Animation Source Forums

Aloha XD

Yeah, it’s Fire here again with yet another topic. This topic is dedicated to creating characters. I know that some peoples characters are amazing, well known, they even have their own fan club XD But ever wondered why their characters are so well known? It’s because of the effort and imagination put into them.

Now, as you properly guessed by reading the title, this is a little guide to help you with getting started.

BREEDS!

First of, breeds. I’ve noticed that a lot of fan characters are wolves, huskies, malamutes and so on. But remember, that there are many, MANY breeds of dogs. If you need ideas, try looking up “Breeds of dogs” on Google. Remember everyone likes to see something different.

Mixing Breeds!

If you would like to go a step further with your breeds, try mixing breeds. This is called cross breeding, and if you try it you can get some very unique characters.

Creating Breeds!

Now, the other option is to create a breed! The great thing about this is to let your imagination run wild. Remember, the more original your character, the more popular it will be. So just experiment and have fun! XD

DESINGING YOUR CHARACTAR

Once you’ve chosen your breed, then it’s time to move on to designing it. If you used the cross-breeding idea, try looking at a few pictures of the dogs you mixed, and then just play about with the design until your happy with it.

If you created a breed, then designing it is a fun thing to do. Remember nothing is impossible in your imagination, so just have fun.

Colours

Now doesn’t everyone just love all those bright colourful characters XD Now this part is up to you. You can either use similar colours to the real dog or just go with whatever thing catches the eye.

Now thinking towards the more popular breeds, huskies, malamutes e.t.c Try not to just go for the Jenna type, plain red husky with a white mouth and a curly tail. Be creative and think of what you could add to your character to make it more inserting. Stripes, Odd coloured eyes, collar, missing ear e.t.c

PERSONALITY

A personality is a very important part of your character. In a way it links to the design. If your char is an aggressive and angry character, try giving it a few scars or so on… If your character is a sweet, happy polite character, then make it look sweet and happy and polite.

By now you have got the basic part covered on creating a character, but there is still a few more things to be done.

HISTORY!

Now everyone loves an interesting character. Think of what you can do with it’s past and future. If you gave it scars, explain where it got them, if it’s a timid character, explain why ot became so timid. Everyone likes to hear an interesting history.

SPEACIAL FEATURES!

Some people who create breeds and characters will know that special features are always interesting. For example, your character could, Have wings, Shape shift, Become invisible.

USE IT!

Remember to use your character. Whether you role play with it, write stories or do fan art.

NAMING!

Now this is an important part of your character. Finding it the perfect name. So this is what you can do…

1. Try finding a few words to describe your character, translate them and then use that as a name or just play around and add and jumble the letters until your happy with a name. It’s a weird way to find one, but it makes things fun and also gives you a more original name. ;D

2. Search the web. Try going on a site that has a list of baby names and choose something there.

3. And of course, why not name it after something/Someone. Take Alue for example, named after Aleutian Islands.

FURSONAS!
Since a few of you wanted to use this to make a fursona, I thought I'd add this in.

The best way to create a fursona, is to base it on yourself and not anyone else. Just because saomone has wings and thier fursona's popular, dosn't mean you HAVE to have them to become popular. All you need is your own fresh idea.

STAY ORIGINAL AND HAVE FUN!

Remember to keep your character interesting and original. And most of all have Fun!

Please tell me what you thought of this, And I would love to see some new charries ;D

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this guide and I hope to see some wonderful characters made by using it. :]

-Fire_Paw-

Thank you both. I'm glad you liked it ;D

ohh good idea well done

Pretty nice little tutorial.
I myself used to use that, but I mostly take a reference from the real person's personality and looks. If it's about creating fursona for others. But oh well, this depends on how creative and original you are! Remember it's hard to be that nowadays. XP

wow this is really nice Fire! good job! maybe it'll help me create a fursona! XD

Thank you all ;D And I'm adding somthing to the first post about creating a fursona.

This is great, it would be very useful for one of my friends.^^ He has trouble designing characters.

love it