Character Design Generator

A written brief to print or draw from: figure, outfit, palette, standout feature, prop and mood.

Character Design Generator: 30 characters

An elder with a long face, long hands and long feet. Outfit: a sequinned jacket over a plain T-shirt and jeans. Palette: olive, moss and mustard. Standout feature: ears that stick straight out. Prop: a pair of ice skates with red laces. Mood: defeated but still standing.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Figureelder with a long face, long hands and long feet
Outfita sequinned jacket over a plain T-shirt and jeans
Paletteolive, moss and mustard
Standout featureears that stick straight out
Propa pair of ice skates with red laces
Mooddefeated but still standing

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Character of the day

An elder with a long face, long hands and long feet. Outfit: a sequinned jacket over a plain T-shirt and jeans. Palette: olive, moss and mustard. Standout feature: ears that stick straight out. Prop: a pair of ice skates with red laces. Mood: defeated but still standing.
A squashed figure, as wide as it is tall. Outfit: a court gown with a collar as tall as the head. Palette: graphite, white and one spot of turquoise. Standout feature: a head tilt like a curious dog. Prop: a dragon the size of a kitten. Mood: thoughtful, halfway through an idea.
A chibi figure with a head a third of its height. Outfit: a courier's jacket covered in delivery stamps. Palette: dark brown, black and ember orange. Standout feature: a mechanical eye with a zoom lens. Prop: a lantern on a pole. Mood: relieved.
A soft, round adult with small hands and feet. Outfit: a long wool coat, a scarf and polished boots. Palette: navy, mid blue and powder blue. Standout feature: a mechanical eye with a zoom lens. Prop: a pony no bigger than a dog. Mood: in awe.
A figure drawn as one continuous S-curve. Outfit: a 1920s beaded dress and a long string of pearls. Palette: tangerine, magenta and teal. Standout feature: very large round glasses. Prop: a trumpet with a dented bell. Mood: pleased with themselves.
A figure with a simple geometric shape for a head. Outfit: a novice's plain robe with a rope belt. Palette: ink black, grey and ice blue. Standout feature: patches of scales along the cheekbones. Prop: a map that redraws itself. Mood: bursting with good news.
A figure built from one big circle and four thin lines. Outfit: a Victorian cyclist's tweeds, cap and long socks. Palette: mustard, yellow and pale butter. Standout feature: a long scar along one forearm. Prop: a hovering camera drone. Mood: at ease, with nowhere to be.
A restless young adult balanced on the balls of their feet. Outfit: an armoured suit with glowing seams. Palette: rust, cream and teal. Standout feature: a towering quiff. Prop: a surfboard with a bite-shaped piece missing. Mood: protective of something behind them.
A merfolk figure with a long, powerful tail. Outfit: a cape far too long, safety-pinned at the shoulders. Palette: storm grey, black and lightning yellow. Standout feature: a shaved head. Prop: a shield with a dented rim. Mood: amused by a private joke.
A small round alien with a big head and thin limbs. Outfit: a market trader's layered skirts and a belt of coins. Palette: maroon, red and blush pink. Standout feature: an eyepatch with an eye painted on it. Prop: a floating robot that carries the bags. Mood: trying not to laugh.
An adult standing with all their weight on one leg. Outfit: a quilted gambeson with a wide leather belt. Palette: sepia, faded red and parchment. Standout feature: a plaited beard with a bead at the end. Prop: a broomstick with a bicycle bell. Mood: patient.
A stone golem with a small head and huge forearms. Outfit: a ranger's tunic, soft boots and a leather arm guard. Palette: plum, wine red and brick. Standout feature: hands always deep in their pockets. Prop: a ferret asleep in their hood. Mood: fearless.
An elder whose shoulders have crept up to their ears. Outfit: pyjamas, a dressing gown and odd slippers. Palette: deep purple, violet and lavender. Standout feature: a cloud of tight curls. Prop: a ferret asleep in their hood. Mood: curious.
A teenager mid growth spurt, with trousers suddenly too short. Outfit: a plant-themed suit with leaf-shaped shoulder guards. Palette: rust, cream and teal. Standout feature: hair dyed in a fading rainbow. Prop: a scanner that beeps at the wrong moments. Mood: trying very hard to look relaxed.
A figure built from one big circle and four thin lines. Outfit: a figure skater's costume with one sheer sleeve. Palette: sky blue, tangerine and white. Standout feature: sitting cross-legged on any surface. Prop: a battered guitar case. Mood: amused by a private joke.
A pear-shaped adult with sloping shoulders. Outfit: a 1920s beaded dress and a long string of pearls. Palette: lilac, peach and mint. Standout feature: a fringe that hides both eyes. Prop: a bright yellow suitcase. Mood: grimly patient.
A long-legged young adult who walks like a wading bird. Outfit: an ocean-world diving suit with a brass collar. Palette: lemon yellow, violet and white. Standout feature: a glowing mark on the palm of one hand. Prop: a wand kept behind one ear. Mood: sheepish.
A barrel-chested adult on surprisingly thin legs. Outfit: a circus ringmaster's tailcoat and top hat. Palette: dusty blue, wheat and rust. Standout feature: antlers hung with charms. Prop: a lunchbox they will not let anyone open. Mood: relieved.
A goblin-sized tinkerer with long ears and longer fingers. Outfit: a courier's jacket covered in delivery stamps. Palette: clay red, dusty pink and stone grey. Standout feature: dark circles under the eyes. Prop: a parrot with strong opinions. Mood: trying very hard to look relaxed.
A big-handed elder with a farmer's stoop. Outfit: a plant-themed suit with leaf-shaped shoulder guards. Palette: walnut brown, mustard and off-white. Standout feature: a permanent squint, as if facing the sun. Prop: a dented thermos flask. Mood: defeated but still standing.
A cheerful elder shaped like a teapot. Outfit: a robot repairer's overalls with oil-stained cuffs. Palette: sage, oatmeal and charcoal. Standout feature: a fringe that hides both eyes. Prop: a broom taller than they are. Mood: dreamy.
A sturdy teenager with a thick neck and solid legs. Outfit: everyday clothes with a hero suit showing at the collar. Palette: saddle brown, denim blue and cream. Standout feature: a third eye that stays shut. Prop: a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins. Mood: competitive.
A top-heavy figure with a huge chest and tiny legs. Outfit: a 1950s diner uniform with a paper hat. Palette: navy, teal and sea green. Standout feature: a tattoo sleeve of plants and insects. Prop: a lunchbox they will not let anyone open. Mood: suspicious.
A slight young adult with sharp, quick movements. Outfit: pyjamas, a dressing gown and odd slippers. Palette: coral, aqua and butter yellow. Standout feature: a cowlick that defies all combing. Prop: a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins. Mood: trying very hard to look relaxed.
A chibi figure with a head a third of its height. Outfit: a beekeeper's veil, gloves and white suit. Palette: black, dark teal and copper. Standout feature: a permanent squint, as if facing the sun. Prop: a lantern on a pole. Mood: pleased with themselves.
An elder whose shoulders have crept up to their ears. Outfit: a school uniform with the tie worn far too short. Palette: navy, burnt orange and cream. Standout feature: a gaze that lands just past your shoulder. Prop: a chess set in a folding box. Mood: cocky, one eyebrow up.
A compact child curled up like a comma. Outfit: a see-through holographic raincoat over plain clothes. Palette: peppermint green, strawberry red and cream. Standout feature: hair that floats as if underwater. Prop: a folding chair. Mood: triumphant.
A cyborg with one mechanical arm and one mechanical leg. Outfit: a magical girl dress with a bell skirt and heart buckles. Palette: scarlet, gold and royal blue. Standout feature: pointed ears with a notch in one. Prop: a jet pack held on with luggage straps. Mood: out of place.
A slight adult who seems to be made of coat hangers. Outfit: a classic cape, boots and a bold chest emblem. Palette: dusty blue, wheat and rust. Standout feature: talking with both hands at once. Prop: a cricket bat wrapped in tape. Mood: wary of a stranger.
A figure with a simple geometric shape for a head. Outfit: a long coat with a glowing circuit-board lining. Palette: bubblegum pink, mint and lemon. Standout feature: a hearing aid decorated with stickers. Prop: a shopping trolley with a squeaky wheel. Mood: jealous.

Next step

Figure: all 99 figures

Children 16

broad-shouldered child, the tallest in the class Wide on top and narrow below, with a child's larger head so the age still reads.
compact child curled up like a comma Sitting or crouching, the whole figure should fit inside one curved shape.
gangly nine-year-old, all shins and forearms Stretch the lower legs and forearms and keep the torso short, as if the limbs grew first.

Show all 99 figures (96 more)

Children, continued

knock-kneed child with big feet Point the knees in and the toes out. Oversized shoes finish the shape.
long-necked child with narrow, sloping shoulders A long neck over sloping shoulders makes a bottle shape. Keep the head small.
round child with a bouncing walk Build the body from overlapping circles and put a spring in the knees.
serious child with very straight posture A ruler-straight spine on a small body is funny and easy to remember. Keep the arms close.
shy child half hidden behind one shoulder Turn the body away and the eyes towards us. Raise one shoulder to cover the chin.
sleepy child who leans on everything Give them a wall, a table or a friend to slump against, and let the head tip.
small child who stands like the boss Hands on hips, chin up, feet apart: a triangle standing on its base.
small child with a short, sturdy body and pudgy limbs Keep the limbs short and soft, and the hands and feet small and simple.
stocky child built low and square Think of a box with rounded corners. Wide stance, feet planted.
tall child who stoops to match their friends Curve the upper back and tip the head forward. The height still shows in the legs.
tiny child swamped by their clothes Let sleeves cover the hands and hems pool at the feet. The clothes make the silhouette.
toddler with a big round head and a wobbly stance A relatively larger head, a high forehead, big eyes and a small nose and mouth are what make a face read as young.
wiry child who never stands still Draw them off balance: one foot leaving the ground, arms busy with something else.

Teens and young adults 16

athletic young adult with a swimmer's shoulders An upside-down triangle: wide shoulders tapering to narrow hips.
broad, heavyset young adult with a gentle stance A big rounded rectangle. Soft hands and turned-in toes keep it friendly.
compact, muscular young adult, shorter than everyone expects Pack the shapes tightly: short limbs, round shoulders, no wasted length.
lanky teenager, all elbows and knees Long thin limbs on a small torso. Let the joints poke out past the outline.
long-legged young adult who walks like a wading bird Legs usually make up three and a half to four heads of the height. Add half a head here.
restless young adult balanced on the balls of their feet Heels off the ground and knees bent, as if the next step has already started.
round-faced young adult with a soft, pear-shaped build Narrow shoulders, wider hips, weight carried low. Curves instead of corners.
short, square teenager with a low centre of gravity Wide stance, short neck, heavy boots. They should look hard to push over.
slight young adult with sharp, quick movements Thin lines, pointed elbows, small feet. Catch them halfway through turning round.
slouching teenager folded into a question mark One long curve from the head to the heels. The hands vanish into pockets.
small, neat young adult who takes up very little room Elbows in, feet together. The silhouette is one narrow column.
sturdy teenager with a thick neck and solid legs Join the head to the shoulders with a slope, not a stalk. The legs are pillars.
tall teenager who has not grown into their hands and feet A hand is normally about as long as the face. Make these a little longer.
teenager mid growth spurt, with trousers suddenly too short Show ankle and wrist. Everything they wear was bought for a smaller person.
very tall young adult who ducks under doorways An average adult is about seven and a half heads tall. Push this one well past eight.
wide-hipped young adult with a dancer's balance Set the weight over one foot and let the free leg trail. The spine stays long.

Adults 16

adult standing with all their weight on one leg This is contrapposto: the hips tilt one way and the shoulders tilt the other.
adult with a weightlifter's trunk and no visible neck One block from the ears to the hips. The arms cannot hang straight down.
average adult, seven and a half heads tall, easy to overlook Seven and a half heads is the real-life average, so the outfit and the feature have to do the talking.
barrel-chested adult on surprisingly thin legs A big oval on two sticks. The contrast carries the whole design.
big, square adult who fills a doorway Draw the doorway first and let the shoulders touch both sides of it.
heavy-shouldered adult who leans forward as they walk Tip the whole torso ahead of the hips so the head arrives first.
heroic adult, eight and a half heads tall with a deep chest The heroic figure used for gods and superheroes. The extra length goes into the chest and the legs.
idealised adult, exactly eight heads tall Eight heads is the traditional ideal figure, slightly longer than life.
pear-shaped adult with sloping shoulders Narrow at the top and wide at the hip, with the arms following the slope.
rangy adult with long arms and a loose walk Arms usually measure about three heads. Let these hang a little lower.
short, wide adult, nearly as broad as they are tall Start from a square. The head sits straight on the shoulders.
slight adult who seems to be made of coat hangers Sharp shoulders with the clothes hanging off them in straight folds.
soft, round adult with small hands and feet Large simple curves with tiny, neat ends. Let the belly lead the pose.
tall, narrow adult like a closed umbrella Keep everything vertical: long coat lines, long nose, arms held close.
tired adult whose whole body points at the floor Every line droops: shoulders, eyelids, hands, even the hem of the coat.
upright adult with a long neck and level shoulders A straight vertical through the ear, shoulder and ankle. The chin stays parallel to the floor.

Elders 16

big-handed elder with a farmer's stoop Bend from the hips, not the back. The hands hang forward, heavy and open.
broad, solid elder with a baker's forearms Thick wrists and rolled sleeves. The strength sits in the arms, not the height.
cheerful elder shaped like a teapot A round body, one hand on the hip for a handle and the other arm out for a spout.
elder whose shoulders have crept up to their ears Shorten the neck until the collar touches the jaw.
elder with a long face, long hands and long feet Stretch every end point: the chin, the fingers, the shoes. The middle of the body stays short.
elder with a proud chest and thin legs A pigeon shape: the front of the body curves out and the legs are an afterthought.
elegant elder with a slow, exact way of moving Every gesture finishes properly. Fingers are straight and the wrists are held high.
long-limbed elder folded up like a deckchair Knees and elbows make sharp angles when they sit. Standing up takes three stages.
round elder with a rolling walk Tilt the shoulders left and right with each step, like a boat at anchor.
small, square elder planted like a tree stump Low and wide with both feet flat. Nothing about the pose suggests moving.
soft-bodied elder who settles into chairs like a cat Draw the chair and the figure as one shape with no gap between them.
stooped elder who leans on whatever is nearest Give one hand a wall, a chair back or a fence to rest on.
tall, thin elder who stands very straight Long vertical lines and a lifted chin. The clothes hang from the shoulders.
tiny elder with a curved back and quick eyes The spine makes a letter C and the head pushes forward, but the eyes stay sharp.
very old elder, light as a bird Thin wrists, a large head on a small frame, and clothes with room to spare.
wiry elder who still moves like an athlete Lean limbs and ropey forearms with a springy stance. Only the face gives the age away.

Stylised cartoon builds 17

bean-shaped body with a tiny head on top Bend the bean to pose the whole character. The limbs are simple tubes.
bottom-heavy figure like a bowling pin A small head and narrow shoulders, swelling out to the hips. It rocks instead of walking.
chibi figure with a head a third of its height Chibi, or super deformed, figures have a head between a third and a half of their height, and stubby limbs.
chibi figure with a head half its height With this little body, keep one signature detail large and drop nearly everything else.
figure built from one big circle and four thin lines The circle is the head and body in one. Put the face low in the circle for a cuter read.
figure drawn as one continuous S-curve Find the curve from the head to the feet first, then hang shapes on it.
figure made of stacked rectangles Head, chest and hips are three boxes. Offset them slightly to get a pose.
figure that is one long triangle, point down Wide shoulders shrinking to tiny feet. It looks fast even when it stands still.
figure that is one long triangle, point up A small head over a wide base, like a bell or a long coat.
figure with a simple geometric shape for a head A square, a star or a crescent. The face has to fit inside the shape.
figure with an oversized head and a teardrop body The body tapers to tiny feet, so the head seems to float.
figure with giant hands and feet on a small body Draw the hands first and hang the rest of the character between them.
pill-shaped figure with no neck at all A rounded capsule with the face on the top third. Limbs join anywhere you like.
rubber hose figure with noodle limbs and no elbows In 1920s rubber hose animation, limbs are flowing curves with no hinged knees or elbows.
squashed figure, as wide as it is tall Flatten everything equally. The arms stick straight out at the sides.
stretched figure, three times taller than it should be Keep the head normal size and put all the extra length into the neck, trunk and legs.
top-heavy figure with a huge chest and tiny legs A wedge balanced on two pegs. The feet can be dots.

Fantasy and sci-fi figures 18

animal-headed traveller with a human build You choose the animal. Keep its neck and ears, and lose everything else.
boxy robot with a friendly rounded head Square body, round head. Mixing hard and soft shapes keeps a machine approachable.
cartoon zombie with a lopsided shuffle One shoulder up, one foot dragging, head tilted. Keep it goofy, not gory.
cyborg with one mechanical arm and one mechanical leg Put the machine parts on opposite sides so the silhouette stays lopsided from every angle.
four-armed alien with a narrow waist Give each pair of arms a different job so the pose stays readable.
ghost that fades out below the knees Solid at the head and gone by the floor. Let the hem break into wisps.
goblin-sized tinkerer with long ears and longer fingers Child height with an adult face. The hands are the biggest shapes on the body.
half-giant who has to sit down to talk to anyone Draw a normal door or chair beside them so the scale reads at once.
living doll with ball joints at the elbows and knees Show the joints as separate spheres and keep the face very still.
long-eared forest dweller, tall and narrow Stretch the neck, the fingers and the ears together so the proportions agree.
merfolk figure with a long, powerful tail The tail is longer than the torso and head together. Pose it as one sweeping curve.
scarecrow figure with a stick-straight spine The arms want to return to a T shape. The joints bend a little too far.
slim android with visible seams at every joint Treat the joints as the design: rings at the neck, the shoulders, the wrists and the knees.
small round alien with a big head and thin limbs Juvenile proportions again: a large head and large eyes make it harmless at a glance.
stone golem with a small head and huge forearms Pile the mass low in the arms so the fists nearly brush the ground.
stout mountain smith, nearly as wide as tall A square with a head set into it. Big hands, short legs, heavy boots.
tree person with twig fingers and root-like feet Split the limbs into branches at the ends and keep the trunk thick and slow.
winged sprite the height of a teacup Show the scale with one ordinary object: a thimble, a leaf or a pencil.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry fixes an age and a silhouette in one phrase. Head-count proportions were checked against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_proportions, juvenile features against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness, the chibi and rubber hose builds against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chibi_%28style%29 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_hose_animation, contrapposto against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrapposto, and the page's model sheet advice against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_sheet, all checked 2026-09-18. The other hints are studio advice, not rules. Licence: own work

Outfit: all 115 outfits

Modern everyday 20

a band T-shirt under an open checked shirt
a boiler suit with the sleeves tied at the waist
a café apron over rolled shirt sleeves
a cycle courier's kit with one trouser leg rolled up
a fisherman's jumper under a waterproof smock
a floral shirt, shorts and sandals with socks
a football kit with grass-stained knees

Show all 115 outfits (108 more)

Modern everyday, continued

a hand-knitted cardigan with mismatched buttons
a lab coat with pens in every pocket
a long wool coat, a scarf and polished boots
a patched denim jacket over a striped jumper
a puffer jacket, a wool hat and fingerless gloves
a raincoat two sizes too big and wellington boots
a school uniform with the tie worn far too short
a sequinned jacket over a plain T-shirt and jeans
a smart suit worn with bright trainers
a tracksuit with a stripe down each leg
an oversized hoodie, cycling shorts and high-top trainers
dungarees over a roll-neck jumper
pyjamas, a dressing gown and odd slippers

Fantasy 20

a bard's patchwork doublet and striped hose
a blacksmith's apron and heavy gauntlets
a court gown with a collar as tall as the head
a desert traveller's wraps and sand goggles
a fur-lined coat, mittens and snowshoes
a hedge wizard's dressing gown and gardening boots
a knight's surcoat over chain mail A surcoat is the loose outer garment worn over armour. Knights' surcoats often showed their personal arms.
a market trader's layered skirts and a belt of coins
a novice's plain robe with a rope belt
a quilted gambeson with a wide leather belt A gambeson is a padded, quilted jacket, worn as armour on its own or under mail and plate.
a ranger's tunic, soft boots and a leather arm guard
a royal messenger's tabard and riding boots
a sea captain's coat with tarnished gold braid
a travelling cloak with a deep hood and a muddy hem
a witch's pointed hat and a shawl of many pockets
a wizard's robe with sleeves wide enough to hide a cat
an alchemist's stained smock and a bandolier of vials
leaf-and-bark armour stitched together with vine
mismatched plate armour collected piece by piece
scale armour that shimmers like fish skin

Superhero 19

a bright team uniform with a number on the back
a cape far too long, safety-pinned at the shoulders
a classic cape, boots and a bold chest emblem
a home-made hero suit with swimming goggles and a towel cape
a hooded vigilante outfit with padded knees and elbows
a plant-themed suit with leaf-shaped shoulder guards
a retired hero's suit that no longer quite fits
a short cloak over a suit patterned with constellations
a sidekick outfit with a short cape and enormous gloves
a sleek bodysuit with one zigzag stripe
a speedster's suit with goggles and swept-back fins
a stealth suit of matte panels with a half mask
a suit built from sports kit: shin pads, helmet and gloves
a suit with a utility belt of labelled pouches
a villain's high-collared coat and long gloves
a weather-themed suit with a storm-cloud collar
an animal-themed costume with ears on the cowl
an armoured suit with glowing seams
everyday clothes with a hero suit showing at the collar

Sci-fi 18

a clean-room suit with the hood pushed back
a colony farmer's sun hat and cooling vest
a courier's jacket covered in delivery stamps
a hazard suit with a cracked visor
a long coat with a glowing circuit-board lining
a mechanic's jumpsuit with a tool harness
a moon miner's dusty coveralls and a headlamp
a patched spacesuit with stickers on the helmet
a pilot's flight suit covered in mission patches
a robot repairer's overalls with oil-stained cuffs
a salvager's layers: scarf, goggles and knee pads
a see-through holographic raincoat over plain clothes
a space station cook's apron and magnetic boots
a starship officer's crisp tunic with rank bars
a street racer's padded jacket and neon-soled boots
a trader's waistcoat with a dozen hidden pockets
an explorer's exosuit with folding leg braces
an ocean-world diving suit with a brass collar

Historical and workwear 19

a 1920s beaded dress and a long string of pearls
a 1950s diner uniform with a paper hat
a 1970s flared suit with a very wide collar
a 1980s shell suit and a sweatband
a beekeeper's veil, gloves and white suit
a chef's whites with a checked neckerchief
a chimney sweep's flat cap and sooty jacket
a circus ringmaster's tailcoat and top hat
a deep-sea fisher's waders and sou'wester
a gardener's waistcoat with seed packets in the pockets
a Georgian tailcoat, waistcoat and tall boots
a lighthouse keeper's oilskins and heavy jumper
a medieval baker's cap, tunic and floury apron
a postal worker's shorts, satchel and sun visor
a railway guard's uniform with a whistle on a chain
a Roman tunic, sandals and a travelling cloak
a Tudor ruff, doublet and padded breeches
a Victorian cyclist's tweeds, cap and long socks
an aviator's sheepskin jacket, scarf and goggles

Magical girl and stage 19

a ballet tutu, leg warmers and a worn cardigan
a clown's baggy checked suit and tiny hat
a dark magical rival's outfit with a torn ribbon cape
a fairy-tale ball outfit with far too many ruffles
a figure skater's costume with one sheer sleeve
a flower-themed magical outfit with petal sleeves
a jester's motley with bells on the collar
a magical girl dress with a bell skirt and heart buckles
a magical girl uniform with a star brooch and ribbons Magical girl heroes transform with a cute item such as a compact or a pendant. Hearts and stars are common motifs.
a magical team uniform: same cut, one colour each Magical girl heroes often work in teams, so design the uniform once and change only the colour.
a marching band uniform with gold braid
a masquerade gown and a feathered half mask
a pop idol's stage jacket with fringed sleeves
a puppet-show host's striped blazer and straw boater
a rock drummer's sleeveless denim and wristbands
a stage magician's tailcoat with a bright lining
a tap dancer's waistcoat, bow tie and spats
a transformation outfit with a huge bow and tall boots
an opera cloak over evening dress

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every entry is a whole look for a drawn character, sorted by genre, with no brands and no costumes from existing films, shows, comics or games. The notes on the gambeson, the surcoat and the magical girl uniform were checked against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambeson, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surcoat and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_girl on 2026-09-18. Licence: own work

Palette: all 84 palettes

Opposites on the wheel, plus a neutral 14

bottle green, crimson and cream Rich and formal. Let the green cover most of the figure.
butter yellow, lilac and charcoal A gentle version of yellow against purple. Charcoal gives it a spine.
cobalt blue, peach and charcoal Peach is a pale orange, so it still fights the blue. Charcoal holds the two apart.

Show all 84 palettes (81 more)

Opposites on the wheel, plus a neutral, continued

denim blue, rust orange and bone A worn, friendly pair. Try rust for the hair or one big garment.
emerald green, scarlet and black Loud on purpose. Black outlines keep the two from vibrating against each other.
forest green, brick red and sand Red and green are opposites on the painter's wheel. Darkening both stops them looking festive.
gold, deep purple and black Reads as royal or theatrical. A thin line of gold is enough.
ice blue, copper orange and slate Keep the copper small: buttons, buckles, a fringe of hair.
lemon yellow, violet and white Yellow is a light colour and violet a dark one, so this pair contrasts in value as well as hue.
mint green, cherry red and white Sweet-shop colours. Use the red in small sharp shapes.
mustard yellow, plum purple and grey Yellow and purple are the third pair of opposites on the painter's wheel.
navy, burnt orange and cream Blue and orange sit opposite each other on the painter's wheel, so each makes the other look brighter.
sage green, dusty rose and grey Rose is a pale red, so this is the same opposite pair with the volume turned down.
sky blue, tangerine and white A light, sporty version of blue against orange. Give the white plenty of room.

Neighbours on the wheel 14

apricot, salmon and rose Skin-like warm pinks. Make sure the face stays distinct from the clothes.
aqua, azure and ultramarine Three blues edging towards green. Separate them with clear changes of value.
gold, amber and rust Autumn in three steps. Put the darkest at the bottom of the figure.
lemon yellow, orange and tomato red Neighbouring colours sit together easily. Pick one to dominate, here the orange.
lime, leaf green and lemon yellow Spring colours. Suits anything young, leafy or slightly sour.
navy, teal and sea green Deep water colours. Give the lightest one to whatever you want looked at first.
olive, moss and mustard Muted neighbours that read as outdoor, practical and lived-in.
peach, coral and raspberry Warm and soft. The raspberry is strong, so keep it to a scarf or a pair of shoes.
plum, wine red and brick Heavy and warm. Good for velvet, leather and old uniforms.
rose pink, mauve and violet A quiet slide from pink to purple. Works well on layered clothing.
scarlet, magenta and purple Hot and dramatic. Let purple take the shadows.
sky blue, turquoise and mint Fresh and airy. Leave plenty of white paper around them.
teal, emerald and lime The lime leaps forward, so use it last and use it least.
violet, indigo and royal blue Cool and night-like. Add your own tiny warm accent if the face gets lost.

One colour in three strengths 14

black, grey and white The starkest choice. Decide early which of the three covers the most area.
bottle green, grass green and pale mint Put the darkest green where you want weight, usually the boots or the coat.
burnt orange, orange and pale apricot Very warm. A large area of the pale apricot stops it overheating.
charcoal, mid grey and pale grey No hue at all, so the design has to work as pure light and dark.
chocolate, tan and cream The friendliest of the one-hue sets. Try it on animals and cosy characters.
dark teal, teal and pale aqua Reads as calm, clean or underwater, depending on the outfit.
deep purple, violet and lavender Save the lavender for highlights and the edges of things.
indigo, denim blue and pale sky blue Workwear blues. Fade the colour at the knees and the elbows.
maroon, red and blush pink Pink is only a pale red, so these three always sit together.
mustard, yellow and pale butter These three are close in value, so lean on outlines to separate the shapes.
navy, mid blue and powder blue A monochromatic set: one hue made darker and lighter. Value does all the work.
olive, sage and pale pistachio Quiet greens for quiet characters, or as camouflage for loud ones.
plum, orchid and pale lilac A softer purple family. Pairs well with silver or grey details of your own.
rust, terracotta and pale peach Clay colours. Texture matters more than contrast here.

Earthy and muted 14

clay red, dusty pink and stone grey Warm but tired. Good for a character at the end of a long road.
driftwood grey, sea-glass green and sand Washed-out shore colours. Keep every edge soft.
dusty blue, wheat and rust Open-country colours. The rust is the accent.
khaki, brick red and navy Sturdy uniform colours. Each one can take a large area.
moss green, mushroom brown and cream Forest floor colours. Add texture: knits, bark, felt.
ochre, slate blue and bone A faded warm against a faded cool. Nothing shouts.
peat brown, heather purple and grey Moorland colours. The purple is the surprise, so place it near the face.
pine green, bark brown and fog grey Cold woodland. Let the grey swallow the far edges of the figure.
rust, cream and teal Let the cream do most of the work and keep the teal for one or two accents.
saddle brown, denim blue and cream The most ordinary palette in the list, which makes the standout feature stand out.
sage, oatmeal and charcoal Calm and modern. The charcoal belongs on the smallest shapes.
sepia, faded red and parchment Looks like an old photograph that someone has tinted by hand.
terracotta, olive and sand Sun-baked colours. Suits travellers, farmers and desert settings.
walnut brown, mustard and off-white A 1970s living room. Use the mustard in one large block.

Bright and candy-coloured 14

bubblegum pink, mint and lemon All three are pale, so add a dark outline or the figure melts.
candy-floss pink, baby blue and cream Soft enough for a nursery. Try it on a character who is anything but soft.
cherry red, white and sky blue Crisp and nautical. Stripes are almost compulsory.
coral, aqua and butter yellow Seaside colours that are slightly faded, so they stay friendly.
grass green, sunshine yellow and white Cheerful and simple. Suits mascots and very young characters.
hot pink, turquoise and sunshine yellow Beach-ball colours. Use flat shapes with no shading.
lilac, peach and mint Pastels of equal strength. Decide which one is the background before you start.
lime green, electric blue and white Sporty and synthetic. Fine for robots, racers and trainers.
orange, green and purple The three secondary colours, also evenly spaced. Stranger and a little more mischievous than the primaries.
peppermint green, strawberry red and cream Ice-cream parlour colours. Keep the red to dots, stripes and buttons.
red, yellow and blue The three painter's primaries, evenly spaced round the wheel. A scheme like this is called a triad.
scarlet, gold and royal blue Parade colours. Each one wants its own clear area.
tangerine, magenta and teal Two hot colours and one cool. Put the teal next to the face.
violet, aqua and gold A stage-costume palette. The gold is trim, never fabric.

Dark with one accent 14

black, charcoal and acid green The green looks lit from inside. Use it for eyes, screens or potions.
black, dark teal and copper Deep-sea colours. Copper for rivets, rims and freckles.
black, white and one spot of red Put the red where you want the eye to land, and nowhere else.
charcoal, bone white and blood orange The orange glows against the grey. Try it as a lining or a scarf.
dark brown, black and ember orange Firelight colours. Let the orange fade into the brown at its edges.
dark green, black and pale gold A forest at night. Give the pale gold to eyes, lanterns or jewellery.
deep purple, black and gold Rich and slightly sinister. Keep the gold thin.
graphite, white and one spot of turquoise A pencil drawing with a single touch of colour. Choose the spot before you draw.
ink black, grey and ice blue Cold and precise. The ice blue belongs on the smallest and sharpest shapes.
midnight blue, black and silver Night-sky colours. The silver is for edges and metal only.
midnight blue, plum and moon white The gentlest of the dark sets. The white should look cool, not bright.
navy, grey and neon pink The pink is a signal. One stripe, one shoelace, one streak of hair.
oxblood, black and brass Old leather and old metal. Suits coats, boots and heavy belts.
storm grey, black and lightning yellow High-visibility against gloom. Zigzags and hazard stripes work well.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every palette names exactly three colours. The scheme names (opposite or complementary pairs on the painter's red, yellow and blue wheel, neighbouring or analogous colours, one-hue or monochromatic sets, and the evenly spaced triad) were checked against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_scheme and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complementary_colors on 2026-09-18. The notes on where to put each colour are studio advice. Licence: own work

Standout feature: all 90 features

Face and eyes 18

a beauty spot under one eye
a gap-toothed grin
a huge, slightly lopsided smile
a nose that has clearly been broken once
a permanent squint, as if facing the sun
a pointed chin under a wide forehead
a thin scar through one eyebrow
dark circles under the eyes

Show all 90 features (82 more)

Face and eyes, continued

dimples, even when frowning
ears that stick straight out
eyes of two different colours
freckles across the nose and cheeks
half-moon glasses worn low on the nose
heavy eyebrows that do most of the talking
long eyelashes and a level stare
one raised eyebrow that never comes down
rosy cheeks in every weather
very large round glasses

Hair 18

a bald crown with wild hair at the sides
a cloud of tight curls
a cowlick that defies all combing
a fringe that hides both eyes
a huge walrus moustache
a long ponytail that whips round when they turn
a messy bun held up with a pencil
a neat side parting that never moves
a plaited beard with a bead at the end
a round afro with a comb tucked into it
a shaved head
a towering quiff
hair cut at home with kitchen scissors
hair dyed in a fading rainbow
locs gathered high on the head
one white streak in dark hair
straight hair down to the waist
two long plaits tied with odd ribbons

Marks and details 19

a bandaged finger they keep forgetting about
a birthmark shaped like an island on a map
a gold tooth
a hearing aid decorated with stickers
a long scar along one forearm
a missing front tooth
a prosthetic hand with visible brass joints
a prosthetic leg painted with flames
a sunburnt nose
a tattoo sleeve of plants and insects
a wheelchair covered in travel stickers
an eyepatch with an eye painted on it
bitten-down, brightly painted nails
calloused hands wrapped in tape
ink-stained fingers
odd socks, always
plasters on both knees
pockets that are always overfull
vitiligo patches across the hands and face

Fantastical 19

a faint halo of floating sparks
a glowing mark on the palm of one hand
a long tail that shows their mood
a mechanical eye with a zoom lens
a pair of wings far too small to fly with
a panel in the forearm that opens
a shadow that moves on its own
a small flame that hovers over one shoulder
a third eye that stays shut
antlers hung with charms
bark-textured skin at the knuckles
eyes that glow faintly in the dark
fangs that show when they smile
feathers where the eyebrows should be
feathery moth antennae
hair that floats as if underwater
patches of scales along the cheekbones
pointed ears with a notch in one
small curled horns

Posture and habits 16

a crooked, swinging walk
a gaze that lands just past your shoulder
a head tilt like a curious dog
a laugh that folds them in half
a permanent forward lean, as if into wind
a sweeping bow for every greeting
a walk that leads with the chin
always chewing the end of a pencil
fidgeting with a ring, a button or a sleeve
hands always deep in their pockets
one shoulder carried higher than the other
sitting cross-legged on any surface
standing on tiptoe whenever they think
standing perfectly still, like a heron
taking every staircase two steps at a time
talking with both hands at once

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is the one thing a viewer should remember about the character: a detail of the face, the hair, the body, something fantastical, or a habit that shows in the pose. Licence: own work

Prop: all 94 props

Everyday things 16

a bicycle with a basket of shopping
a bright yellow suitcase
a bunch of keys on a very long chain
a camera on a worn leather strap
a cracked phone held together with tape
a dented thermos flask
a folding chair
a lunchbox they will not let anyone open

Show all 94 props (86 more)

Everyday things, continued

a pair of roller skates slung over one shoulder
a paper bag of hot chips
a rucksack covered in badges
a shopping trolley with a squeaky wheel
a skateboard with one wheel missing
a stack of library books tied with string
a takeaway cup with the wrong name on it
an umbrella that has seen better days

Tools of a trade 16

a broom taller than they are
a butterfly net
a clipboard thick with forms
a fishing rod and a bucket
a lantern on a pole
a magnifying glass on a neck cord
a paint-spattered stepladder
a rolling pin dusted with flour
a set of juggling clubs
a sewing kit in a biscuit tin
a sketchbook stuffed with loose pages
a telescope on a folding tripod
a toolbox older than they are
a watering can with a long spout
a well-worn doctor's bag
a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins

Fantasy gear 15

a broomstick with a bicycle bell
a cauldron carried like a rucksack
a crown worn on the belt, not the head
a hunting horn bound in silver
a key the size of a forearm
a lantern with a tiny star inside
a longbow taller than its owner
a map that redraws itself
a potion bottle that changes colour
a pouch of rattling runestones
a shield with a dented rim
a spellbook chained shut
a staff topped with a cracked crystal
a wand kept behind one ear
a wooden practice sword

Sci-fi gadgets 15

a battered data tablet
a glowing power cell in a padded case
a grappling hook on a reel of cable
a holographic map projector
a hoverboard with chipped paint
a hovering camera drone
a jet pack held on with luggage straps
a plant in a sealed glass travel jar
a pocket robot that folds into a cube
a scanner that beeps at the wrong moments
a space helmet carried under one arm
a toolbox that unfolds into a workbench
a translator earpiece that gets things wrong
a wrist computer with a cracked screen
an oxygen tank covered in stickers

Small companions 16

a bee that follows them everywhere
a crow that brings them small gifts
a dragon the size of a kitten
a ferret asleep in their hood
a floating robot that carries the bags
a ghost dog only they can see
a goldfish in a travelling bowl
a goose on a lead
a hedgehog in a coat pocket
a moth that circles their head like a moon
a one-eyed cat that rides on their shoulder
a parrot with strong opinions
a pony no bigger than a dog
a snail in a jar, taken everywhere
a toad that sits on their hat
a very old dog that sets the pace

Music, sport and play 16

a battered guitar case
a chess set in a folding box
a cricket bat wrapped in tape
a deck of cards, constantly shuffled
a drum strapped to their back
a football tucked under one arm
a hockey stick covered in signatures
a kite shaped like a fish
a pair of boxing gloves hung round the neck
a pair of ice skates with red laces
a skipping rope with wooden handles
a surfboard with a bite-shaped piece missing
a tin whistle on a neck cord
a trumpet with a dented bell
a violin with one string missing
a yo-yo they never put down

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. A prop is one object or small companion that the character would not leave home without. There are no brand names and no firearms in the list. Licence: own work

Mood: all 78 moods

Bright and warm 13

amused by a private joke One corner of the mouth up, eyes to the side, arms loosely crossed.
bursting with good news Leaning forward on the toes with the mouth already open and both hands up.
content, as if the day is already won Weight settled on the heels, hands loose, eyes half closed.

Show all 78 moods (75 more)

Bright and warm, continued

delighted and trying to look casual about it A straight face with everything else celebrating: raised heels, a clenched fist, lifted shoulders.
dreamy Chin in one hand and eyes unfocused. Whatever they were doing has been forgotten.
excited and slightly out of breath Hair and clothes still moving, one hand on a knee, a huge grin.
fond, looking at something just out of frame Head tilted and eyes soft. Turn the whole body a little towards whatever it is.
hopeful Eyes up, eyebrows lifted in the middle, hands held together in front of the chest.
pleased with themselves Thumbs hooked in the belt or pockets, rocking back on the heels.
quietly proud Chin level, shoulders back, hands behind the back. The smile stays small.
relieved The moment after a long breath out: shoulders dropping and a hand flat on the chest.
trying not to laugh Lips pressed together, cheeks puffed, shoulders up round the ears.
warm and welcoming Open palms, arms away from the body, head tipped to one side.

Calm and steady 13

at ease, with nowhere to be Leaning on something with the ankles crossed and the hands empty.
calm and watchful A still body with moving eyes. The hands are relaxed but ready.
curious Neck stretched forward, head tilted, one hand half reaching out.
focused on a task Head down, tongue between the teeth, the whole body curled round the hands.
listening closely Head turned to offer one ear, eyes down, body leaning in.
lost in a book or a thought The body is present and the eyes are miles away. One hand has stopped in mid-air.
patient Hands clasped in front, weight even on both feet, a level gaze.
polite and unreadable A small fixed smile and tidy hands. The eyebrows give nothing away.
quietly determined Lips pressed, eyes fixed on a point ahead, one foot already forward.
serene Shoulders low and face smooth. Nothing in the pose pulls against gravity.
sleepy but content Heavy eyelids and a soft slump, with a smile that has not quite finished.
steady under pressure Feet planted and jaw relaxed. Show the mess around them and keep the figure still.
thoughtful, halfway through an idea A finger against the lips, eyes looking up and to one side.

Bold and mischievous 13

cocky, one eyebrow up Weight on one hip with a thumb pointing at their own chest.
competitive Crouched a little and rolling up a sleeve, eyes locked on a rival.
daring you to say something Head tilted back with raised eyebrows. They are standing a little too close.
defiant, chin out Fists at the sides and chin pushed forward, leaning into whatever they are facing.
determined, jaw set Brows down and a straight mouth. Draw a straight line from the back heel to the head.
fearless Chest open, feet wide, looking up at something much bigger than they are.
impatient to get going Bouncing on the toes and glancing back over a shoulder at whoever is slow.
showing off Arms flung wide in the middle of a flourish, checking that someone is watching.
sly A sideways glance over a raised shoulder, with a smile that does not reach the eyes.
smug Chin up, eyes half closed, a one-sided smile. Add folded arms to make it worse.
theatrical, playing to a crowd One arm up, one hand on the heart, face turned out towards the audience.
triumphant Both arms straight up, head back, mouth wide open.
up to something Shoulders hunched, fingertips pressed together, eyes sliding to the side.

Guarded and tense 13

bracing for bad news Shoulders up, eyes squeezed nearly shut, hands gripping the elbows.
cold and formal Perfect posture with the hands hidden. The head turns and the body does not.
cornered Back against a wall with the hands flat on it. The eyes are hunting for a way out.
furious and very quiet about it Everything held rigid: a straight spine, white knuckles and a very level stare.
grimly patient Arms crossed and one finger tapping. They are looking at a clock we cannot see.
irritated and hiding it badly A polite smile under a twitching eyebrow. One hand is gripping the other wrist.
jealous A sideways look at someone else's prize, with the mouth pulled tight.
offended A hand on the chest, head pulled back, eyebrows as high as they will go.
on edge, ready to run Weight on the front foot, heels up, fingers spread.
protective of something behind them One arm swept back, body turned side on, a low wide stance.
stubborn, arms folded Feet apart, chin down, eyes up. A solid block of a pose.
suspicious Narrowed eyes and a turned head, so they look out of the corners. The body angles away.
wary of a stranger A half step back with one hand raised, not yet a fist and not yet a wave.

Low and tired 13

bored and hiding it badly Cheek squashed against a fist and eyes wandering, behind a fixed polite smile.
defeated but still standing Knees bent and head low, with the feet still planted where they were.
disappointed A long breath out, arms hanging, head dropped to one side.
fed up Eyes rolled upward, shoulders dropped, both palms turned to the sky.
gloomy Give them their own small weather: a lowered hood and everything drooping.
guilty about something small Eyes down and to the side, toes turned in, hands hidden behind the back.
heartsick One hand pressed flat to the chest, the other hanging open.
homesick Holding something small from home, shoulders rounded, looking into the distance.
lonely in a crowd Arms wrapped round the body. Draw them smaller than they need to be.
numb with tiredness A blank face and a slack body. Even the clothes seem to hang lower.
sulking Lower lip out, arms folded high, turned three quarters away from us.
wistful A small sad smile, fingers trailing along a railing or a windowsill.
worn out after a long day Bag sliding off one shoulder, feet dragging, eyes on the ground ahead.

Nervous and awkward 13

caught red-handed Frozen halfway through the act, eyes wide, turned towards whoever just came in.
confused Head tilted, one eyebrow up, a finger raised to ask something.
embarrassed A hand on the back of the neck, a lopsided grimace and hot cheeks.
flustered, doing three things at once Something is falling, something is in the teeth and something is under one arm.
in awe Head tipped right back, mouth open, arms hanging forgotten.
nervous, fiddling with a sleeve Both hands busy with a cuff, elbows tucked in, eyes flicking up.
out of place Standing too straight at the edge of the picture, holding a cup like a shield.
overwhelmed Wide eyes and hunched shoulders, with too many things held in too few hands.
pretending not to be scared A brave face on top, with the knees together and the hands in fists.
sheepish A guilty smile with raised shoulders, looking up from under the eyebrows.
shy Chin down, eyes up, one foot hooked behind the other ankle.
startled A jump off the ground with the hands splayed and the hair lifted.
trying very hard to look relaxed A lean that does not quite reach the wall, hands in stiff pockets.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each mood comes with a hint for showing it through posture, hands and the tilt of the head, because a character sheet has no room for a caption. The hints are studio advice, not rules. Licence: own work

How it works

This character design generator writes a six-part brief for how a character looks: figure, outfit, palette, standout feature, prop and mood. It deals in words, not pictures, so the drawing stays yours. Press New character, or lock the parts you like and reroll the rest. It doubles as a character outfit generator, and all six lists are printed in full below.

Read the full guide

What a brief looks like

A brief reads like this: A lanky teenager, all elbows and knees. Outfit: a patched denim jacket over a striped jumper. Palette: rust, cream and teal. Standout feature: a gap-toothed grin. Prop: a skateboard with one wheel missing. Mood: quietly proud. The figure fixes age and silhouette, and the mood tells you how the body stands. Most lists of drawing character ideas stop at a name and a job. As a character art prompt generator, this page covers only what shows on paper.

Use it as an outfit generator for drawing

Lock Figure, Standout feature and Mood, then press New character: only Outfit, Palette and Prop change, which makes a random outfit generator for drawing. Press until the Figure is close to your own character, lock it, and you have an oc outfit generator. The looks are grouped as modern, fantasy, superhero, sci-fi, historical and stage, so it also works as a fantasy outfit generator. These are costumes for character art, not advice on a real wardrobe.

Locks, a timer and a printed list

A locked part holds through every reroll. Lock every part but Standout feature and you have a random physical trait generator: 90 features, mostly physical, from freckles to small curled horns. The timer runs from 30 seconds to ten minutes and can deal the next brief by itself. Print 30 characters makes a numbered list of character design prompts, with locked parts on every line. A saved brief waits on the Saved page in this browser.

Draw the figure as a solid black silhouette first. If age and build do not read from the shape alone, push the proportions.
Let one colour cover most of the character, give the second to the outfit's big shapes and save the third for the standout feature.
For cartoon character ideas, press until the Figure is a stylised build, such as a bean-shaped body with a tiny head on top, then lock it.
For fantasy character ideas, let the prop argue with the outfit. A knight's surcoat over chain mail with a takeaway cup is already a story.
For easy superhero drawing ideas, treat the page as a superhero outfit generator: press until the Outfit has a cape or mask, lock it and change the figure.

Questions and answers

Does it make pictures of the character?

No. It writes a brief in words and you do the drawing. Nothing is rendered or uploaded. As a random character generator for drawing practice, that is the point: a clear description with no finished image to copy.

How many different characters can it describe?

The lists hold 99 figures, 115 outfits, 84 palettes, 90 standout features, 94 props and 78 moods, which multiply to 631,069,639,200 possible briefs. Each list is dealt without repeats, so every mood appears once before any returns.

Can I use it as an outfit generator for ocs I already have?

Yes. Ignore the Figure and picture your own character. The outfit prompt generator side of the page is three parts: Outfit, Palette and Prop. Lock a palette your character already wears so they stay recognisable, then reroll the clothes. For new situations, try the OC drawing prompts.

Is there a magical girl outfit generator in here?

The Magical girl and stage group holds the transformation outfits, from a star brooch and ribbons to a dark rival's torn ribbon cape. Press until the Outfit is one, then lock it. In these stories the hero usually transforms with a small item such as a compact or a pendant, so give the prop that job.

Can it just give me a random character to draw?

Yes. Press New character once and accept what arrives: that is the quickest route to a random character to draw. Sketch three thumbnails, pick the clearest and redraw it as a model sheet with front, side and back views. To decide who they are, use the character backstory generator.

Where do the proportions in the figure list come from?

From standard figure-drawing measures. An average adult is about seven and a half heads tall, the idealised figure is eight, and the heroic figure used for gods and superheroes, eight and a half. The chibi and rubber hose builds follow published descriptions of those styles. Sources are printed under each list.