If you want to tell a compelling story, be it in comics, animation, or even just illustration, you have to be able to create visually compelling characters. Character design is a pivotal aspect of storytelling across various media, including animation, video games, literature, and more. A well-crafted character can capture hearts, ignite emotions, and resonate with audiences for years to come. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, here are some essential tips to help you master the art of character design.

As an autistic artist, I have found that one of the most effective ways to communicate my experiences is through visual art. I often have trouble describing what I’m feeling in words, or worse, I gaslight myself into doubting any feelings I have are real at all. But I can paint what it feels like, and that painting can evoke emotions in other people. I have painted several self-portraits depicting autistic traits, each piece representing a different aspect of my neurodivergent experience.

One of my favorite things about creating art is the ability to capture the beauty in the mundane. I find inspiration in everyday objects and scenes, and I try to bring out their hidden beauty through my paintings. My Etobicoke paintings, for example, celebrate the sacredness of of the ordinary, as I try to find the beauty in the often cracked, broken, and abandoned places of the city I grew up in.