slouched like a guy who’s been knocked around by life (and Murdoc). The studio’s early ‘Phase 1’ art had a grungy, photocopied feel that matched the band’s chaotic vibe. Later, when they went glossy for 'Plastic Beach,' the wrinkles and flaws stayed. That’s the secret—they’re cartoons, but they feel real. Hewlett’s genius was making them flawed enough to root for.

Oliver · Answer

Hewlett’s process for Gorillaz was like watching a mad scientist mix pop culture in a blender. He’s talked about how 2D’s design started as a parody of boy band singers—all vacant stares and awkward limbs—but grew into something way weirder. Murdoc, the greasy schemer, got his look from Hewlett’s love of Vincent Price villains and garage rock sleaze. Noodle’s evolution fascinates me the most; her initial child prodigy vibe shifted after the 'Demon Days' era into this enigmatic warrior aesthetic. Russel’s backstory (being haunted by dead rappers) explains his hulking, haunted design. The genius move was making them feel like real people with flaws—Murdoc’s literally green with envy, 2D’s teeth are messed up from car crashes. It’s not just ‘cool art’; it’s storytelling through visuals. I’ve lost hours studying the tiny details in their clothing or album art, like how Noodle’s guitar straps change with her age. That attention to detail makes the world feel alive.

Parker · Answer

The Gorillaz characters are peak Hewlett: anarchic, stylish, and packed with inside jokes. He once said in an interview that Murdoc’s design was partly inspired by a ‘drunken bassist’ he knew, which explains the character’s perpetual scowl. 2D’s blue hair and sunken eyes came from Hewlett’s habit of exaggerating features for emotional impact—you instantly know he’s the tragic clown of the group. What’s wild is how the art evolved with tech. Early web animations had this rough charm, but by 'Plastic Beach,' the characters could express subtlety in 3D while keeping Hewlett’s scribbly energy. That balance is why they’ve aged so well.

Andrew · Answer

Hewlett’s Gorillaz sketches are messy in the best way—lines overlap, postures slump, and everyone’s a little ugly. That’s why they work. Most virtual bands try to look cool; Gorillaz look like they’ve been up all night. Murdoc’s ratty hair, 2D’s crooked smile—it’s all there to make them human. Even their fashion tells stories: Noodle’s jumpsuits nod to anime pilots, Russel’s tank tops scream ‘90s hip-hop. The art feels alive because Hewlett treated them like people, not products.

Lila · Answer

Jamie Hewlett's work on Gorillaz is one of those creative explosions that feels both meticulously planned and wildly spontaneous. As a longtime fan of his art, I've always been fascinated by how he blended his punk-inspired comic style with digital innovation for the band's virtual personas. The characters—2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel—each have distinct visual quirks that reflect their personalities. 2D’s hollow eyes and tall frame scream 'accidental frontman,' while Murdoc’s green skin and sharp features ooze sleazy charm. Hewlett reportedly drew inspiration from everything from horror movies to hip-hop culture, and you can spot those influences in the details, like Noodle’s military-inspired outfits or Russel’s ghostly scars. The collaboration with Damon Albarn was key too; the music and visuals grew together, making Gorillaz feel like a living universe. I love how Hewlett’s art doesn’t just illustrate the band—it is the band.

What’s even cooler is how he adapted the designs for animation. Early interviews mention him wrestling with 3D software to keep the hand-drawn vibe intact, which gave the characters their iconic janky movement. It’s a reminder that great design isn’t about polish—it’s about personality. Even now, seeing old Gorillaz clips feels fresh because Hewlett prioritized character over realism. That’s why their merch and music videos still hit so hard; the art has soul.

How Did Jamie Hewlett Create Gorillaz Characters?

5 Answers

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