A character silhouette should do some of the storytelling

Before adding eyes or costume details, compare two outlines for an invented character. A distinctive hat, bag or body shape can establish recognisable features that still work when the image is small.

A broad hat and unusual bag can distinguish a fictional explorer.

Develop the outline first

Sketch two outlines. Compare recognisability. Develop one.

Compare outlines before adding detail. A distinctive silhouette can support character recognition even when the drawing is small.

Avoid copying recognisable commercial characters.

What makes the outline distinctive? Use shape combinations.

Resources

• Finish the Monster Drawing — Offer the unfinished drawing as one optional starting point for an original design.

Further reading

• National Gallery of Australia — learning resources

Read next

• Fictional faces can invite more than one interpretation
• An art revision needs a goal the maker recognises
• Let a line suggest the kind of landscape you imagine

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