Creating memorable characters in children’s illustrations is essential for engaging young readers and making the story come alive. Kids connect deeply with characters that are unique, relatable, and visually interesting. Whether you're an illustrator or an author collaborating with an illustrator, there are certain things to keep in mind when designing characters that will stick with children long after they've closed the book. Below are some tips for creating memorable characters in children's illustrations.
1. Start with a Strong Personality
The foundation of any memorable character is their personality. Children often relate to characters who have distinct traits, whether they’re brave, funny, shy, or adventurous. Before even sketching, think about who the character is. Ask yourself: What is their defining quality? How would this personality come across in different situations? This will help guide the way they are illustrated. For example, a curious and adventurous character might have bright, wide-open eyes, a confident posture, and an excited expression. A shy character could have a more reserved pose and smaller, less expressive features.
2. Unique and Recognizable Features
One of the keys to creating memorable characters is giving them unique features that make them instantly recognizable. Think of classic children's book characters like Winnie the Pooh or The Cat in the Hat. They all have distinct physical traits that set them apart from other characters. Whether it's a particular hairstyle, a quirky outfit, or an unusual shape, these features help children remember them. You can exaggerate certain traits to make the character stand out—large eyes, big ears, or a funny hat can become the signature look of the character.
3. Expressive Faces
Children are naturally drawn to facial expressions because they help convey emotions clearly. A memorable character should have a face that is not only distinct but also capable of showing a wide range of emotions. Practice drawing your character expressing different feelings like happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and surprise. This adds depth to the character and makes them feel more real to the reader. Make sure the emotions are exaggerated enough for young readers to understand them at first glance. A frown, wide smile, or raised eyebrows can tell a whole story.
4. Body Language and Movement
How a character moves and carries themselves is just as important as their facial expressions. A character’s body language can say a lot about their personality. A confident character might walk with their chest out and head held high, while a timid one might slump their shoulders or stand with their arms crossed. In children’s illustrations, where there’s often not a lot of text, body language is a crucial storytelling tool. Showing how a character moves in different situations—whether they’re excitedly running, cautiously tiptoeing, or nervously fidgeting—can make the character feel more dynamic and alive.
5. Consistency Across the Story
Consistency is key when designing a character for a children’s book. Kids need to be able to recognize the character throughout the story, even if they are shown in different situations or from different angles. This doesn’t mean the character needs to look exactly the same in every illustration, but their main features—such as their face, body shape, or signature outfit—should remain consistent. If a character changes too much from page to page, it can confuse young readers. Take the time to practice drawing the character in various poses and scenarios while keeping their core features intact.
6. Relatability
To create a memorable character, it’s important that kids can relate to them in some way. Even if the character is a talking animal or a fantastical creature, they should have traits or experiences that children can identify with. Maybe the character is nervous about starting school, excited to go on an adventure, or trying to make new friends. By giving your character experiences that mirror real-life situations children face, you create a connection that makes the character more memorable. Think about how your character reacts to challenges, and ensure these reactions feel familiar and understandable to a young audience.
7. Use of Color
Color plays an important role in character design. Bright, bold colors tend to attract children’s attention, while softer, muted colors can set a different tone. When designing a character, choose colors that reflect their personality. For instance, a lively, energetic character might wear bright yellows or reds, while a calm, thoughtful character could be dressed in blues or greens. The use of consistent color schemes throughout the book will help make the character more recognizable to readers. Be mindful of how different colors can evoke different emotions, and use them to strengthen the character’s personality and presence.
8. Incorporate Small Details
Adding small, thoughtful details to a character’s design can make them more interesting and memorable. This could be a favorite accessory, like a scarf or a backpack, or a tiny quirk, like a freckle, a missing tooth, or a unique way of standing. These little details don’t have to be flashy, but they help make the character feel more complete. Think of these details as ways to give the character personality and individuality beyond the basic look. Kids often notice and appreciate these small touches, and they can make the character stand out in their minds.
9. Background and Setting
While the character itself is the focus, the environment they are placed in also matters. A well-designed character feels more real when they are interacting with their surroundings. Consider how the character fits into their world. Do they live in a bustling city, a magical forest, or a small village? Their environment should influence how they are dressed, how they move, and even their expressions. When a character is integrated into a detailed and thoughtful setting, it helps create a richer, more immersive experience for the reader.
10. Test Your Character with Kids
If possible, show your character designs to children and see how they react. Kids are often brutally honest, and their feedback can be incredibly helpful. Do they find the character appealing? Are they able to understand the character’s emotions just by looking at them? Testing your designs with your target audience can give you insights into what works and what doesn’t. It’s a great way to fine-tune the character and make sure it resonates with the readers.
Creating memorable characters in children's illustrations takes thought, creativity, and attention to detail. By focusing on personality, unique features, expressive faces, and relatable traits, you can design characters that children will love and remember. Don’t forget the importance of consistency, color, and small details that make the character stand out. And if you're looking for a talented children's book illustrator who excels at bringing characters to life, consider hiring Ananta Mohanta. He is one of the best children's book illustrators serving both the UK and US, known for his ability to create unforgettable characters that captivate young readers.