Researching Character Design Principles



Researching Character Design Principles

Good character designs are essential for any animation project. just like animation I love the concepts of designing characters. When   it be Since my film will be short, the characters need to be instantly recognisable and expressive. I began by looking at character design tutorials and analysing how professional animators simplify their designs.

One of the most important lessons I found is the idea of shapes. Many iconic characters are based on clear shapes—circles, squares, or triangles. Circles often feel friendly, squares seem stable, and triangles can suggest energy or even danger. This makes it easier for the audience to “read” a character quickly.

I also researched silhouette design. If a character’s outline is easy to recognise, they remain identifiable even without details. This is especially useful for short films where every second counts.

Another principle I studied was exaggeration. Characters in animation don’t need to look realistic, but they should be able to move and emote in a way that feels believable. For example, bigger eyes and clear facial features help communicate emotions faster.

Colour was another factor I explored. Many designers use limited palettes to keep characters simple but memorable. For example, one strong accent colour can make a character stand out without overcomplicating the design.

From this research, I learned that my characters should be:

  • Based on clear, simple shapes.

  • Easy to identify by silhouette.

  • Designed with expressive features that are quick to animate.

  • Coloured with a limited, striking palette.

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