MC's Guide to Design

Welcome to MC's official guide to designing original characters! This will be a basic guide of how I personally design characters, and so it may not line up with your own methods. This is purely to give tips and tricks as to how to design as I do!

Quick disclaimer: this page works better in a dark themed profile. You'll be able to see dividers and the arrows beside the headers for navigation. Not a requirement to read this, just a reccomendation!

There will be specific categories for each method of designing, such as via color palette, moodboard, singular image, concept, or general media. There will be a directory below that you can use to navigate quickly!

Color Palette / Moodboard / Image / Concept / General Media / Dos and Donts

USING COLOR PALETTES
Using color palettes is a very common way to design, however, I personally feel it is not a very efficient method. A majority of color palettes will simply be colors, maybe with decor on it to make it fancier, but it usually won't have any specific theme to it. I would reccomend using color palettes for simple, non-story designs or for adopts.

Below is an example of a basic color palette:

I reccomend working with a color palette with colors that are similar or could easily work together. For example, using red with orange, or using yellow with blue. Not like using dark green with light pink.

For this guide, I will use the base of a regular anthro, as to demonstrate how to use it. For a basic color palette, I mainly use the majority colors as the primary color. In this case, the majority color would be orange/yellow. For the patterns, it usually depends on what kind of theme you want for the character based on the palette. For this palette, I could see a summer theme, or even a juice theme. Why not both?
Now the patterns from the theme come from what you would associate with the theme. For example, from a summer theme, you may think of the beach. The beach usually has sand and water. Try doing patterns based on that!

Now to add the juice aspect. This is where I would use the secondary colors, being the secondmost majority colors. Any extra colors could be used for the eyes, nose, or any other small details! Secondary colors are best placed in bare areas of a character, such as the torso or the face (where not many details would be ordinarily). Make sure to fill your entire canvas!

As for palettes with patterns already on them, making up the patterns for the character is considerably easier. If you aren't too experienced with designing, I would reccomend starting off with some of those. You can find some below:

Owiru lofi-demon Zana Icefall Kibara

Ordinary palettes found below:

Coolors Color Hunt My own

USING MOODBOARDS
Using moodboards is definitely my top pick of method for designing. I personally use it with almost every design I create. Moodboards I would reccomend for more long-time or story characters, as you're more likely to get a character you're happy with!

Below is an example of a moodboard:

This method will be split into a few categories: making moodboards and applying moodboards. If you plan on creating your own moodboards, then the first section is intended to help you if you can't find any premades that you are happy with. Otherwise, if you just want to skip to the nitty gritty, you can just read the second section.

Creating moodboards
Creating moodboards is a LOT easier than it may look. For creating moodboards, it is important that you have a legitimate art/editing program. This could be FireAlpaca (what I use), Photoshop, etc. Any program that allows the editing of images.

Images can easily be compiled into a square shape, although it may be difficult to get evenness on your own. To be able to make a solid moodboard, I would reccomend BeFunky as an automatic program that compiles images together, or alternatively, using a moodboard base, which requires more effort though may be easier to customize.

Finding images is perhaps the hardest part of putting together a moodboard. Finding images that match thematically or in hue can take quite a lot of searching. The main sites I would reccomend for finding images would be Unsplash, with 100% guaranteed free-to-use images, or Pinterest, a bit more diverse but riskier site in terms of copyright protection. You could also simply use your search engine to locate images, although not always a guaranteed goldmine.

Once you've collected your 9 or so images, you may decide whether or not to mess with the color scheme of the moodboard. I myself tend to shift colors for each image to be able to work better with one another. This is where your art/editing program really comes in. Below is an example of an unedited (left) moodboard alongside an edited one (right):

To edit a moodboard, you will need to have tools that can hue shift images. In FireAlpaca, that would be Hue and Tone Curve. Other tools can be used as well. The options in FireAlpaca are under Filter, as shown below:

Hue is easy enough to understand. It gives you the ability to adjust the hue, change the saturation, and adjust the brightness. Going left decreases saturation and brightness, while going right increases them. If an image does not require a lot of editing, or you simply are adding finishing touches to your moodboard, then I would reccomend using this option.

Tone Curve, on the other hand, is far more complex. Tone Curve allows for more control over how a color is shifted. You are able to shift all RGB colors or each independent color. You may also combine individual colors into certain adjustments if you don't want the entire RGB to be in the same position.
Tone Curve uses a chart, and so the hue itself depends on the position of the line. Moving the line upwards (above the original position) adds the selected hue, while moving it downwards removes it. Moving the line left adds the hue to the every hue in the image, while moving it right make it only apply to certain hues in the image. I would reccomend messing around with the settings until you get whatever makes you happy. I would definitely reccomend using the select tool in order to select each individual image to edit them individually. Some examples of Tone Curving is shown below:

Another tip for ensuring a consistent palette in your moodboard is to use the eyedropper tool in order to test how close each hue is for each individual image. If they don't match or aren't close enough in hue, then adjust the image hues to make them match better. This isn't required by any means, it will just make your moodboards look more aesthetic.

Applying moodboards
Using moodboards in designs can be easy or hard, usually depending on the moodboard. I would definitely reccomend using a moodboard with a clear and concise theme to it. Two examples are show below of moodboards, one with a clear theme (left), and one with a more jumbled and complex theme (right):

Other moodboards may not have a clear theme to them at all. Those moodboards are definitely not reccomended for designs you plan to use as personal characters. Some examples may be a moodboard with several conflicting or unfitting images put together. This is typically the result of a first-time moodboard creator. If you find it easier to design with jumbled moodboards, more power to you!

I will be using the first example moodboard for this design. It clearly has a Sun/Moon theme from Security Breach. In that case, the theme should definitely be around the sun/moon, as well as a jester-like theme.
I usually like to start by using a sticky note or postcard to note down what I plan to put in the design based on the moodboard. This isn't always a requirement, but it can definitely help in keeping track of what you want to include in the design. Otherwise, I usually look at the moodboard and apply whatever could be used as a feature on the design. For example, the chest could be opened to expose the ribcage, and the cavity could also be filled with strings. And, of course, the butterfly wings could be implemented. Just keep thinking of new ideas until your basic design is complete!

Afterwards, you will have to start thinking of ideas for colors and patterns. Almost 90% of colors I use from moodboard-based designs are colorpicked from the moodboard themselves. You can always adjust colors if you feel a different color may be needed elsewhere.
Firstly, the red and gray themes should definitely be used, the red being for the outside of the body, and the white for the bones. There could also be black and orange included. Try applying that to the design, and eventually you’ve got your finished design!

Though, not every design may be perfect on the first try. If you feel anything needs to be adjusted afterwards, then absolutely make any changes you feel would improve the design. After that, you've got your moodboard-based design!

If you're on the search for any moodboards, you can find some below:

RavensInk Ciyonara Cryptid_Taka LEZIFIED My own

USING ONE OR FEW IMAGES
Using three, two, or even just one image can make designing a bit more difficult. Usually few images can be used when a very specific theme is being used on a design. I would only reccomend this method if you have a complex concept in mind.

Below is the image I'll be using for this design:

There is a surprising amount to work with in this image. The theme is basically "Netflix and chill". You can see candles, books, food, and a tablet. This requires a bit of thinking to work with, as you will need to implement inanimate objects into a living creature.

Firstly, attempt to establish a personality with the character. A character based on a "Netflix and chill" theme would most likely be very relaxed and, well, chill. The character most likely sits around a lot and is quite lazy. Let's work with that; what would a character with that personality look like? Probably not very pleasant-looking.
Secondly, the objects can be implemented in ways that resemble an ordinary animal. For example, the book could be enlarged and act as a replacement for a tail, somewhat like a birds tail. The tablet could be placed on the character's chest, or alternatively be the character's face. I prefer the former myself. Other, smaller details could include stereotypes, such as lazy people wearing sweaters or bookworms wearing glasses. Finally, things like the candles and the pizza could be used for the character's colors. Otherwise, the rest of the details are up to you! Always feel free to include random things you like in designs, even if it doesn't come from the image itself.

Using one image beyond this point pretty much follows the same steps as using a moodboard. Basically implement whatever features you can from the image into the design, for colors included. Start with a basic design, finish the lineart, color it in, then adjust it to your liking.

Again, I wouldn't reccomend one to three image for a detailed design. But otherwise, if you yourself prefer more simplistic designs, then this may easily work better for you. Just expect it to be a little difficult.

My main sources of images come from the links below if you wish to go looking yourself. As described in the moodboards section, Pinterest has more variety, but is a bit risky with copyright protection, so be cautious when using those images.

Pinterest Unsplash Google search

USING BASIC CONCEPTS
Using just a basic concept can be very difficult to work with, especially if you don't plan to use any definitive color palettes or images for inspiration.

If you're unaware or uncertain, a concept is basically an idea for a character. The idea could be the character's personality that develops the rest of the character's lore, it could be a character's job that builds up their personality and story, or it could even just be physical features that develops their lore and personality. It usually takes considering similar ideas to one another. For example, a character who is a circus performer may be eccentric and silly, possibly even scary. You could develop that into a story about a performer who is so eccentric that not many people take them seriously, or even fear them, and so don't come to their shows. That's just a basic idea!

Once again, this section will be split into two parts: coming up with a concept and applying a concept. Feel free to skip the first part if you have no need for it.

Coming up with concepts
Coming up with a concept is usually the easiest part. Even then, it's not the easiest thing in the world. Coming up with a concept personally usually comes in looking around or thinking about parts of my life in which could be turned into a character. Then, I usually branch out on that idea to make it more ridiculous and exaggerated. For example, my character, Gideon, is based on a real part of my life: me. I have a fear of people talking bad things behind my back. So, what if I enhanced that quality into a character?
Basically, I took my real fear, enhanced it cartoonishly to where the character is very paranoid, and added small features such as a detective aspect to the character, since Gideon essentially looks for evidence on people talking about him.

You can use any of the three methods I mentioned before to develop a concept. Let's start with a personality, as I mentioned in my example with Gideon. Personalities are already things that exist, and so it can be considerably easier to come up with them for your concept. Think of a vague personality trait. It could be someone who is paranoid, someone who is ill-tempered, someone who always appears happy, etc. But these traits are far too one-dimensional, so think of what could be causing the character to have these personality traits. Is a character paranoid because they fear being looked down upon by others? Are they ill-tempered because they believe getting angry is a healthy way to release stress? Are they always happy because they have exceptionally good luck? Now work off that idea.
The character's appeal comes from their traits combining together harmoniously. A character who is paranoid might always be tucked up, with their hands together and with poor posture. A character who is angry might always clench their teeth and have their hands in fists. A character who is happy will usually stand up straight and appear visually loose. Along with that, a personality can determine the clothes they wear and what colors they are. You likely know the stereotypes of what personality wears which clothing. Otherwise, think of something that a character's personality could work off of. For example, a paranoid character could be a detective or security guard, since they are on a constant lookout for activity. Make their outfit and story reflect that!

A character's story/lore should usually coincide with their personality. A character who is paranoid might be a very well-recieved detective due to their good work for their job. In that case, you could even apply the opposite to the character. What if their success gets to their head, and as their gain in confidence and loss of paranoia affects them, they could end up losing their success. Always think about what could make that character struggle as contrast to what they're good at doing. This is especially good to use for character development. As mentioned, a character could get over their paranoia- their defining personality- causing their story to change. Personality should be a massive influence on how you write and design your character.

You could always try using story to write personality and design, or design to write personality and story, but it tends to be more difficult. It usually doesn't have as high of a success rate in personal experience. Think about a character's personality, then reflect their design and story off of that. Otherwise, try it in another order!

Applying concepts
Applying concepts to a character usually comes in considering the three factors of a concept: the personality, the story, and the design. Usually when you have a concept already prepared, it's a simple description or idea of the character. For example, maybe your character is paranoid about having people talk about them behind their back, and so looks for evidence of this idea which doesn't actually exist. The character has an established general idea to them now. So, how do you apply that to the three factors of a concept?

Firstly, a character's general idea usually already has a personality or story attached to it. In this case, the character is paranoid, and so that's their personality. The personality can heavily affect the design, and so it is important to establish a character's personality as to create appeal for the character. A paranoid character would most likely be hunched over and appear disheveled, as paranoia usually induces stress. Maybe they'd even be underweight due to them being too anxious to eat or exercise. Consider details like that for your design!

Just a quick sidenote: appeal in characters does NOT come from them looking like flawless, beautiful people. It comes in their personality matching their physical appearance. It also comes in the form of a unique and interesting design that catches people's attention. Just try not to make your characters always look handsome with perfect bodies or whatever. It gets boring very fast.

Now, consider what your character's general lore/story is. The paranoid character looks for evidence of incriminating acts, and so could easily fall into a detective role. Maybe give the character detective clothing! You could even add other police-themed features, such as polaroid photos, caution tape, or even a badge. I personally like putting random objects on my designs fitting to the theme to give them a bit more detail.

Lastly, think about colors. I tend to go looking for thematically appropriate images in order to use the colors from there. If you don't want to go looking for images, then simply think about the character's personality. Time to go into stereotype land.
A character who is bright and cheerful would likely have light colors, and in the opposite sense, a sad or inexpressive character might have darker and desaturated colors. Also think about what profession your character is in; the outfit or general aesthetic of a profession could easily provide colors for your design. For example, a detective's outfit is usually brown, so use brown for the whole design. If you're more about using conflicting or mismatched colors, then experiment! Mess around with colors until you get something you're happy with.

If you're uncertain on colors, I would definitely reccomend looking for images or color schemes at that point, or even get the help of others, as other people may be able to help you decide. Eventually, after using others' colors for some time, you will learn how to apply your own.

And, as the other methods state, make adjustments with your finished design until you're happy. And boom, you've got a new character!

If you're looking for some concept ideas, I have a few here you are free to be inspired from (just know that I have used some for my own characters):

My concepts

THROUGH GENERAL MEDIA
This section will be nice and short, as most of what is done with this method is done through the others.

Essentially, general media are things like video games, movies, TV shows, books, etc. Some people, including me, get inspired by media they follow and want to make their own characters inspired by it. This will mostly be a "don't do this" section, as to avoid plagarism and such.

Firstly, a piece of media may not always be easy to design entire characters on. You could either develop a simple concept based on the media, whether it's based on its story or one of its character's design/personality. Either that, or you could attempt to make a design based on the entire setting of the media, such as a certain level in a game or location in a film. It can be more difficult, though tends to allow a lot more creativity. I would mostly reccomend using moodboards when doing this method.

Now, how can you avoid plagarism? Easy; be creative. Don't let using a piece of media as inspiration completely block your ability to be creative. A very important thing to implement into a fan character, and especially an original character, is development on the original media to make it original to you. For example, you could change the character's story from the original story, but using the media's general aesthetic for inspiration.

Another big thing is to not copy/inspire from TOO MANY features from the original character. If you plan to make a character based on one from original media, make it stand out! Don't simply copy the original design and make it a furry or feral instead of anthro. That's just a dekudog, and is quite literally against ToyHouse's rules. Add new features to the inspired character, such as giving them different abilities or a different personality. Also, make sure to change their appearance enough to not easily be recognized as the original character (except for avid fans of the media who will always point it out). Simply put, design your own character overtop of the inspired character.

It is always smartest to put these characters in well-written AUs or original stories rather than shoving them into the canon story or some lame excuse of an AU. People will definitely notice if you pretty much put a slightly redesigned canon character into the canon alongside that canon character. It's confusing, and it can make you look insanely unoriginal. My own policy for writing AUs is: keep the original story or concept, but don't throw in the canon characters for fanservice. Just make it only my original characters who could easily exist alongside the canon characters, though without them ever directly interacting. How you write an AU or a fancharacter is up to you, but just make sure that it's creative!

DOS AND DONTS
This will be a short section on what you definitely should avoid doing when designing a character. Most of these are just reccomendations, and so what you do is absolutely up to you, but this is my personal advice that I would reccomend following.

- DO NOT copy existing characters. This goes without saying. Don't copy other people's designs just because you like them or because they wronged you in the past. No one likes having their designs copied or strongly inspired from, and it takes away all creativity you could've had for a character. Don't ever do this.

- Colorpicking, in my personal opinion, should be totally fine. If someone tells you not to colorpick, I wouldn't do it just to avoid drama, but otherwise I believe colorpicking is a fine thing to do. Obviously, don't take it as an excuse to use the exact same patterns as a character, but if you like a color palette on an image or another character, then you should be fine to use it for your own characters. I would reccomend slightly changing colors to fit your character better, though. As the old saying goes, "no one owns colors".

- DO NOT take multiple defining features of one character/species and put them into your own character. It will be blatantly clear that you took inspiration from a design when you do this. If you like the features that much, find alternatives to them that are more original to you, or even split them off into multiple characters.

- Using a piece of media as inspiration for your character or story should definitely be customized in a way that's more original. Don't just rip an entire character's story or design and make mild changes, such as changing the species. Make defining changes that make them an original character that still has the ability to fit into the original story.

- DO NOT use eyebleedingly bright/neon colors for the majority of a design. I know a lot of kidcore enthusiasts are sad to hear this, but it makes your character extremely unpleasant to look at. Keep neon colors to a minimum, such as small details on the character's body or eyes.

- I highly encourage looking at other designs if you're stumped with your own. Looking at and listing the features in characters that I like really helps me come up with my own characters. Just remember not to copy a lot of defining traits from characters, and make it original in your own way.