Tips for Creating Captivating Characters in Illustration

Hello, fellow artists!

Today, we’re diving into the topic of character design. I’ll be honest—there are times when I just start drawing a character without overthinking it. But sometimes, a more thoughtful approach is necessary.

Clients often use characters to sell goods, educate, entertain, or share experiences, and as illustrators, it's our job to make that happen. We hold the key to visual storytelling, which is often the main reason clients seek our services.

In this video, I’ll be creating a Pumpkin Witch character and walking you through my process. I didn’t plan anything in advance for this video, so you’ll get to see how my thoughts unfold and how the character takes shape before our eyes.

In a real-life project, I would spend more time refining the character or come back the next day to make improvements. But for the purpose of this video, this is the character that emerged. I created this illustration with commercial use in mind! I’m also planning to turn it into a Behance project (no surprise there, right?) focused on Halloween candy and packaging.

I hope you enjoy the video and the tips I share along the way!

Additionally, I’ve created a handy guide for you to use whenever you're working on a character—whether it’s your own creation or a client’s brief. I find it helpful to see all the key points in one place, so I put this guide together for you. It’s free—just click the "Download" button!

Creating new characters is super exciting! You get to decide how they will look, what story they will tell, and what message they will deliver. To create a successful and believable character, follow these steps:

Storytelling: As illustrators, storytelling is one of our most powerful tools. It helps sell, educate, share

experiences, and entertain. Give your character a story—this will guide their appearance and the details that make them unique.

Evoking Emotion: Make sure your character evokes feelings in your audience. Can they relate to what the character does or feels? Does your character act as a hero, motivate, inspire, or bring happiness? Characters that connect emotionally tend to be more memorable.

Understanding the Character’s Purpose: What is the goal of your character? Is it for a commercial project, a brand mascot, or a book? Knowing the purpose behind your character will guide your design decisions and ensure they align with the intended message.

Brainstorming and Planning:

1.Use mind mapping to explore all of your character ideas.

2. Create a character brief or dossier that outlines the personality, backstory, and key traits.

3.Analyze the market for similar characters to see how you can stand out while maintaining relevance.

References and Sketching:

1.Find references for inspiration, but be sure to make your character original.

2.Start sketching. Experiment with different proportions, shapes, accessories, and lines of action to bring your character to life.

Feedback

Don’t underestimate the power of feedback! Share your character illustrations with friends, fellow artists, or through online communities. Fresh eyes can offer valuable critiques that you might not have considered. Use this feedback to iteratively refine your character and elevate your illustration skills.

Creating a character in illustration is a rewarding experience that requires both creativity and thoughtful consideration. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to designing characters that not only look great but also resonate with viewers on multiple levels.

Love,

Irina ♥

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