How to Design Your Own Character

Sometimes you want to make a character but you don`t know where to start . What do they look like? What clothes do they wear? Maybe you have many ideas, but you are not sure which one is best. That is OK. Designing a character can be fun and easy if you think step by step.

When you design your own character look, you can make it look however you want. No rules! You can think about eyes, clothes, style. Do they wear dark clothes? Do they smile or are they serious? Details can make them look more real.

We call a character that you make yourself an OC, short for Original Character. An OC is not from a book, movie, or game. It is your own person that you create.

In this essay, I will help you think in different ways and design a character look step by step.

Tips: (You`re need these tools before you start: a pencil, an eraser, color pens, and color pencils)

Step 1: Theme and idea

Pick a thing or a holiday. It is easy because you can use their parts. For example, use strawberry and cream for a cake girl. Or use pumpkins for Halloween.

Three Look Centers:

Center 1 (Face): People look at eyes, hair, and glasses first.

Center 2 (Items):What is she/he holding? A sword or a magic stick shows her/his job, like a doctor or a warrior.

Center 3 (Clothes): Clothes tell the story. A rich lady wears a fancy dress. A traveler has a big bag and old clothes.

Step 2: Character and Draft

Now, let`s start drawing. For my example, I draw my original character. She name is LinLing. She is a Chinese Taoist and a college student. She likes to play, so I draw her playing with a string. I add coins, jade, and yellow paper to show she is a Taoist.

Drawing Tips:(Draw light with your pencil. Do not push too hard. Use circles and squares to draw the body shape first. Do not focus on small details too early.)

Step 3: Inking(Lines)

Now, use color pens to draw the final lines. You can use different colors for different parts. For example, use brown for skin, use green for jade. This makes the drawing look soft. When you draw lines, follow the body shape. Make the lines thicker at the corners.You must be patient.

Step 4:Coloring(Light and shadow)

The last stept is coloring.Blue is the main color for LinLing.First, paint the base color lightly and smoothly.Then, use darker blue or purple for shadows to make it look 3D.Think about the materials.For example, leave a small white spot on the jade to make is shine.Add a little pink on her cheeks and knees.This makes the girl look healthy and alive.

Step 5:Conclusion(It is your turn)

My character,LinLing, is just an example to show you how to use these drawing ways. If you think your drawing is not good,please do not worry. It is okay! Drawing is not for being perfect. It is for showing the cool idea in your head. Even great artists start with messy lines. If you pick up your prn today, you are alreay doing a great job. Take your time and enjoy the fun of drawing. Pick up your pens and try to draw your own original character! I am excited to see your ideas! Hope my essay can help you out!!!