Let’s Make Characters!

Written By Stephanie Broder

My favourite illustration activity is making characters, and, hear me out, I think it’s also an important tool for identity exploration.

Ok, maybe my full thesis will have to wait for another post. But for now, I just want to show everyone how easy it is to get started with character design! I created a simple game for all ages and skill levels. All you need are paper, drawing tools and dice.

The rules are simple: roll the dice for each part of the character and do you best to draw the shapes and styles you see on the sheet.

Even if you’re already making your own characters, this game makes a great warm-up exercise or quick trick to help yourself through drawing block. It can help you come up with unexpected combinations and inspiration for future characters. And once you’ve mastered these basic shapes, try creating your own “expansion packs” of additional shapes and features. If you have a D20, you could even play with a much larger set of possibilities! I made these “expansion” packs so you can whip up your own varieties of this game, or just mix and match as you please for designing characters.

Stephanie Broder
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