Let's make a character!
Explore your curiosity to develop an authentic character idea
We’ll explore ways to follow your curiosity to create your own authentic characters, which will bring real joy to the whole process. If you get stuck at any time, take a break, then head over to the Character Development section of the contents page!
What is your character?
This is the part where you’ll decide if your character is an animal, human, alien, robot, rock, etc.
If you keep a sketchbook, flip through and list the things that you loved drawing. Do you notice any patterns? Your character should be something you like to draw (because you’ll be doing that a lot).
Mine goes like this: Lion, penguin, penguin, gorilla, raccoon, gorilla, gorilla, bear, hedgehog, bear, cat, dog, lion, gorilla, woman and bunny, woman and lamb, child and chicken, child and cat, chicken and child, etc. You get the picture.
Going back to even older sketchbooks, every other page is primates. Their shapes, expressions, hands, feet, and poses are simply fun to draw. So creating a gorilla character feels like an authentic choice for me.
Which characters are you drawn to?
Think about your favorite TV show. Which characters do you get excited about being on screen? Make a list of their personality traits and what you like about them.
For me, it's Jasmine from 90-Day Fiancè. Because she’s:
Funny
Unpredictable
Energetic
Poorly Behaved
Consider these types of personality traits when you’re creating a character, so they’re coming from an authentic, believable place. They should feel familiar and interesting to you. They're coming from your brain, after all.
I go through some ways you can explore your curiosity to create an authentic character in the video below for paid members. Can’t wait for the next installment where we’ll push them even further!
My goal for this series is to document my whole process from concept to submission. Buckle up, this could be a bumpy ride! You brought snacks, right?