Design a strange original character with PrincessHexatile by drawing, choosing colors, inventing quirky traits, and making a short backstory to share.


Step-by-step guide to create a strange OC with PrincessHexatile
Step 1
Fill a page with quick doodles for one minute to warm up your imagination.
Step 2
Pick a base for your OC like an animal object or plant.
Step 3
Choose two or three main colours that PrincessHexatile would wear.
Step 4
Decide one magical quirk from PrincessHexatile to give your OC such as tile patterned skin or glowing hexagons.
Step 5
Lightly sketch the basic shape of your OC on the paper with your pencil.
Step 6
Add one quirky feature to your sketch like a strange tail extra eyes or a tile crown.
Step 7
Add a second quirky feature that is different from the first like floating shoes mismatched arms or a tiny castle backpack.
Step 8
Add a personality detail near the drawing such as a favorite food a fear or a silly habit.
Step 9
Trace your pencil lines with the black pen or marker to make bold outlines.
Step 10
Let the ink dry for a minute then erase the pencil marks.
Step 11
Colour your OC using the colours you picked.
Step 12
Write a short backstory in two or three sentences that explains where your OC came from and one goal they have.
Step 13
Give your OC a strange name inspired by PrincessHexatile and write it on your drawing.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a black pen, markers, or certain colouring supplies listed in the activity?
For the step 'Trace your pencil lines with the black pen or marker' you can use a dark ballpoint pen, a fine-tip felt-tip (like a thin Sharpie), or carefully painted black watercolor, and for colouring swap markers for crayons or coloured pencils.
My outlines smeared or pencil marks won't erase cleanly—what should I do?
If ink smears after 'Let the ink dry for a minute then erase the pencil marks', test your pen on scrap paper, wait several minutes for full drying, blot excess ink with scrap paper, then gently erase with a clean eraser so your traced outlines stay crisp.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages or skill levels?
For younger kids, simplify to choosing a base, one colour, and one quirky feature to colour in, while older kids can follow every step including 'Fill a page with quick doodles', add three colours, elaborate 'tile patterned skin' details, and write a longer backstory.
What are some fun ways to extend or personalise my OC after finishing the steps?
Enhance the 'Decide one magical quirk' step by gluing small hexagon stickers for real 'tile patterned skin', add a 3D paper 'tiny castle backpack' for the second quirky feature, and turn the two- to three-sentence backstory into a short comic to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to create a strange OC with PrincessHexatile
How to make your own ORIGINAL CHARACTER (OC)
Facts about character design and storytelling for kids
🎨 Many character designers start with simple shapes — circles and rectangles help build personalities fast.
👁️ Silhouettes are super powerful: people can often recognize a character from its outline alone.
🌈 Color choices change how we read a character — warm colors feel energetic, cool colors feel calm.
🦄 One tiny quirky trait (like a crooked horn or a glowing freckle) can make an OC unforgettable.
📖 A two-sentence backstory is enough to steer design choices and make a character feel real.