Creating An Original Character: Doodles And Backstory

Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share that I've been working on a brand new Original Character (OC), and I'm bursting with excitement to finally give you guys a sneak peek into my creative process. Creating OCs is one of my favorite things to do – it's like giving birth to a whole new person, with their own unique backstory, personality, quirks, and even their own sense of style. It's a process that's both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and I'm always thrilled to see my characters come to life, from the initial spark of an idea to the final, fully-fledged character design. So, grab a comfy seat, because we're diving deep into the world of OC creation, complete with some of the doodles and sketches that have fueled this character's journey so far.

The Spark of an Idea

Every character starts with an idea, a tiny seed of inspiration that can blossom into something incredible. For this OC, the idea actually came to me while I was listening to a particular song. Music is a huge source of inspiration for me; the melodies, the lyrics, the overall mood – it all helps to create a backdrop for my imagination to run wild. This particular song had a very melancholic yet hopeful vibe, and I immediately started picturing a character who embodied those same feelings. This is where I find that the initial spark can come from anywhere. It could be a fleeting image, a snippet of conversation, a dream, or even just a random object that catches my eye. The important thing is to be open to these little sparks and to nurture them, to let them grow and develop into something more substantial.

I usually start by jotting down a few keywords and phrases that capture the essence of the idea. For this OC, some of the initial keywords were: melancholy, hopeful, resilient, and wanderer. These words helped to shape the core of the character and provided a foundation for me to build upon. I think about the character's background and what kind of experiences shaped him into who he is today. Was there any singular event that turned them to the path they are now on? I like to think about the motivations for each decision the character makes. It should be true to them and not seem forced.

Doodles and Sketches: Visualizing the Character

Once I have a basic idea of the character's personality and backstory, I move on to the visual aspect. This is where the fun really begins! I grab my sketchbook and start doodling, letting my hand move freely across the page. I don't worry too much about perfection at this stage; it's all about exploring different possibilities and seeing what feels right. Doodles are a fantastic way to brainstorm ideas. They allow you to experiment with different features, hairstyles, clothing styles, and poses without the pressure of creating a finished piece. In the beginning, my sketches are usually very rough and messy – just quick lines and shapes to capture the overall silhouette and proportions. This is the place where I can start to think about what style of clothing the character will wear and any accessories that will accent the design.

As I continue to sketch, the character starts to take shape. I begin to refine the features, adding details like the eyes, nose, and mouth. The eyes are particularly important, as they are often said to be the window to the soul. I spend a lot of time experimenting with different eye shapes and expressions to convey the character's personality. For this OC, I wanted to capture a sense of both sadness and determination in his eyes. Then it's time to think about the hair, and how the hair might fall or move if caught in the wind. Or maybe the hair is deliberately styled in a way that has to do with the character's personality. The same is true of the clothes the character wears. Are they tattered and torn, or are they pristine and elegant? All of these things can tell you about the life of the character.

I also start thinking about the character's color palette. Colors can have a powerful impact on how a character is perceived, so it's important to choose them carefully. For this OC, I was drawn to a muted color scheme, with shades of blue, gray, and brown, reflecting his melancholic nature. But I also wanted to incorporate a pop of color, perhaps a vibrant scarf or a piece of jewelry, to symbolize the hope that still flickers within him. I try to think of colors that represent things like the earth, or water, or fire. All of these can lend a clue as to the type of character you're trying to create. And this is where the real fun begins, where the doodles truly make the character come to life!

Developing the Backstory and Personality

With a visual representation of the character starting to emerge, it's time to delve deeper into their backstory and personality. This is where I start asking myself questions like: What is their name?, Where do they come from?, What are their hopes and dreams?, What are their fears and regrets? The answers to these questions will shape the character's motivations and drive their actions throughout the story. The character's backstory is very important because it provides the why of their existence.

For this OC, I envisioned a character who had experienced a great loss in their past, a tragedy that had left them scarred but not broken. This loss had instilled in them a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others who were suffering. I imagined them as a wanderer, someone who traveled from place to place, offering comfort and support to those in need. I find that characters that have suffered are the most interesting because they have that grit and determination that can only come from experiencing hardship.

As for their personality, I wanted them to be kind and compassionate, but also strong and resilient. They have a quiet strength about them, a quiet knowing that they can get through difficult situations because they have before. They are slow to trust, but fiercely loyal to those they care about. I also wanted to give them a touch of humor, a way to lighten the mood in even the darkest of times. This blend of traits makes them a complex and relatable character, someone who I believe people will connect with. I try to think of friends and family that I've known in my life and then I try to assign one or two traits to my character that my friends have. This makes it easier to write the character because I know people who embody those traits.

Refining the Design and Story

Once I have a solid understanding of the character's backstory and personality, I return to the visual design and start refining it. I look at my initial sketches with fresh eyes, identifying areas that need improvement or adjustments. I might tweak the proportions, refine the facial features, or experiment with different clothing options. This is also a good time to think about any special abilities or powers the character might have, and how those might be reflected in their appearance.

For this OC, I decided that they have a unique connection to nature, a sort of empathic ability that allows them to sense the emotions of plants and animals. I wanted to incorporate this into their design, perhaps by giving them a piece of clothing made from natural materials or by adorning them with symbols related to nature. I go back to my original drawing and sketch some of those ideas on the original until I have something that feels right. There is no feeling quite like when a character is coming together the way I envisioned it from the beginning.

I also continue to develop the character's story, thinking about the challenges they will face and the goals they will strive to achieve. What is the character trying to overcome? Is there some great external threat, or is the threat more internal, something the character has to overcome about their own personality? What kind of relationships will they form with other characters? Will they find love, friendship, or perhaps even betrayal? These are the questions that will shape the narrative and bring the character's journey to life. I always think about who my favorite characters are in books and movies and try to figure out why those characters are so compelling to me. It always boils down to them being relatable, or interesting, or both.

The Joy of Creation

Creating OCs is a journey, a process of discovery and exploration. It's about letting your imagination run wild, embracing the unexpected, and allowing your characters to evolve and surprise you. It is a journey full of hard work and sometimes frustration, but in the end it's all worth it to see your vision come to life. There is something truly magical about bringing a new character into the world, giving them a voice, a story, and a purpose. And the joy of sharing that creation with others is even greater. I like to draw fan art of characters that I admire and I always think about what a huge compliment it would be if someone drew my character in their style.

I'm still in the early stages of developing this new OC, but I'm already so excited about the possibilities. I can't wait to see where this character's journey will take me, and I'm looking forward to sharing more updates and doodles with you guys along the way. Keep an eye out for more! This process is never really done, either. Even after you launch the character in a story or a game or whatever, they continue to evolve. It's very much like having a child, because their personality becomes more fixed the more they are alive in the world.

So, what about you guys? What are your favorite things about creating OCs? What inspires you? Let me know in the comments below! I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. And thanks for joining me on this creative adventure!