Step 1

I receive plenty of character design requests for several types of businesses, but I can tell you there are no correct steps to follow when designing a character. There are, however, a few tips you can follow to achieve the right look.

One client brief I handled was focused on creating “a fictional, health conscious character which is supposed to bring fun and excitement to kids’ meal choices while also serving as an ambassador to balanced and wholesome eating”.

So typically, you’d start with some quick research of current character trends, similar brand avatars, and an analysis of what could possibly work and reflect the brand’s personality, keeping in mind that it targets kids on an educational level.

Here are a few tips on designing characters for kids:

1. Keep the character design simplified.
2. Draw simplified shapes and expressions kids can relate to.
3. Take time to explore possibilities, sketch concepts out, and make sure it’s different from what’s in the market.
4. Eyes communicate emotions, and they’re the first thing we view when connecting with a character. Slightly large eyes bring out warmth and appeal to kids.
5. The character should have an assertive stance.
6. Slightly wide smiles always win the heart.

Keep an open mind. Clients tend to have their own vision and will tend to direct you in the way they need the character developed to suit their business. What you start with may vary by the end of the process.

Sketch out at least three rough concepts of the mascot drawing for the client to review. A sportive apple, a toast-headed boy, and a lunch bag were among the sketches.

The client’s feedback was to create a “sandwich boy”, with arms and legs, but no body. So I sketched a cleaned out version, and it was immediately approved.