gh-jamesrochabrun-skills/skills/book-illustrator/references/character_design.md

Character Design for Children's Books

The Foundation of Great Character Design

Children's book characters become lifelong friends. They must be:

• Instantly recognizable - Clear, memorable silhouettes
• Emotionally expressive - Feelings are obvious
• Consistent - Look the same on every page
• Age-appropriate - Match target reader developmental stage
• Visually appealing - Attractive to young eyes

The Silhouette Test

What Is It?

Fill your character with solid black. Can you still tell who/what it is?

Why It Matters

• Children identify characters by overall shape first
• Strong silhouettes work at any size
• Distinctive shapes create memorability
• Good silhouettes reproduce well in any medium

Creating Strong Silhouettes

Add Distinctive Elements:

• Unique head shape
• Characteristic ears, hair, or hat
• Distinctive body proportion
• Signature tail, accessory, or clothing
• Unusual posture or stance

Examples:

• Rabbit: Tall ears, round body, puff tail
• Bear: Round ears, broad shoulders, sturdy build
• Bird: Crest or beak shape, wing position, tail feathers
• Human Child: Hair shape, clothing silhouette, body proportion

Test Your Silhouette:

1. Fill character with solid color
2. View at thumbnail size
3. Is it recognizable?
4. Is it different from other characters?
5. Does it communicate personality?

The 3-4 Color Rule for Characters

Why Limit Colors?

• Recognition: Easier for children to identify
• Consistency: Simpler to maintain across pages
• Visual Clarity: Not overwhelming
• Practical: Easier to draw repeatedly

How to Choose Your 3-4 Colors

1. Primary Color (Dominant)

• Covers largest area
• Defines character at a glance
• Often fur, skin, or main clothing

2. Secondary Color (Supporting)

• Second-largest area
• Complements or contrasts primary
• Often secondary clothing, markings, accessories

3. Accent Color (Pop)

• Small areas for visual interest
• Often eyes, nose, small accessories
• Usually contrasts with primary

4. Detail Color (Optional)

• Smallest elements
• Eyes, patterns, tiny details
• Often black, white, or saturated accent

Character Color Examples

Example 1: Fox Character

• Primary: Orange fur (main body)
• Secondary: White chest and tail tip
• Accent: Green scarf
• Detail: Black nose, eyes, paw pads

Example 2: Child Character

• Primary: Brown skin
• Secondary: Blue overalls
• Accent: Yellow shirt
• Detail: Black hair, white eyes

Example 3: Monster Character

• Primary: Purple body
• Secondary: Green spots
• Accent: Orange horns
• Detail: Black eyes, white teeth

Proportions by Age and Type

Human Children Characters

Toddler (Ages 1-3):

• Head = 1/4 of total height
• Large head, small body
• Chunky limbs
• Wide-set eyes
• Minimal neck
• Round, soft features

Preschooler (Ages 3-5):

• Head = 1/5 to 1/6 of height
• Rounder belly
• Shorter limbs
• Large eyes
• Small nose
• Simplified features

School Age (Ages 6-10):

• Head = 1/6 to 1/7 of height
• Longer limbs
• More defined features
• Less chunky proportions
• More realistic (or intentionally stylized)

Tween (Ages 10-12):

• Head = 1/7 of height
• Nearly adult proportions
• Individual features more defined
• Less exaggerated, more realistic

Animal Characters

Realistic Proportions:

• Based on actual animal anatomy
• May be slightly simplified
• Maintains authentic feel
• Best for educational or realistic stories

Stylized/Cute Proportions:

• Larger heads (more childlike)
• Bigger eyes
• Shorter limbs
• Rounder bodies
• More expressive features

Anthropomorphic (Walking Animals):

• Human-like posture and gesture
• Animal head on more human-like body
• May wear clothes
• Hybrid proportions

Expression and Emotion

The Power of Eyes

Size Matters:

• Larger eyes = cuter, more sympathetic
• Smaller eyes = more realistic, sophisticated
• Very large eyes = manga/anime style, very expressive

Eye Placement:

• Lower on face = cuter, younger
• Middle of face = balanced
• Higher on face = more mature, intelligent

Eye Shape:

• Round = innocent, young, sweet
• Almond = elegant, sophisticated
• Wedge = dynamic, energetic

Basic Emotions Chart

Create an expression sheet showing your character with:

Happy:

• Curved smile (mouth)
• Crescent eyes or wide open
• Raised cheeks
• Upward eyebrows

Sad:

• Downturned mouth
• Drooping eyes or tears
• Lowered eyebrows (inner corners up)
• Slumped posture

Angry:

• Downturned, open mouth or tight line
• Narrowed eyes or wide glare
• Furrowed, angled eyebrows
• Tense posture

Surprised:

• Open mouth (O shape)
• Wide open eyes
• Raised eyebrows
• Alert posture

Scared:

• Open mouth (fear/gasp)
• Very wide eyes
• Raised eyebrows
• Tense, pulled back posture

Excited:

• Big smile
• Sparkling or wide eyes
• Raised eyebrows
• Energetic, forward posture

Shy/Embarrassed:

• Small smile or neutral mouth
• Looking away or down
• Slightly lowered head
• Closed or sweet posture

Confused:

• Slightly open mouth or frown
• Normal or squinted eyes
• One raised eyebrow
• Head tilt

Body Language

Emotion Through Posture:

Confident:

• Shoulders back
• Chest forward
• Head up
• Arms relaxed or on hips

Defeated:

• Shoulders slumped
• Head down
• Arms hanging
• Curved spine

Energetic:

• Dynamic pose
• Limbs extended
• Movement implied
• Off-balance energy

Calm:

• Centered balance
• Relaxed limbs
• Peaceful stance
• Settled posture

Character Consistency

Create a Character Sheet

Include:

1. Turnaround: Front, 3/4, side, back views
2. Expression Sheet: 6-10 key emotions
3. Proportion Guide: Measurements and reference lines
4. Color Palette: Exact colors with codes
5. Details: Close-ups of hands, feet, face, accessories
6. Poses: Common positions in your story
7. Size Comparison: Character next to other characters/objects

Consistency Checklist

Before finalizing each illustration, check:

• Head-to-body proportion matches
• Eye size and placement identical
• Ear/hair/distinctive features same size
• Color palette matches exactly
• Clothing or markings consistent
• Overall personality feels same

Common Consistency Mistakes

❌ Floating Features

• Eyes, nose drift around face
• Fix: Mark feature placement on guide

❌ Proportion Drift

• Character gets taller/shorter between pages
• Fix: Use proportion markers

❌ Color Variation

• Slightly different shades each page
• Fix: Use exact color swatches/values

❌ Detail Changes

• Stripes, patterns, accessories change
• Fix: Reference character sheet every time

Character Personality Through Design

Shape Language

Circles = Friendly, Soft, Safe

• Round faces, bodies
• Curved lines
• No sharp edges
• Best for: Gentle characters, babies, friendly heroes

Squares = Stable, Strong, Reliable

• Angular bodies
• Strong lines
• Grounded appearance
• Best for: Protectors, sturdy characters, dependable friends

Triangles = Dynamic, Dangerous, Energetic

• Pointed features
• Sharp angles
• Directional energy
• Best for: Villains, energetic characters, danger signals

Mixing Shapes:

• Most characters combine shapes
• Example: Round head (friendly) + square body (strong) = Gentle giant
• Example: Triangle ears + round body = Playful mischief

Size and Scale

Large Characters:

• Power, strength, protection
• Can be intimidating or gentle giants
• Command attention

Small Characters:

• Cute, vulnerable, quick
• Underdog heroes
• Relatable to children

Tall Characters:

• Elegant, sophisticated, adult
• Authority figures
• Graceful

Wide Characters:

• Sturdy, grounded, friendly
• Huggable, safe
• Stable

Age-Appropriate Character Design

Ages 0-2 (Board Books)

Characteristics:

• Extremely simple
• Very large heads
• Minimal features
• High contrast
• Bold, clear shapes
• No tiny details

Example: Round animal with two dots for eyes, simple smile, solid colors

Ages 3-5 (Picture Books)

Characteristics:

• Simple but expressive
• Exaggerated features
• Clear emotions
• Bright colors
• Appealing, cute designs
• Some detail but not busy

Example: Characters with personality, distinct clothing, expressive faces

Ages 6-8 (Early Readers)

Characteristics:

• More detail and nuance
• Complex expressions
• Individual personality traits
• Varied body types
• More realistic or intentionally stylized
• Supporting characters can be complex

Example: Detailed characters with accessories, patterns, individual quirks

Ages 9-12 (Chapter Books)

Characteristics:

• Sophisticated design
• Realistic or highly stylized
• Complex personalities shown visually
• Detailed environments and props
• Can handle subtlety

Example: Characters with depth, complex designs, sophisticated styling

Diverse and Inclusive Character Design

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Skin Tones:

• Wide range from very pale to very dark
• Avoid stereotypical colors (orange, yellow, etc.)
• Use realistic, respectful tones
• Show variety within families and groups

Facial Features:

• Varied eye shapes (not just round)
• Different nose shapes and sizes
• Varied lip shapes
• Authentic hair textures and styles

Hair Textures:

• Straight, wavy, curly, coily, kinky
• Various styles from different cultures
• Natural hair celebrated
• Cultural hairstyles researched and respected

Cultural Authenticity:

• Research clothing, patterns, accessories
• Consult cultural experts or sensitivity readers
• Avoid stereotypes and caricatures
• Show respect through accurate detail

Ability Representation

Physical Disabilities:

• Wheelchairs (various types)
• Crutches, walkers, canes
• Prosthetic limbs
• Design aids as cool, not medical

Sensory Differences:

• Hearing aids (colorful, personalized)
• Glasses (various styles)
• Communication devices
• Show naturally, not as main plot point

Neurodiversity:

• Stimming behaviors
• Assistive devices
• Various expressions and reactions
• Authentic representation

Body Diversity

Sizes:

• Thin, average, chubby, fat characters
• All can be heroes and main characters
• Avoid using size as personality shortcut
• Show healthy, happy characters of all sizes

Heights:

• Short, medium, tall
• Age-appropriate variation
• Not always matched to personality

Gender Expression

Beyond Stereotypes:

• Boys in pink, girls in blue
• All genders in all activities
• Varied interests and expressions
• Avoid rigid gender presentation

Character Development Process

Step 1: Research and Inspiration (1-3 days)

• Read manuscript thoroughly
• Identify character personality traits
• Collect visual references
• Study similar characters
• Consider cultural context

Step 2: Thumbnail Sketches (1-2 days)

• Quick, small sketches (20-50 versions)
• Explore different shapes and styles
• Try various proportions
• Don't commit too early
• Let ideas flow

Step 3: Refine Top 3-5 Concepts (2-3 days)

• Develop best ideas further
• Add color notes
• Test expressions
• Check silhouette strength
• Get initial feedback

Step 4: Final Character Design (2-3 days)

• Choose final direction
• Complete turnaround
• Create expression sheet
• Establish color palette
• Test in sample scenes

Step 5: Character Sheet Creation (2-3 days)

• Full turnaround (front, side, back, 3/4)
• Complete expression range
• Proportion guides
• Color swatches
• Detail callouts
• Common poses

Step 6: Testing and Refinement (1-2 days)

• Draw character in various scenes
• Test readability at different sizes
• Verify consistency is achievable
• Make final adjustments
• Get approval

Character Interaction and Relationships

Visual Hierarchy

• Main character = most detailed, most screen time
• Supporting characters = slightly less complex
• Background characters = simplified

Character Relationships Through Design

Family Resemblance:

• Similar color palettes
• Shared features (eye shape, ears, etc.)
• Proportion relationships (parent/child)
• Style consistency

Contrasting Personalities:

• Opposite shape languages
• Complementary color schemes
• Different proportions
• Visual contrast = personality contrast

Best Friends:

• Compatible design styles
• May share accent colors
• Similar energy levels in design
• Visual harmony

Special Character Types

Animal Characters (Non-Anthropomorphic)

Realistic:

• Accurate anatomy
• Natural proportions
• Realistic coloring
• Simplified for style but recognizable

Cute/Stylized:

• Larger heads and eyes
• Smaller bodies
• Simplified anatomy
• More expressive

Fantasy Creatures

Dragons:

• Decide scary vs. friendly early
• Shape language matters
• Color affects perception
• Size and scale important

Monsters:

• Can be scary or sweet
• Eyes are key to friendliness
• Color choices affect mood
• Shape language communicates intent

Anthropomorphic Animals

How Human?

• Walk upright?
• Wear clothes?
• Human hands or paws?
• Speech shown how?

Hybrid Approach:

• Animal head on human-like body
• Human clothes on animal frame
• Mix of human and animal features
• Consistent rules throughout book

Character Design Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Complex

Problem: Hard to draw consistently, busy appearance Solution: Simplify, focus on key features, remember you'll draw this 30+ times

❌ Too Generic

Problem: Forgettable, looks like many others Solution: Add distinctive element, unique shape language, signature feature

❌ Doesn't Match Story

Problem: Visual personality contradicts character role Solution: Align shape, color, style with character's nature

❌ Not Age-Appropriate

Problem: Too scary for young kids, too babyish for older Solution: Research target age, study successful examples

❌ Inconsistent Details

Problem: Stripes change, accessories vary, proportions shift Solution: Detailed character sheet, reference constantly

❌ Poor Silhouette

Problem: Blob shape, not distinctive Solution: Silhouette test, add unique elements

❌ Stereotypical Representation

Problem: Offensive or clichéd diverse characters Solution: Research, sensitivity readers, authentic details

Character Design Quick Reference

Before You Start:

• Understand character personality from manuscript
• Research visual references
• Consider target age group
• Think about silhouette and shape language

While Designing:

• Test silhouette at thumbnail size
• Limit to 3-4 main colors
• Create expression range
• Ensure age-appropriateness
• Check for consistency
• Verify distinctiveness from other characters

Before Finalizing:

• Complete character sheet
• Test in multiple scenes
• Verify readability at different sizes
• Check cultural authenticity if applicable
• Get feedback from target audience
• Ensure reproducibility (can you draw it consistently?)

Summary

Great children's book character design requires:

Visual Clarity:

• Strong silhouette
• Limited color palette
• Clear, distinctive features

Emotional Connection:

• Expressive faces
• Body language
• Appealing personality

Consistency:

• Detailed character sheets
• Constant reference
• Careful proportions

Age-Appropriateness:

• Matched to reader development
• Right complexity level
• Appealing to target age

Diversity and Authenticity:

• Inclusive representation
• Culturally respectful
• Authentic details

Remember: Your character may become a child's lifelong friend. Design with care, consistency, and heart. Every detail matters because children notice everything!