More afterlife characters!

Hey everyone! Following up on my initial post about Cooper and Parker, I wanted to dive a little deeper into what goes into creating 'afterlife characters' and share some of my process. When I first started thinking about Cooper, I knew I didn't want just another typical ghost. I loved the idea of someone who carries small, comforting habits from their past life into their new existence. That’s where the 'mismatched socks' and 'always grandpa sweaters' came from – little anchors of personality that make them feel real, even when they're in a place like Gregoría. It's about giving them relatable quirks that transcend their current state. These small details are often what bring a character to life, even an afterlife character! The '17, they/them' also adds a layer of depth, hinting at a youthful journey beyond life. For Parker, the concept was slightly different. I imagined someone a bit more nomadic, always exploring. The idea of them carrying an 'iPod w/ music' and 'marks trees W/ X to marK where they've been' really clicked for me. It adds a layer of history and a sense of journey to their character. Even in the afterlife, the need for self-expression and leaving a trace seems so human, doesn't it? Thinking about how these beings interact with their environment, whether it's Cooper being 'alone' in Gregoría or Parker eventually meeting Cooper in Ohio, helps build their world. It’s like they're still finding their way, discovering connections even in a new existence. When you're designing your own afterlife characters, think beyond just their appearance. What are their unique 'likes/quirks'? What kind of 'location' defines them? Do they have any objects they carry, like Parker's iPod, that tell a story? These small details are gold! They make your characters memorable and give them a soul, even if they're, well, disembodied. Don't be afraid to give them seemingly mundane habits – it makes them incredibly endearing. I often jot down these ideas in my journal or sketchbook during my sketchbook tour sessions, letting them evolve naturally. It's a fantastic way to develop a rich backstory without explicitly stating everything. The journey of these characters, from their initial spark of an idea to fully fleshed-out beings interacting in a complex world, is what makes 'original character' creation so rewarding. I'm excited to see where Cooper and Parker's story takes them next!