Fantastic Character Design

and Where To Find Them

 Why do we design characters, anyway?

for an audience for yourself

● People are dumb ● It’s kiiiinda cool
● “We live in a society” ● Your personal fingerprint!
● Psychological torture? ● Self-insert?
● Makes it easier for the ● Sometimes, you are the
animators, probably animator that you’re making it
easier for.
So… why is it so damn hard, and how
can I blame it on someone else?
Like, yes, I’ve heard of shape language, and how women are more
curvy and men are more boxy… hey wait where are you going

● Again: people are dumb

● There are SO many variables

● Do you actually know what you want to

design, or do you think you know?
 Where Do I Freaking Begin?
(take notes now)

BE HONEST: WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

Consider:
❖ Audience
❖ Mood/Vibe
❖ Themes, references, story
❖ Literal tools/medium
To give yourself a jumping-off point,
you should be able to write out:
● Character’s vibe (you know, adjectives!)
● Any specific primary source reference (not
from another IP)
● Any specific motifs or traits that must be
present
 Next: MAKE A CHARACTER REFERENCE PAGE.
Use Pinterest, Google Images, your local library, magazine
clippings, YouTube, Pony Express, whatever it takes.

Building up a visual library is essential if you want

to push your design work. Other people have pulled
off what you are trying to pull off–just peek over
their shoulder while you have the chance!!
Now I’m drawing… and I hate it.
 COMMON ISSUE #1:
I just drew the same character I
always freaking draw.
Solutions:
● Find a random design reference image. Do your absolute best to
create your design in that style.
● Break your character down to extremely basic shapes. Are all
the shapes a similar size or shape? If so, try diversifying those
shapes and size.
● Try warming up first. Trace a design you admire and pay attention
to how that design differs from your typical hand patterns.
 COMMON ISSUE #2:
There’s so much going on in this design.

Solutions:
● Show this design to randos. Ask them their first impression of the
character, and then ask them what made them think those things. Take
that feedback, and then emphasize or eliminate accordingly.
● Find a common “shape” or “detail” that repeats in your design. Eliminate
extraneous shapes or details. Replace with said shape or detail.

● Imagine this character was robbed at gunpoint–what would be the

first things they gave up, versus the last things they gave up?
 COMMON ISSUE #3:
What style do I use?!?!?

Solutions:
● Style is a construct. Eek!

● Do style samples!
○ DO NOT let yourself draw in the same style twice.

● Think about the tone of your work.

○ But mostly, what do you LIKE?

● Force yourself to study new styles!

Any Quastions?