Have you ever wanted to create your own original character (or “OC”) but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve doodled a few faces, but the idea of designing a whole person (or creature) feels a little intimidating. Don’t worry, you don’t need fancy art skills or a complicated backstory to make something amazing. All you need is curiosity, a pencil, and a playful imagination.
Creating an OC is like inventing a new friend. You get to decide their look, their vibe, their quirks, everything! Whether you’re into fantasy, cozy slice-of-life stories, or just love drawing cool outfits, these beginner-friendly OC ideas will help you start designing and sketching characters you’ll actually connect with.
So grab your sketchbook (or a napkin, no judgment here!) and let’s bring your imagination to life.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need to be a pro artist to design an OC, just start with simple shapes and ideas.
- Mix parts of your favorite things, animals, hobbies, or moods to create unique characters.
- Practice is where the magic happens. The more you draw, the more your characters evolve.
- Experiment with poses, outfits, and expressions to tell your OC’s story visually.
- Have fun! Your OC doesn’t have to be “perfect”, they just have to feel like yours.
#1: The Dreamer
Start with a character who always seems lost in thought. Maybe they carry a sketchbook, or tiny stars hover around their head. Give them gentle features and soft lines. This is a great way to practice calm expressions and flowing hair or clothing.
Pro tip: Use light, wavy strokes for hair and clothing to give your Dreamer an airy feel.
#2: The Forest Guardian
Imagine a gentle spirit or creature who protects the woods. You could mix animal and human traits, maybe deer ears, mossy hair, or vines for clothing. Think about what their “power” might be and let it influence their design.
#3: The Bookish Witch
A cozy, magical OC! Draw them surrounded by books, potions, and a sleepy cat familiar. Try layering textures like a big knitted sweater or messy hair tied with a ribbon.
I love this one because you can play with patterns and props.
#4: The Space Explorer
Design a character who travels through galaxies. Give them a unique helmet, a sleek suit, or even a glowing sidekick robot. This is a fun way to mix science fiction with fashion design.
Pro tip: Try adding glowing lines or stars around them to suggest movement through space.
#5: The Shy Ghost
What if your OC isn’t alive, but still super friendly? Sketch a transparent figure with floating accessories, like a bow or hat. Use curved, gentle lines to make them feel soft and approachable.
#6: The Time Traveler
Give your OC an outfit that blends styles from different eras like a Victorian jacket with futuristic boots. Add gadgets, gears, or floating clocks to show their connection to time. This design challenge is great for experimenting with detail.
#7: The Music Maker
Draw a character inspired by sound, maybe a DJ, a violinist, or someone whose hair moves like sound waves. Let their rhythm show in their pose and expression.
Pro tip: Use curved lines and repeating shapes (like waves or circles) to suggest music’s flow.
#8: The Storm Chaser
This OC loves wild weather! Maybe they wear goggles and a coat that flaps dramatically in the wind. You can draw them standing in the rain or lightning, showing energy and motion.
#9: The Guardian Animal
Design a talking animal or mythical creature like a fox spirit or a dragon with personality. Give them expressive eyes and accessories that tell their story (a necklace, a scroll, a charm).
#10: The Inventor
Messy hair, goggles, ink-stained fingers, this OC is always tinkering. Scatter a few gadgets around them to add story detail. Their expression could be excited, curious, or mid-“aha!” moment.
#11: The Lost Royal
A crown that’s slightly crooked, clothes that are too big or too worn, this character once lived in luxury but now hides in plain sight. Great for practicing regal poses or expressive, dramatic faces.
#12: The Ocean Spirit
Think flowing hair like seaweed and shimmering eyes like waves. Add shells, pearls, or coral textures. Play with blues and greens to make the design feel watery and calm.
#13: The Night Wanderer
A mysterious figure who walks under moonlight. Cloaks, lanterns, and stars are your best friends here. Keep their expression soft but curious, like they’re searching for something only they can see.
#14: The Painter
Design an artist OC, messy smudges, paint-splattered clothes, and a bright personality. Maybe their magic comes from their brush!
Pro tip: Add a paint trail or floating colors around them for a dreamy effect.
#15: The Mechanic
A strong, practical OC who fixes machines or airships. Add oil stains, tool belts, and rolled-up sleeves. This is great for studying hands and mechanical shapes.
#16: The Flower Child
Soft, natural, and full of peace. Sketch them with petals in their hair, flowing clothes, and warm expressions. It’s a lovely way to experiment with floral designs.
#17: The Trickster
Mischievous grin, playful stance, this OC is all charm and chaos. Maybe they juggle glowing orbs or wear mismatched shoes. Use dynamic, energetic lines to show their movement and confidence.
#18: The Robot with Feelings
Try designing an android who’s learning about emotions. Maybe they have a cracked faceplate or glowing heart. This one’s perfect for storytelling through subtle detail.
#19: The Everyday Hero
Not all OCs need magic. Draw a character based on someone ordinary, a coffee shop worker, a big sister, a neighbor, who has a quiet strength. Sometimes, the simplest designs feel the most real.
Conclusion
Your OC doesn’t need to be perfect or fully fleshed out right away, just start somewhere. Each sketch is a conversation between your imagination and your pencil. The more you draw, the more your characters will grow, change, and surprise you.
So go ahead, mix traits, play with color, invent backstories, or even create a whole world for your OCs. And if one idea doesn’t work out? That’s okay! You’re still building your creative muscles.
Remember: your art doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to feel like you.
Jessie has a passion for bringing people together through creativity and socializing. She has organized many painting events that have left guests with lasting memories and new friendships. She’s also been to various sip events to unleash her own creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.