Working on character design

Creating original characters (OCs) is one of my favorite parts of being an artist, and I'm so excited to finally be working on a new one! I've decided to name him Therion, partly inspired by the character from Octopath Traveler – he was just such a cool 'best boy' in that game, and the name really stuck with me. But my Therion is going to be a completely different kind of entity: an eclipse demon. When I first started sketching Therion on my notebook page, I wanted him to embody the mystery and power of an eclipse. Not just a generic demon, but something tied to celestial events. This concept really guided my design choices. For instance, those distinct spiky hair/horns aren't just for show; they're meant to evoke the jagged, intense corona of a solar eclipse, giving him a really sharp and imposing silhouette. It's all about making those visual connections that tell a story even before a single word is written about him. The mask-like face was another deliberate choice to enhance that aura of mystery. I wanted him to feel ancient and ethereal, perhaps not fully revealing his true emotions or identity. It adds a layer of intrigue, making you wonder what lies beneath. And the star on the chest? That's a little touch to ground him in his celestial origins, a glimmer of light against the encroaching darkness that an eclipse represents. It’s these small details that I find truly bring a character to life and make them unique. And of course, a demon wouldn't be complete without a dynamic demon tail – I'm still playing around with its exact shape and articulation to ensure it complements his overall movement and personality. For anyone else diving into stylized character creation, I’ve found that focusing on silhouettes first is incredibly helpful. Try drawing your character as a solid black shape. If it's recognizable and conveys personality even without internal details, you're on the right track! Another tip I've picked up is to really think about the 'why' behind each design element. Why does Therion have spiky hair? Why a mask? This ensures that everything serves a purpose and adds to the character's narrative, rather than just being decorative. Don't be afraid to look at a wide range of inspirations, from mythology to fashion, to spark truly original ideas for your OCs. It's a journey of exploration, and seeing your ideas for a character like Therion, an eclipse demon, come to life in a sketch is incredibly rewarding!