Character Design: What Makes Us Want More?

PROMPT: Redesign a simple character (animal or object) with "stickiness" in mind.

I've been fascinated lately by characters that stick with us—the ones we want to see again and again, whether in books, stickers, or plushies.

While I'm no licensing expert, I've noticed patterns in the character designs that resonate most strongly. It's rarely just about technical skill. Instead, it's something about distinctive silhouettes, emotional expressiveness, and versatility.

TEN MINUTE ARTIST PROMPT

Redesign a simple character (animal or object) with "stickiness" in mind.

How would it work as a sticker, plush toy, and simplified logo? Make it instantly recognizable even when simplified.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Share your own drawings in the chat! (Write a caption so I can share the context of the drawing with the other readers, and go comment on each other’s work)

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PS: In the next Art Gym we’re sharing a framework for how to draw one of the most important skills, art directors need to see in a portfolio, consistent characters — Join us!

(If you sign up you also get instant access to all 15 previous skill building workshops!)