Animal Character Design Generator: A Real Species With a Job

Press New character for a real animal with a job, a build, a temper, one garment and something to carry.

Animal Character Design Generator: A Real Species With a Job: 30 characters

A water vole violin maker, shaped like a triangle on its base, curious about everything at once. Wears a conductor's jacket. Carries a lunch tin with a dented lid.

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Specieswater vole
Jobviolin maker
Buildshaped like a triangle on its base
Tempercurious about everything at once
Wearsa conductor's jacket
Carriesa lunch tin with a dented lid

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Character of the day

A water vole violin maker, shaped like a triangle on its base, curious about everything at once. Wears a conductor's jacket. Carries a lunch tin with a dented lid.
A giant panda travelling tailor, bouncing on the spot, apologizing in advance. Wears a lanyard with a card. Carries a rolled-up rug.
A walrus all-night diner cook, round as a ball, apologizing in advance. Wears a long dust coat. Carries a timetable full of corrections.
A lop rabbit almanac writer, shaped like a pear, sure this will work. Wears a nail pouch. Carries a toolbox with a squeaky hinge.
A bullfrog newspaper editor, standing very straight, forgetful and unbothered. Wears a paper hat folded from yesterday's news. Carries a parcel with no address.
A brown bear map maker, square as a box, quiet and watchful. Wears a paper hat folded from yesterday's news. Carries a paper boat.
A Malayan tapir swimming teacher, standing very straight, in a hurry and saying so. Wears a waxed jacket with deep pockets. Carries a camp chair that pinches.
An eastern chipmunk beach lifeguard, drawn like a picture-book character, apologizing in advance. Wears a faded red bandana. Carries an umbrella with a carved handle.
A striped skunk line painter, soft and shapeless as a cushion, certain they are right. Wears a conductor's jacket. Carries a bunch of carrots with the tops on.
A capybara librarian, large enough to give rides, inclined to hide. Wears a spotted neckerchief. Carries a postcard they have not sent.
An alligator secondhand bookseller, drawn as a carved wooden figure, whispering by habit. Wears a smock covered in paint. Carries a suitcase held shut with a belt.
An alligator doll's house builder, head tilted to one side, sentimental about old things. Wears a headscarf tied at the back. Carries a suitcase held shut with a belt.
A harbour seal clock repairer, perched rather than standing, too polite to interrupt. Wears a smock covered in paint. Carries a push broom as wide as a doorway.
An armadillo guesthouse owner, shaped like a triangle on its point, friendly to a fault. Wears an armband with a number. Carries a trunk covered in labels.
A walrus candy shop owner, drawn like a toy with stitched seams, in a hurry and saying so. Wears a wide sun hat. Carries a walking stick taller than they are.
An ostrich parade marshal, the size of a loaf of bread, sure this will work. Wears a headlamp on a band. Carries a concertina.
A platypus travelling tailor, drawn as a carved wooden figure, delighted by small things. Wears a green eyeshade. Carries a handcart.
A platypus candy shop owner, soft and shapeless as a cushion, dramatic about everything. Wears a canvas apron with one big pocket. Carries a concertina.
A red kangaroo poet for hire, half the height of the furniture, too polite to interrupt. Wears a headscarf tied at the back. Carries a pencil worn to a stub.
A striped skunk candy shop owner, always mid-stride, fond of giving directions. Wears a padded parka. Carries a walking stick taller than they are.
A brown bear bicycle repairer, soft and shapeless as a cushion, quiet and watchful. Wears a shawl over a coat. Carries a bunch of carrots with the tops on.
A box turtle beach lifeguard, head held high, full of plans. Wears a duffle coat with toggles. Carries a wind-up toy that still works.
A tabby cat sidewalk chalk artist, the size of a loaf of bread, inclined to hide. Wears a bowler hat. Carries a pocket dictionary.
A porcupine all-night diner cook, square as a box, cheerful before breakfast. Wears baker's whites. Carries a basket of apples.
An okapi button seller, tall and thin as a post, never knowingly lost. Wears a duffle coat with toggles. Carries a deck of cards with one missing.
A red-eyed tree frog newspaper editor, soft and shapeless as a cushion, happier behind the counter. Wears a pinafore. Carries a wind-up toy that still works.
A green iguana observatory astronomer, soft and shapeless as a cushion, competitive about small things. Wears a top hat one size too small. Carries a jar of honey with a spoon in it.
A raven orchard keeper, head held high, humming most of the time. Wears a long knitted scarf that drags. Carries a compass they do not quite trust.
A shoebill milk deliverer, small enough to stand on a table, full of plans. Wears a sash across the chest. Carries a bundle on a stick.
A robin school cook, drawn with small eyes set far apart, glad of company. Wears a nail pouch. Carries a banjo with three strings.

Next step Get a pose to draw them in Give this animal a past

Species: all 98 species

Woodland 15

badger A white face with wide black stripes, a small head and a stocky body.
brown bear A hump of muscle at the shoulders and large curved claws, longest on the front paws.
brown hare Very long ears with black tips, and long hind feet.

Show all 98 species (95 more)

Woodland, continued

eastern chipmunk Five dark stripes with pale ones between them down the back, and cheek pouches.
grey wolf Legs longer than its relatives have, with ears and a muzzle that are less pointed.
hedgehog Brown and white spines cover most of the body. Draw them as short strokes that lean one way.
long-eared bat The ears are the character: long, each with a fold. Draw them first.
moose A male carries broad, flat antlers. Both sexes have a skin fold below the chin, called a bell.
pine marten A cream to yellow bib on the throat and a bushy tail.
porcupine Quills cover everything except the belly, the face and the feet.
raccoon A dark mask across the face, a ringed tail and nimble front paws.
red deer A stag carries antlers with many points. The patch on the rump is paler than the coat.
red fox A tail with a white tip, and black marks on the ears and legs.
red squirrel Ear tufts, at their largest in winter, and a long tail that balances it on a branch.
striped skunk Black, with a white stripe from the head that divides at the shoulders and runs to the tail.

Farm and garden 14

border collie Black and white is the commonest coat, though almost any colour occurs.
donkey Large ears. Keep them long, whatever hat goes on top.
goat A beard, on males and females alike, and pupils like a slot on its side.
guinea pig A large head, a stout neck and a rounded rump with no tail worth the name.
Highland cow A long shaggy coat and long horns. Let the hair fall forward.
house mouse Large round ears, a pointed snout and a long, almost hairless tail.
llama Long ears that curve inward, a shape known as banana ears.
lop rabbit Ears that droop beside the face instead of standing up.
pig A big head and a long snout ending in a flat disc.
rooster A fleshy comb on the head and wattles under the beak, both larger on a male.
sheep A coat of crimped wool, and on some breeds horns that curl in a sideways spiral.
Shetland pony Short strong legs, a compact body and a long thick mane and tail.
tabby cat An M-shaped mark on the forehead and stripes by the eyes, along the back and round the legs and tail.
turkey A fleshy snood on top of the beak, a wattle under it and tail feathers that fan.

River and sea 14

beaver A large scaly tail shaped like a paddle, webbed hind feet and front teeth that never stop growing.
capybara A heavy barrel-shaped body, a broad head with a blunt muzzle and almost no tail.
harbour seal No ear flaps, nostrils that make a V and a pattern of spots that is its own.
hermit crab It lives in an empty snail shell that protects its soft abdomen. Draw the shell a size too big.
hippopotamus A barrel of a body on short legs, a wide mouth, and eyes, ears and nostrils set high on the head.
lobster Two claws that do not match: a larger crusher and a sharper cutter.
manatee A paddle where hind limbs would be, two flippers and whiskers on a snout that can grasp.
octopus Eight limbs round a beaked mouth, two eyes and a soft body.
platypus The bill of a duck, the tail of a beaver and webbed feet.
polar bear White or yellowish fur over black skin, a black nose and a longer neck than a brown bear.
river otter Long thin whiskers and a long tapered tail that makes up about a third of its length.
sea otter Draw it floating on its back at the surface, wrapped in very thick fur.
walrus Tusks and whiskers, both prominent, on a very bulky body.
water vole A rounder nose than a rat, a chubby face, short fuzzy ears and a furry tail.

Birds 19

barn owl A large head with a heart-shaped face, and long strong legs.
blue jay A blue crest, a white chest and a black collar shaped like a U round the neck.
cockatoo White, with a yellow crest that shows its mood.
emperor penguin A black head and back, a white belly and bright yellow patches at the ears.
flamingo Reddish-pink feathers, pink legs and a beak that hooks downward, tipped in black.
grey heron A white head with a broad black stripe from the eye to a black crest, and a long neck.
hummingbird A long, straight, slender bill. The adult male has a throat patch of ruby red.
kiwi Nostrils at the end of a long beak, no tail and wings too small to see.
magpie Glossy black and pure white, with a tail that makes up more than half its length.
mallard A drake has a white collar and a glossy green head. A female is speckled brown.
mute swan White all over, with an orange beak edged in black and a knob on top of it.
ostrich A long neck, long legs and only two toes on each foot.
peacock A long train of feathers with eyespots, and a fan-shaped crest on a blue head.
pelican A very long bill with a pouch of skin under it.
puffin A broad red and black beak, orange legs, a black back and a white front.
raven All black, with a heavy beak, shaggy throat feathers and a tail shaped like a wedge.
robin An orange-red breast and face, a brown back and a whitish belly.
shoebill An enormous bill shaped like a shoe, on a tall, long-legged grey bird.
toucan A huge yellow-orange beak with a black base and a spot on the tip. Black body, white throat.

Reptiles and amphibians 16

alligator A broad snout shaped like a U. When the jaws close, the upper jaw covers the lower teeth.
axolotl Gills on the outside of a wide head, and eyes with no lids.
bearded dragon A pouch under the chin that it can inflate and darken. That is the beard.
box turtle A high domed shell with a hinge underneath, so the turtle can shut itself in like a box.
bullfrog A round eardrum shows just behind each eye. On a male it is larger than the eye.
common toad Skin covered in warty lumps, and copper eyes with a pupil like a slot on its side.
crested newt In the breeding season the male grows a jagged crest. A yellow to orange belly, blotched dark.
fire salamander Black, striped or spotted yellow. The amount of yellow varies from one animal to the next.
frilled lizard A large frill round the neck, which stays folded against the body most of the time.
giant tortoise A domed shell and a short neck on some islands, a saddle-shaped shell and a long neck on others.
green iguana A row of spines down the back and tail, a flap under the throat and a large round scale on the cheek.
green sea turtle A teardrop-shaped shell and paddle-like flippers. The neck cannot pull inside.
Komodo dragon A long, yellow, deeply forked tongue and a tail as long as the body.
leopard gecko Spotted markings, eyelids that move and a thick tail that stores fat.
red-eyed tree frog Bright red eyes, a green body, blue and yellow side stripes, and orange feet.
veiled chameleon A tall crest, called a casque, on top of the head.

Grassland, desert and forest 20

African elephant A long trunk, large ears, curved tusks and a back that dips in the middle.
armadillo Armour over the back, sides, head and tail, joined by flexible bands. The belly has none.
cheetah A small round head with black streaks like tear tracks, and solid black spots on the coat.
dromedary camel One hump, a long curved neck and a narrow chest.
fennec fox Unusually large ears. Draw them first and shrink them last.
giant anteater A very long snout, a bushy tail and long claws on the front feet.
giant panda A white coat with black patches round the eyes and on the ears, legs and shoulders.
giraffe A very long neck and legs, a spotted coat and two horn-like ossicones on the head.
koala Round fluffy ears, a large dark nose and a stout body with no tail.
lion A male has a mane from the head to the chest. Both sexes have a dark tuft at the tip of the tail.
Malayan tapir Dark, with a pale patch from the shoulders to the hindquarters, and a long bendy snout.
meerkat A broad head, large eyes and a pointed snout, on a slim body built to stand erect.
okapi A chocolate-brown coat, white stripes and rings on the legs, a long neck and large ears.
pangolin Overlapping scales cover it like armour, and it can curl up into a ball.
red kangaroo Muscular hind legs, a strong tail it can prop itself on, long pointed ears and a square muzzle.
red panda Dense red-brown fur, a ringed tail, a mostly white muzzle and ears lined in white.
ring-tailed lemur A long bushy tail ringed in black and white. It sits upright to sunbathe.
three-toed sloth Three long curved claws on each foot and a stripe of dark fur under the eyes.
tiger Orange fur, white in places, and black stripes that run mostly up and down.
zebra Bold black and white stripes. No two zebras wear the same pattern.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is a real animal under a common name. The features in each note were checked on 2026-09-30 against that animal's English Wikipedia article, at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ followed by: Red_fox, European_badger, European_hedgehog, Red_squirrel, Raccoon, Striped_skunk, Moose, Red_deer, Brown_bear, Wolf, European_hare, European_pine_marten, Eastern_chipmunk, North_American_porcupine, Brown_long-eared_bat, Highland_cattle, Donkey, Goat, Sheep, Pig, Shetland_pony, Border_Collie, Tabby_cat, Chicken, Lop_rabbit, Llama, Guinea_pig, Domestic_turkey, House_mouse, North_American_river_otter, North_American_beaver, Platypus, Harbor_seal, Walrus, Sea_otter, West_Indian_manatee, Capybara, Hippopotamus, European_water_vole, Octopus, Hermit_crab, American_lobster, Polar_bear, Barn_owl, Mallard, Emperor_penguin, Atlantic_puffin, European_robin, Blue_jay, Eurasian_magpie, Common_raven, American_flamingo, Brown_pelican, Toco_toucan, Indian_peafowl, Kiwi_(bird), Ruby-throated_hummingbird, Grey_heron, Mute_swan, Shoebill, Sulphur-crested_cockatoo, Common_ostrich, Axolotl, Agalychnis_callidryas, Common_toad, Veiled_chameleon, Leopard_gecko, Galápagos_tortoise, Green_sea_turtle, American_alligator, Green_iguana, Fire_salamander, Great_crested_newt, Frilled_lizard, Komodo_dragon, Central_bearded_dragon, Common_box_turtle, American_bullfrog, Lion, Tiger, African_bush_elephant, Giraffe, Plains_zebra, Red_kangaroo, Koala, Giant_panda, Red_panda, Brown-throated_sloth, Ring-tailed_lemur, Meerkat, Nine-banded_armadillo, Giant_anteater, Pangolin, Okapi, Malayan_tapir, Fennec_fox, Dromedary, Cheetah. A feature the article does not state was left out, and the rest of each note is our own drawing advice. No cartoon, game, book or mascot character is named, and no species was invented by a franchise. Licence: own work

Job: all 82 jobs

Shops and stalls 14

button seller Trays of buttons sorted by size. Draw one tray spilled.
candy shop owner Tall jars on a shelf and a scoop in one of them.
chair mender A chair upside down on the bench and a coil of cane beside it.
clock repairer A loupe in one eye and a clock with its back off.

Show all 82 jobs (78 more)

Shops and stalls, continued

corner shopkeeper A pencil tucked somewhere handy and an apron with one big pocket.
florist A bucket of cut stems and string looped ready.
hat seller A tower of hats on the head, each a different shape.
lemonade seller A cart with a striped awning and a jug beaded with drops.
market baker A tray held level and flour everywhere. Dust the face white.
secondhand bookseller A stack of books held under the chin, or whatever serves as one.
seed merchant Rows of paper packets and a scoop standing in a sack.
spectacle maker A tray of lenses and a frame held up to the light.
stamp dealer Tweezers, an album and a very steady grip.
toy mender A doll's arm in one hand and a pot of glue in the other.

Travel and post 14

barge hand A long pole pushed against the bank and a rope coiled ready.
bicycle repairer A wheel off its frame, still spinning, and a patch being pressed on.
furniture mover The back half of a sofa and a staircase ahead.
harbour pilot A small boat beside a very large hull. Let the hull leave the frame.
hot-air balloon pilot A basket edge, ropes going up and the ground far below.
letter carrier A bag worn across the body, heavy on one side.
luggage porter A trolley stacked higher than they are.
map maker Ink, a ruler and a coastline that has just gone wrong.
railway signal operator A row of tall levers and a window over the tracks.
school bus driver A big wheel held at ten and two, and a mirror full of small faces.
sleeping-car attendant A corridor of doors, a tray and a blanket folded over one side.
station announcer A microphone on a stalk and a clock on the wall behind.
taxi driver One elbow out of the window, or whatever the species has in its place.
tour guide A raised flag on a stick and a mouth open in the middle of a fact.

Learning and arts 14

almanac writer A desk of charts, a calendar of moons and an inky pen.
choir leader Both arms up, or the nearest thing to arms, at the top of a beat.
doll's house builder A house that fits on the bench, with its front wall off.
librarian A date stamp, a trolley of returns and a finger to the lips, more or less.
music teacher A metronome, a raised pencil and a wrong note hanging in the air.
newspaper editor A desk of paper, a pencil and a clock showing nearly too late.
photographer A camera on three legs and a dark cloth over the head.
planetarium usher A small flashlight, rows of tilted seats and a dome of stars.
poet for hire A small folding table, a typewriter and a sign with a price.
poster paster A long brush, a bucket of paste and a poster half up.
scenery painter A brush on a pole and a painted sky taller than the room.
sidewalk chalk artist Down on the ground with a box of chalks and a picture half done.
stage manager A headset, a clipboard and a curtain rope.
violin maker A scroll half carved and thin curls of wood everywhere.

Outdoors 14

beach lifeguard A tall chair, a whistle and a ring on a rope.
beekeeper A veil over the head and a smoker held away from the body.
greenhouse glazier A pane of glass carried flat, and putty on everything.
hedge layer A hedge bent sideways and woven, and a curved hook for the work.
line painter A small cart that leaves a white stripe down the road.
market gardener A wheelbarrow of seedlings and mud to the middle.
maze gardener Shears, a hedge twice their height and a wrong turn.
mountain guide A coiled rope over the body and a line of smaller figures behind.
orchard keeper A long ladder into leaves and a basket hooked on a branch.
roof thatcher A ladder up a slope of straw and a bundle carried on the back.
shepherd A crook and a slope. The flock can be three dots on the hill.
stone waller A wall half built and one stone held, being judged.
trail marker A pot of paint, a brush and a fresh arrow on a rock.
weathervane maker A copper arrow, a small hammer and a rooftop to fix it on.

Care and service 14

bank teller A grille, a stack of coins and a stamp coming down.
elevator operator A brass lever, a folding gate and a row of numbers above.
guesthouse owner A bell on a desk, a board of room numbers and a guest book.
hotel doorkeeper A long coat, a tall hat and a door held open.
laundry worker A basket of folded sheets held higher than the eyes.
lost property clerk Shelves of single gloves and one very odd item with a label.
parade marshal A baton, a sash and a line of marchers behind.
plumber A wrench, a bag of tools and a puddle spreading.
raffle caller A drum of tickets and one ticket held up high.
school cook A very large pot, a ladle and a line of trays.
scorekeeper A board of numbers on hooks and a long pole to change them.
swimming teacher A pool edge, a float and a whistle on a cord.
tea-room waiter A tray balanced high and a cloth over the other side.
travelling tailor Pins held in the mouth and a cloth marked with chalk.

Night and early hours 12

all-night diner cook A hatch, a row of tickets on a rail and steam.
carousel mechanic A painted horse off its pole and an oil can.
clock winder A crank as long as the body and a clock face seen from behind.
dawn street sweeper A wide broom, long shadows and nobody else about.
lamplighter A long pole with a hook and a street going from dark to lit.
late-night radio host Headphones, a microphone and a mug gone cold.
milk deliverer A crate of bottles at first light and a quiet step.
newspaper deliverer A bag of rolled papers and one in the air.
night telephone operator A board of cords and plugs and a headset.
night-bus dispatcher A wall map of routes with pins and a telephone held to the head.
observatory astronomer A dome with a slot of sky and an eye at the small end of a tube.
stargazing guide A blanket, a pointer held at the sky and a row of upturned faces.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is an ordinary job, written to follow the name of the animal. The notes are our own drawing advice. No cartoon, game, book or mascot character is named, and no species was invented by a franchise. Licence: own work

Build: all 60 builds

Size 15

a head taller than everyone in the line Draw the line first, then one head above it.
a little too large for every room The ceiling presses down. Bend the top of the figure to fit.
as big as a grown person Give them a doorway to stand in so the height is clear.

Show all 60 builds (57 more)

Size, continued

as tall as a door The head nearly touches the top of the frame. Crop it close.
half the height of the furniture Chairs become climbing frames. Show one being climbed.
large enough to give rides Add a small passenger and the size explains itself.
life size and no bigger Keep the real animal's size and shrink the tools of the job to fit.
pocket-sized Put them in or beside a pocket and keep the details few.
the same size as the luggage Stand a suitcase next to them and match the heights.
the size of a child Adult tools look large in the picture. Let one of them be awkward to hold.
the size of a loaf of bread A loaf on the same shelf makes the comparison for you.
small as a thimble One thimble, one button and one matchstick set the scale.
small enough to stand on a table Draw a cup or a spoon beside them for scale.
too big for the chair The chair is the joke. Draw it complete, then sit them on it.
too small for the counter They stand on a crate. Draw the crate with as much care as the face.

Shape 15

all body and a very small head Put the head high and far forward, like a knob on a jar.
all head and very little body The head is half the height. Faces this size need few lines.
all sharp angles Draw with straight strokes only and let the corners stay.
built from three circles Head, chest and middle. Overlap them like a snowman on its side or its end.
compact as a parcel Everything tucked in. No part sticks out past the outline.
long and narrow Stretch the body and keep the head the usual size.
long in the body and low to the ground Draw the ground line first and keep close to it.
round as a ball One circle for the body. Everything else is attached to it.
shaped like a bean One curved shape with a dent in the middle. Bend it toward what they look at.
shaped like a pear Small at the top and wide at the base. It reads as steady.
shaped like a triangle on its base Narrow at the top and wide at the base. It looks hard to move.
shaped like a triangle on its point Wide at the top and narrow at the base. It looks ready to tip.
soft and shapeless as a cushion No straight lines. Let the outline sag where it rests on things.
square as a box Flat top, flat sides. Round only the corners.
tall and thin as a post One long vertical. Keep the clothes narrow too.

Stance 15

always mid-stride Catch them between steps so the figure is off balance.
bouncing on the spot Two small curved lines under them and a gap above the ground.
crouched and ready Fold the figure to half its height and aim the head forward.
curled in on themselves The head comes down toward the middle. Make the outline nearly a circle.
draped over the nearest surface The body takes the shape of what it lies on. Draw that first.
head held high Raise the head and let the eyes look down past the nose or beak.
head tilted to one side The tilt reads as a question. Keep the body straight under it.
leaning forward as if into wind Tilt the whole figure and trail the clothes behind.
perched rather than standing Give them an edge to perch on: a rail, a stool, a stack of boxes.
planted squarely Wide base, weight even. Draw the ground shadow as one solid shape.
sitting whenever possible Draw the seat first. The pose follows from it.
slouching Curve the back line into a letter C and drop the head.
standing very straight A vertical line from the top of the head to the ground. Nothing leans.
swaying a little Draw the centre line as a gentle S.
tipped slightly backward The weight is behind them. It reads as doubt or as pride.

How it is drawn 15

drawn as a carved wooden figure Flat planes with knife marks. Round nothing.
drawn as a silhouette that still reads Fill the shape in solid. If the species is unclear, fix the outline.
drawn as if made of folded paper Straight creases and sharp points. Shade one side of every fold.
drawn in three flat colours Choose the colours before you start and mix nothing.
drawn like a picture-book character Soft shapes, few lines and one clear expression.
drawn like a toy with stitched seams Add a seam down the middle and a patch of different cloth.
drawn the way a child would Wobbly circles and bold marks. Keep the one feature that names the species.
drawn true to life down to the last marking Work from the species note and add the clothes last.
drawn with a heavy outline One thick line round the whole figure and thin lines inside it.
drawn with big eyes and small everything else Set the eyes low in the head. It reads as young.
drawn with dot eyes and no mouth The tilt of the head has to do all the acting.
drawn with no outline at all Build the figure from patches of tone that meet.
drawn with small eyes set far apart It reads as calm and a little hard to fool.
nearly the real animal with one human habit Keep the anatomy true and let the habit carry the character.
true to life in the head and human in the stance Study the head from a photograph and invent the rest.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry fits any animal on the species list, so none names a tail, a paw, a wing or a number of legs. The notes are our own drawing advice. No cartoon, game, book or mascot character is named, and no species was invented by a franchise. Licence: own work

Temper: all 60 tempers

Cheerful 12

always the first to wave Catch the wave at its highest point.
cheerful before breakfast Eyes wide and the head up, while everything round them is still asleep.
delighted by small things The whole figure bends toward something tiny.
easily amused Caught in the middle of a laugh at nothing much.

Show all 60 tempers (56 more)

Cheerful, continued

friendly to a fault Leaning in too close, with the head tilted.
glad of company Draw them turning toward someone just out of the frame.
hopeful against the evidence A bright face in front of something that has clearly gone wrong.
humming most of the time Eyes closed, mouth shut and two or three notes in the air.
keen to explain how it works Mouth open and pointing at somebody else's work.
pleased with today's weather Face turned up to the sky, whatever is falling from it.
proud of the job Chest out, and the tools of the job held where everyone can see.
quick to laugh at themselves A grin, and a small disaster of their own making nearby.

Grumpy 12

certain they are right Head high and eyes closed, in the middle of explaining.
counting the minutes to closing Eyes on the clock and the body already turned to the door.
cross about the weather Glaring at the sky from under a hat or a hood.
easily offended A sharp intake of breath. The head goes up and back.
fussy about small details Bent close to the work, straightening something already straight.
gruff and secretly soft A frown on the face and something small cared for behind the back.
grumpy until noon Lids half down and the mouth a flat line. Add a clock showing morning.
in a hurry and saying so Leaning forward, mouth open, eyes on a clock.
stubborn as a gatepost Planted. The figure is a rectangle and the mouth is shut.
suspicious of new ideas Head pulled back and eyes narrowed at an object held far away.
tired of being asked the way Pointing without looking up.
unimpressed by everything One long level stare. Nothing else on the face moves.

Shy 12

apologizing in advance Head ducked and eyes turned up.
careful of other people's feelings Head tilted, watching a face for its answer.
easily embarrassed Eyes to one side and the head pulled down a little.
flustered by praise Looking at the ground with a smile they cannot stop.
happier behind the counter Only the top half shows. The counter is a wall they like.
inclined to hide Draw the hiding place first and one eye looking out of it.
nervous of loud noises The whole body flinches away from a small source of sound.
quiet and watchful Still, at the edge of the picture, looking at the middle of it.
shy with strangers Half hidden behind a door, a counter or their own hat.
slow to speak and worth the wait A long pause. Draw the listener leaning in.
too polite to interrupt Waiting with the mouth a little open and the moment passing.
whispering by habit Leaning close, with the head turned to keep the words in.

Bold 12

brave on behalf of others Standing in front of someone smaller.
competitive about small things Eyes sideways on a rival, even in a line for the bus.
dramatic about everything Head thrown back at a very small problem.
fearless about heights At the top of something tall, looking down with interest.
fond of an audience Turned toward the viewer, in the best light available.
fond of giving directions Pointing in two directions at once.
full of plans Paper everywhere, covered in arrows.
loud in a friendly way Mouth as wide as it goes and everyone near leaning back.
never knowingly lost Striding ahead with the map shut.
quick to take charge Standing on a box that was not there a moment ago.
sure this will work A confident face beside a plan held together with string.
up for anything Already stepping forward while the others look at each other.

Dreamy 12

always a little late Arriving at a run with everything they own in a heap.
calm in a crisis Perfectly still at the centre of a mess.
collecting facts nobody asked for A notebook out and a happy, faraway look.
curious about everything at once The head is turned one way and the eyes another.
easily sidetracked Halfway through one job and looking at another.
fond of long stories Settled in, mid-sentence, with a listener looking at the door.
forgetful and unbothered A calm face, and something important left behind in the background.
half listening The eyes have drifted to a window while the head still nods.
lost in a daydream The work goes on without them. Show it starting to go wrong.
sentimental about old things Holding something worn out as if it were glass.
slow and thorough Bent over one small task while a line forms behind.
thinking about lunch Looking up and to one side with the mouth slightly open.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is a temper in a few words. The notes are our own drawing advice. No cartoon, game, book or mascot character is named, and no species was invented by a franchise. Licence: own work

Wears: all 75 garments

On the head 15

a beret pulled to one side A flat disc with a stalk. Tilt it further than seems sensible.
a bowler hat A dome and a curled brim. It makes any figure look official.
a daisy chain worn as a crown Small circles joined by a line. Let one flower hang loose.

Show all 75 garments (72 more)

On the head, continued

a flat cap worn low The brim hides the eyes. Tip the head back to show them.
a headscarf tied at the back The knot and its two ends make a small shape behind the head.
a helmet with a strap Round and hard. Give it one highlight and one scratch.
a knitted hat with a bobble The bobble follows every movement half a beat late.
a nightcap, even at noon The long point hangs to one side with a tassel on the end.
a paper hat folded from yesterday's news Draw the folds sharp and suggest print with grey lines.
a peaked cap with a badge The badge is a bright dot above the eyes. Leave it shining.
a rain hat with a long back brim The brim sheds water behind. Draw drops running off it.
a straw hat with a chewed brim Break the edge of the brim in one place.
a tall cook's hat A pleated cylinder that flops at the top.
a top hat one size too small It sits on the head and does not fit over it. Show the gap.
a wide sun hat The shadow of the brim falls across the whole face.

Round the neck 15

a crooked bow tie Tilt it. One wing is larger than the other.
a faded red bandana Draw the folds at the knot and leave the rest flat.
a lace collar A scalloped edge lying flat. Suggest the pattern with dots.
a long knitted scarf that drags The end trails on the ground and has picked up a leaf.
a medal on a ribbon A disc on a V of ribbon. Let it catch the light.
a necktie tucked into nothing The tie hangs free and blows over one side.
a ruff A wheel of folded cloth round the neck. Draw it as a zigzag ring.
a shawl pinned at the front A big triangle of cloth with the point down the back.
a silk cravat A soft knot with a pin in it.
a spotted neckerchief A triangle at the front with the knot behind.
a stiff white collar with no shirt Two points and a stud. Nothing else is worn with it.
a string of wooden beads Unequal circles on a line. The biggest sits in the middle.
a striped scarf wound three times Three bands under the head and two ends of different lengths.
a tape measure worn like a scarf Mark the inches as small ticks along both edges.
spectacles on a chain Two lenses and a loop of fine chain behind the head.

Over the body 15

a canvas apron with one big pocket The pocket sags with whatever the job needs.
a cardigan buttoned wrong One side hangs lower. Count the buttons and holes so it shows.
a knitted sweater vest A pattern of small diamonds across the front.
a long nightshirt It reaches the ground and hides everything below the middle.
a patched tunic Each patch is a different cloth. Stitch round them with short lines.
a pinafore Two straps over the top and a square bib.
a quilted dressing gown Diamond stitching and a cord with tassels.
a sash across the chest One diagonal band from high on one side to low on the other.
a smock covered in paint Dab the marks on last, in the colours of the picture.
a striped sailor's jersey Curve the stripes round the body to show its shape.
a tailcoat Short at the front and long at the back, split into two points.
a uniform jacket with brass buttons Two rows of bright dots down the front.
a velvet jacket gone shiny with wear Leave pale patches where the cloth rubs.
a vest with a watch pocket A small slit of a pocket with a chain looping out.
overalls with one strap twisted The twisted strap pulls the bib to one side.

For the weather 15

a bright orange windbreaker Thin cloth that flaps. Draw it snapping behind them.
a clear plastic raincoat Draw what is under it, then add a few bright lines over the top.
a cloak with a deep hood The face is in shadow and only the eyes catch light.
a duffle coat with toggles Loops of cord over wooden pegs instead of buttons.
a knitted poncho with a fringe Draw the fringe as short strokes that swing together.
a padded parka The hood stands up round the head like a tunnel.
a poncho A square of cloth with the head through the middle.
a quilted jacket Rows of puffed bands. Draw the stitching as dents.
a rain cape with a hood A cone from the head down. Water runs off the hem.
a shawl over a coat Two layers. The shawl is the lighter of the pair.
a sun shade strapped to the back A small parasol on a frame that follows them about.
a tablecloth worn as a cape Checked cloth held shut at the front, with a crumb or two.
a waxed jacket with deep pockets Stiff folds and a dull shine. Both pockets bulge.
a yellow raincoat Shiny where it bends. Leave white streaks along the folds.
snow goggles pushed up Two dark ovals above the eyes with a strap round the head.

For the job 15

a bright safety vest Two pale bands across a bright ground.
a conductor's jacket Dark cloth, bright piping and a pocket for the whistle.
a green eyeshade A see-through peak that tints the top of the face.
a headlamp on a band A cone of light goes wherever they look.
a heavy work apron It reaches from the top of the chest almost to the ground.
a lanyard with a card A loop of ribbon and a rectangle that turns the wrong way round.
a long dust coat Buttoned to the top, with a pencil in the pocket.
a mechanic's coverall One piece from top to bottom, with a long zip and a rag in the pocket.
a nail pouch A canvas pocket at the front, worn low and full.
a name badge pinned upside down Draw the letters as marks. The angle is the joke.
a tool belt Loops and pouches all round. Something is missing from one loop.
an armband with a number A band high on one side. The number can be a smudge.
an ink-stained smock Blots at the cuffs and one long streak down the front.
baker's whites A double row of buttons and a cloth tucked at the side.
sleeve garters A band round each sleeve to hold the cuff clear of the work.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is one garment for the head, the neck or the body, written to follow the word "Wears". Nothing is worn on feet or hands, so each fits every animal on the species list. The notes are our own drawing advice. No cartoon, game, book or mascot character is named, and no species was invented by a franchise. Licence: own work

Carries: all 74 props

Tools 15

a ball of string A loose end runs out of the picture.
a brass whistle on a cord A small bright shape on a loop. Let it swing.
a bucket and a sponge Water slops over the rim. Draw the splash on the ground.

Show all 74 props (71 more)

Tools, continued

a clipboard with nothing on it Draw the clip and a blank sheet. The blank is the point.
a dust cloth A soft square held by one corner, with a cloud coming off it.
a hand bell Tilt it at the top of a swing with the clapper to one side.
a ladder two rungs too short Stand it against something and show the gap at the top.
a paintbrush and one tin of blue Put a blue mark on something that should not have one.
a pair of garden shears Two long blades held shut. Add a leaf caught on them.
a push broom as wide as a doorway The head of the broom is the widest thing in the picture.
a rolling pin A cylinder with two handles, dusted white.
a tape measure that will not rewind A long loose ribbon of numbers trailing behind.
a ticket punch A small pair of jaws. Scatter a few paper dots below it.
a toolbox with a squeaky hinge The lid stands open and one tool sticks out.
a watering can that leaks A trail of drops marks everywhere they have been.

To read and write 14

a diary with a ribbon marker A thin ribbon hangs out of the bottom edge.
a library book three weeks overdue Hold it behind the back with the label showing.
a list that reaches the ground A long strip of paper curling at the bottom.
a map folded wrong The creases go against each other and one corner sticks up.
a newspaper from last week Roll it, and draw the headline as a dark bar.
a notebook held shut with a rubber band Thick with loose pages. Show their edges.
a parcel with no address Brown paper, string and a blank label.
a pencil worn to a stub Too short to hold well. Draw the grip, not the pencil.
a pocket dictionary Small, thick and soft at the corners.
a postcard they have not sent Held by its edges and read again. Draw a stamp in the corner.
a rolled-up poster A tube under the body's widest part, with one end unrolling.
a sketchbook Open to a drawing of whoever is nearest.
a timetable full of corrections A grid with half its boxes crossed out.
an envelope sealed with wax A blob of red on the flap, pressed with a pattern.

Food and drink 15

a basket of apples Heaped above the rim. One has rolled out.
a bunch of carrots with the tops on The green is bigger than the orange.
a flask of soup A cup for a lid and a curl of steam.
a jar of honey with a spoon in it A thread of honey runs from the spoon to the jar.
a jar of pickles A tall jar held up to the light to count what is left.
a lunch tin with a dented lid The dent catches the light on one side.
a paper bag of buns The top of the bag is rolled down and one bun is already gone.
a paper cone of roasted chestnuts A twist of paper with dark rounds showing at the top.
a sandwich wrapped in a cloth A neat square bundle tied at the top.
a single perfect pear Give it a leaf, a highlight and plenty of room.
a string bag of oranges Circles pressed into a net. The net makes diamond shapes.
a thermos of cocoa Draw the cup too, held close for the warmth.
a tin of cookies A round tin with the lid half off.
a warm loaf in a paper bag The end of the loaf shows, with steam above it.
a watermelon they refuse to put down It is nearly as big as they are. Stripe it.

Music and play 15

a banjo with three strings A round body and a long neck. Curl the broken string.
a concertina Draw it pulled wide open so the folds show.
a deck of cards with one missing A fan of cards and a gap in it.
a harmonica A small bar at the mouth and both cheeks puffed.
a jar with holes in the lid Whatever was in it has gone. Draw the lid lying beside it.
a kazoo A small tube at the mouth and a very serious face.
a kite with a torn tail Bows on a string, and the last one missing.
a paper boat Hold it level, as if it were already on water.
a pocketful of jacks Small six-pointed stars and one rubber ball.
a small drum Slung at the front on a strap, with two sticks raised.
a spinning top Draw it leaning, with curved lines for the spin.
a tin whistle A thin tube held at an angle with a row of dots for holes.
a wind-up toy that still works A small figure on the ground walking away from them.
a yo-yo Catch it at the bottom of the string.
knitting needles and half a scarf Two crossed needles and a strip that hangs to the ground.

For the road 15

a bundle on a stick A knotted cloth at the end of a pole, carried over the back.
a camp chair that pinches Carried flat and eyed with distrust.
a compass they do not quite trust Held flat and stared at with the head on one side.
a handcart Two wheels and a long handle. Pile it unevenly.
a picnic basket A lid on each side and a cloth showing under one.
a pocket watch that runs slow Held to the side of the head to hear if it ticks.
a potted fern The fronds hide half the face.
a rolled-up rug Longer than they are, and bending in the middle.
a small telescope Three tubes pulled out, aimed at something close.
a suitcase held shut with a belt The belt strains. Something soft pokes out at one corner.
a tricycle with a bell Wheel it by the handlebars. It is too small to ride.
a trunk covered in labels Overlapping paper shapes at every angle.
a walking stick taller than they are Held near the bottom, with a knob far above.
a wheelbarrow One wheel, two handles and a load that hides the view ahead.
an umbrella with a carved handle Keep it rolled and used as a walking stick.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is one thing to carry, written to follow the word "Carries". No entry is meat, fish, eggs, milk, leather, fur or feathers, because the one carrying it may be that animal. The notes are our own drawing advice. No cartoon, game, book or mascot character is named, and no species was invented by a franchise. Licence: own work

How it works

Each result keeps one real species whole and turns it into a person: a puffin travelling tailor, slouching, easily embarrassed. The practice is keeping the animal recognizable once it stands up and gets dressed.

Read the full guide

A random animal character generator in six parts

Species, job, build, temper, garment and prop lock separately. Keep a barn owl, change the job until barge hand turns up, and the padded parka decides how much of the bird still shows.

Keep the species readable

The lists under the tool give each animal the features that name it. A raccoon keeps its mask and ringed tail, a goat its beard and slot-shaped pupils, a lobster its two unmatched claws. Draw those first and dress the character round them.

Lock the species and deal five jobs. Draw the same animal in five uniforms.
Print 30 for a class and let everyone swap one part with a neighbour.
No garment covers feet or hands, so paws, claws and flippers stay in the drawing.

Questions and answers

Can I use this as an animal OC ideas generator?

Yes. Every result is an original character. Nothing on the lists names a cartoon, game or mascot, and every species is a real animal. Lock the parts you like and change the rest, and the character that comes out is yours.

Which animals are on the species list?

Real ones from six groups: woodland, farm and garden, river and sea, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and grassland, desert and forest. Each note gives one or two features that were checked against the animal's Wikipedia article.

Does the character stand upright or stay on four legs?

That is your choice. The build sets size, shape, stance and drawing style, from pocket-sized to as tall as a door, and never says how many legs to stand on. Each build fits a heron as well as a hippopotamus.

Can I get only birds or only farm animals?

No. The tool deals from the whole of each list and cannot filter by group. Lock the species when an animal you want comes up, then keep pressing for the other five parts.