Creating Characters That Feel Alive
A great original character (OC) is more than just an eye-catching design – it’s a personality brought to life. The best characters aren’t just visually appealing; they tell a story through their silhouette, posture, and details.
Andrei Sitari, Art Director at Sun Creature, knows exactly how to make characters stand out. A Gobelins graduate, he co-directed the award-winning short film “Hors de l’eau” before working with Netflix, Gaumont Animation, and other major studios. With years of experience in animation and character design, he shares essential tips to on how to help you improve your (oc) characters that are both memorable and expressive.
«A character isn’t just about looking cool – it’s about telling a story in every line, every silhouette, and every pose.» – Andrei Sitari.
Try our FREE <<Introduction to Visual Development in Animation>> workshop to Learn how to create your first character design for animation!
The Power of a Strong Silhouette
The first thing people notice about a character is their silhouette. A great character design should be recognizable even in black and white. If your OC has a strong and distinct outline, they will stand out immediately.
Inbad the Tailor, animation silhouette by C. Allan Gilbert
Tip from Andrei: «A good test is to fill your character’s shape with solid black. If they still look unique and recognizable, you’re on the right track.»
How to Improve Your OC Silhouettes:
- ✔ Avoid cluttering the shape with too many small details.
- ✔ Use contrasting shapes (large and small, sharp and soft) to create visual interest.
- ✔ Check how your character looks from different angles.
Mastering Proportions and Rhythm
Proportions are one of the most powerful tools in character design. They can emphasize personality and make your OC more visually engaging.
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Example: A character with a large head and small body often looks friendly and playful, while elongated limbs and a narrow torso give a sense of elegance or mystery.
Andrei’s Advice: «Think of proportions as part of the storytelling. A strong warrior might have a massive upper body, while a sneaky rogue could be lean and agile. Let the proportions reinforce who they are.»
Sign up for <<Mechanics of Motion in Traditional 2D animation>> course to see how shifting body weight in characters helps them move to show their personality!
Using Shapes to Define Personality
Did you know that different shapes convey different personalities? This is one of the secrets behind memorable character designs.
🟡 Round shapes = friendly, soft, approachable (think Baymax from Big Hero 6).
🔺 Sharp, angular shapes = aggressive, intense, dangerous (think Maleficent).
🟦 Square shapes = strong, stable, reliable (think Sulley from Monsters, Inc.).
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Andrei’s Tip: «Before adding details, ask yourself: What’s the main shape behind this character? Start with a clear visual foundation before refining.»
Expressing Emotion Through Posture
A character’s posture tells as much about them as their facial expression. Confidence, fear, curiosity – these emotions should be seen before they’re even animated.
Check out How Emotion Change in Animation a Review with Edward Kurchevsky.
- ✔ A relaxed, open chest = confidence.
- ✔ Hunched shoulders and inward-facing feet = insecurity or nervousness.
- ✔ A forward-leaning stance = determination or action.
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Andrei’s Reminder: «A great character doesn’t need dialogue to express emotion. Their stance and movement should do the talking.»
Thinking in 3D: Giving Your Design Depth
A common mistake beginner artists make is designing characters that look flat. To make your OC feel real, think in 3D space.
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How to Improve Depth in Your (OC) Character Designs:
- ✔ Create foreshortening: Draw arms and legs coming toward or away from the viewer.
- ✔ Think of the character as a sculpture, not just a 2D drawing.
- ✔ Use light and shadow to add volume and form.
Andrei’s Challenge: «Try drawing your OC from an extreme angle – like a top-down or bottom-up view. If they still look solid, you’re mastering depth!»
Refining Details for Maximum Impact
Not every detail in your character’s design needs to stand out. Good design is about balance.
- 🔹 Prioritize key features (hairstyle, accessories, clothing elements).
- 🔹 Use contrast to guide the viewer’s eye (detailed face, simpler body).
- 🔹 Make sure the details serve the character’s story, not just for decoration.
Andrei’s Thought: «Details should enhance the design, not distract from it. If a character’s outfit is more interesting than their face, something is off.»
The Importance of Iteration and Experimentation
Even professional artists don’t get it right on the first try. Experimentation is a crucial part of the process.
Try this:
- ✔ Draw 5-10 variations of your character’s silhouette.
- ✔ Change one major feature (hair, outfit, proportions) and see how it affects the design.
- ✔ Flip the image horizontally – mistakes will jump out at you.
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Andrei’s Advice: «The first idea is rarely the best. Push yourself to explore beyond your comfort zone.»
Learning from the Best: Studying References
Even the best character designers study real life and draw inspiration from existing designs.
- 🔹 Analyze your favorite character designs. What makes them strong?
- 🔹 Study fashion, animals, historical figures. The more influences you have, the richer your designs will be.
- 🔹 Use pose references. Real-world movement makes a character feel grounded.
Andrei’s Final Tip: «Great artists don’t copy, they steal smartly. Take inspiration from everything – movies, comics, real life – but make it your own.»
See How to Effectively Use Reference in 2D Animation
Final Thoughts: Make Your OCs Unforgettable
Designing original characters is an art that requires both creativity and structure. By applying these principles – strong silhouettes, dynamic proportions, shape psychology, expressive poses, and solid construction – you can bring your OCs to life in a way that captures attention and emotion.
Want more pro tips? Keep exploring, experimenting, and refining your skills. And remember: every great character started as a simple sketch.
🚀 Ready to push your character designs further? Stay tuned for more expert insights from Andrei Sitari and other industry professionals.
