Too Long; Drew & Rendered š (TL;DR)?
Character design is about turning your ideas into someone viewers can connect with. You will learn how to use simple shapes (from last weekās āConstruction in Artā), choose colours that express emotion, and find your unique art style. You donāt need an art school degree – only curiosity, creativity, and the courage to draw what feels right to you.
Welcome Back, FrameBursters! 
Last time in FrameBurst Academy, we explored how to use simple 2D and 3D shapes to construct anything – from a tire swing to a guitar. This week, we are taking that same principle and using it to create something even cooler: your very own character!
REMEMBER: Construction is the skeleton of your art. Character design is what gives that skeleton life – with personality, story, and colour.
Character Design is Subjective:
Hereās the first rule: there are no rules.
Everyone draws differently, and that is what makes your art yours. Some people start with a detailed planning; others, like me, let their arm flow. Sometimes I do not aim for a human or a specific creature – I just let the shapes guide me.
Your style is a mix of instincts, favourite shows, and a sprinkle of your personality; don’t design Uncle Iroh if you are Zukko. Inspiration is your seasoning – never your recipe. Learn from others, but make it yours.
Shape Language – The Secret Visual Code:
Everything you draw has a shape language – a visual code that tells the audience how your character feels before they even move or speak.
Circles & round shapes -> friendly, soft, cute (think of Kirby or Baymax)
Squares & rectangles -> strong, reliable, grounded (think of SpongeBob or Mr. Incredible)
Triangles & sharp angles -> fast, sneaky, dangerous (villains, tricksters or batman)
PRO TIP: Mixing shapes can create balance. A circular face with sharp eyes can feel kind but clever. Shapes are like Lego bricks – build carefully, experiment freely.
Color Palettes and Psychology:
Now that your character has a shape, itās time to add colour – not just to look pretty, but to feel right.
Warm Colours -> Reds, Oranges & Yellows
Energetic, friendly & passionate.
Perfect for heroes, excited storytellers, or adventurous characters.
Cool Colours: Blues, Greens & Purples
Calm, smart, & mysterious.
Ideal for thinkers, dreamers, or serious characters
Neutral Colours: Grays, Browns, Blacks & Whites
Balance your design and make brighter colours pop
Quick Color Guide:
Red -> energy & excitement.
Blue -> calm & trust
Green -> growth & creativity
Yellow -> joy & optimism
Purple -> imagination & mystery
Orange -> fun & warmth
Black -> power & mystery
White -> purity & simplicity
Ask Yourself
How should viewers feel when they see my character? Let that guide your palette.
Personality & Story:
Your character should reflect the story you want to tell. Ask yourself:
- What kind of person or creature fits my story?
- What emotion or message should they convey?
- What makes them memorable?
E.g.
Loose lines, or uneven shapes -> For clumsy story-teller
Clean, & bold outlines -> For confident character
Soft pastels, or round features -> For dreamy character
Even small choices tell the audience about your character before a single word is spoken.
Finding Your Own Style:
Style is not chosen – it emerges naturally while you draw.
How to discover yours?
- Draw a lot – do not wait for perfection.
- Study your favorite creators – Figure out why you like their design.
- Experiment – try different shapes, colours, and proportions.
- Notice patterns – your unique way of drawing eyes, ears, lines, and shapes will become your signature.
- Remember: style isnāt about being āgoodā or ābad.ā It is about expressing your story in your own way.
Iteration: The Secret Weapon:
The first version of your character is never perfect. Keep refining:
Test variations of shapes, colors, & expressions.
Seek feedback from peers or viewers.
Make sure the design aligns with your story.
Iteration is how your character evolves from a sketch to a living, breathing creation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Over-complicating designs -> too many details confuse the viewer and make it hard for you to animate.
Ignoring silhouette -> a character should be recognizable even in shadow.
Forgetting personality -> do not make a cool-looking character if they have no story.
Bringing It All Together:
By combining construction, shape language, colour, personality, and iteration, you create a character that is ready to inhabit your story world.
Your character can appear in:
- YouTube banners
- Profile pictures
- Animations
- Comics, or even games
Each appearance strengthens your visual identity. So grab your pencil, open your drawing application, and start experimenting. The best way to design a character is to simply start.
What’s Coming Next?
Now that you know the basics of character design, it is time to bring your creation to life.
In the next FrameBurst Academy blog post, weāll explore: āPosing & Expressions – Making Your Character Move and Feel Real.ā
Until then – keep sketching, stay curious, and remember: Your story deserves to be animated.