NOTE: What follows are just some tips or recommendations that I think might be helpful for people who want to create an original character (OC) or persona. Some of these tips might seem to apply only to characters used in fiction writing, but I think most of the tips are universally applicable. Please note that these are not the be all and end all. If you have more suggestions, let me know! If you disagree, let me know! I am always interested in what other people think, and I'm sure everyone else reading this will appreciate extra insight, too. Also, if you find this helpful, again, please let me know.
Note 2: Also, I use the pronoun "he" for the OC. This is only because I don't want to type s/he constantly. Live with my bias. xP
DO: Create a background for your character.
A character's setting and time period will greatly affect his personality and appearance! Think of it this way: a person from inner-city Los Angelos will more than likely look, dress, and speak very differently than a person who lives on a farm in back-woods Ohio... not to mention if they were to instead grow up in Calcutta or the Australian Outback. Also, consider the time period. Modern London is very different than 18th century London. So you have animal character? Well, the same thing applies on a different scale. Mountain lions behave very differently depending on where they live, form the coasts of British Columbia to the Wyoming Rockies to the Argentinian Pampas.
DO: Create a history for your character.
The same reasons that you created a background for your character apply to this as well. Your character is not just shaped by his physical environment, but by his experiences as well. Who did he grow up around? How did the people around him act, and how did he react? Did something tragic happen? Was he privileged or poor? And so on. For artists, you might feel that this is unnecessary detail for a character you are going to draw... but good drawings convey emotion as well as paint a pretty picture. The best way to convey emotion through an OC is to know how he would feel and act in a specific situation. And to know that, you must know who he is.
DON'T: Go overboard.
What? Your character has a tragic past where both of his parents were killed, he was raped, he was physically abused, he was forced to drink acid, and his dog was shot? Or maybe he is a secret agent/assassin/ninja/pirate/wizard who is equally skilled in swords, magic, and gunnery. Hold on, there, Tiger. If you go way over the top with your character, people are not going to be able to identify with him. Keep your angst-ridden childhood tragedy to one or two traumatic events, if that's your thing. Likewise with the supa-uber powers and skills. Feel free to temper your characters strengths with weaknesses. That makes a much more believable character.
DO: Give your character personality.
You probably already have an idea of what your character is like if you've gotten this far, regardless of whether he is a "persona" or simply an OC. However, I heard this technique a long time ago (back in my D&D phase, god, don't tell anyone about that). Limit your character to four main personality points: three positive and one negative. Or vice versa if your character is evil or a villain. For example, your character may be clever, adventurous, charming, and prone to jealously (3+1 formula). Once again, your character is more believable when he isn't perfect.
DO: Draw design inspiration from everywhere.
A wise man once said that originality is the art of concealing your sources. Well, get out there and look at things! If your character is an animal, you've probably already chosen the species if you've gotten this far. But what makes him unique? Maybe it's an unusual clothing item, or unusual fur colour, or unusual eye colour. Perhaps you feel that his background makes him unique, so you are going easy on the odd appearance aspects. That's fine, too. Just remember that his appearance should fit his background, history, and personality. Inspiration can be found anywhere. Watch movies with beautiful clothing designs, such as Gladiator or Lord of the Rings. Look at Classical sculpture. Go to the antique store or the museum and look at the items on display. Play an epic, gorgeous video game. You name it, you can find inspiration.
DON'T: Go overboard!
I felt that this deserved a second pass in the design category. We get it. You are deep, meaningful, unique, and colourful. That's great. So is everyone else. Don't make your character five thousand different colours with floating wings, big eyes, sparkly things, forty pieces of jewelry, neon claws and tongue, and three different scarves and hats. Seriously. If you stick to a limited colour pallet and a few accessories, your character will have a much greater draw. You will be able to focus on a few main parts that compliment his personality, and he won't look like a pile of nuclear rainbow s**t. I'm not saying you can't draw a neon green dog (although I personally prefer natural colours). I'm just saying don't combine it with a bunch of other different neon colours and a jumble of clothing and accessories. THIS APPLIES TO HUMAN CHARACTERS AS WELL!
Well, there you have it. I hope it helps! I'm going to post one or more of my own character's backgrounds when I get their information back from the school account.
I hope this has helped at least a little bit. Once again, I'd really love to have some feedback!
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