What are some tips for designing a versatile animation character?

1 Define the personality

The personality of your character is the foundation of its versatility. It determines how your character behaves, reacts, and communicates in different scenarios. To define the personality, you can use tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Enneagram, or the Big Five Personality Traits. You can also create a backstory, a motivation, and a goal for your character. These elements will help you shape the character's voice, attitude, and emotions.

2 Simplify the shape

The shape of your character is the most visible aspect of its design. It can convey a lot of information about the character's identity, mood, and role. To make your character more versatile, you should simplify its shape and avoid unnecessary details. A simple shape is easier to animate, modify, and stylize. It also allows you to focus on the essential features that define your character, such as the silhouette, the proportions, and the posture.

3 Choose the colors

The colors of your character can enhance its personality, mood, and contrast. They can also create harmony or contrast with the environment and other characters. To choose the colors, you should consider the color theory, the color psychology, and the color scheme. You should also experiment with different hues, values, and saturations. A versatile character can have a consistent or a dynamic color palette, depending on the purpose and the style of the animation.

4 Add the details

The details of your character are the finishing touches that make it unique and memorable. They can include accessories, patterns, textures, or facial features. To add the details, you should consider the character's background, culture, occupation, or hobbies. You should also balance the details with the simplicity of the shape and the colors. A versatile character can have subtle or prominent details, depending on the level of realism and expression of the animation.

5 Test the variations

The variations of your character are the different ways you can adapt it to different situations, expressions, and styles. They can include changes in the shape, the colors, the details, or the animation itself. To test the variations, you should sketch, model, or rig your character in different poses, angles, and lighting conditions. You should also try different genres, tones, and techniques of animation. A versatile character can have many or few variations, depending on the scope and the theme of the project.

6 Get feedback

The feedback of your character is the response you get from other people, such as your peers, your clients, or your audience. It can help you evaluate the effectiveness, the appeal, and the originality of your character design. To get feedback, you should share your character concept, your character model, or your character animation with others. You should also ask specific questions, listen to constructive criticism, and implement suggestions. A versatile character can have positive or negative feedback, depending on the expectations and the preferences of the viewers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?