Create an OC w/ Emeshy
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Design an original character with Emeshy’s style: draw appearance, choose personality, write a short backstory, and make a simple character sheet to share.

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Step-by-step guide to design an original character with Emeshy

What you need
Black pen or fineliner, coloring materials such as markers crayons or colored pencils, eraser, paper, pencil, ruler, scrap paper, sticky notes

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and place them on a clear table or desk.

Step 2

Look at examples of Emeshy's artwork and notice recurring shapes lines or color choices.

Step 3

Pick your OC's species age and role like hero baker or robot.

Step 4

Write one short sentence that describes your OC's basic idea.

Step 5

Sketch three quick thumbnail poses or silhouettes on scrap paper to choose a shape.

Step 6

Choose one thumbnail and draw a full-body pencil sketch of your OC on the main paper.

Step 7

Draw face details and clothing details inspired by the features you liked in Emeshy's art.

Step 8

Outline your drawing carefully with a black pen or fineliner.

Step 9

Erase the pencil lines gently after the ink dries.

Step 10

Color your character using your coloring materials and choose colors that match your OC.

Step 11

Write three short personality traits on sticky notes or next to the drawing.

Step 12

Write a one-paragraph backstory of 3 to 4 sentences that explains where your OC came from and what they want.

Step 13

Make a simple character sheet listing name age species three traits and one special ability and place it beside your drawing.

Step 14

Upload or post your finished character sheet and drawing to DIY.org and add a short caption about your OC.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a black fineliner, special coloring supplies, or sticky notes?

Use a black ballpoint or felt-tip pen instead of the fineliner, plain printer or sketch paper for the main paper, colored pencils or markers in place of specialty coloring materials, and cut small squares of scrap paper or index cards instead of sticky notes.

My ink smudged and pencil lines won't erase cleanly—how do I fix that?

Follow the step to let the ink dry fully before erasing, use a soft eraser and erase gently as instructed, test marker or paint colors on scrap paper first to prevent bleeding, and if needed speed drying with a low hairdryer or give extra time before erasing.

How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids simplify by sketching one large silhouette thumbnail, using stickers or broad color blocks for clothing details, and writing one or two traits, while older kids can add extra thumbnails, detailed face and clothing details, complex shading when coloring, and expand the one-paragraph backstory into a fuller character arc.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the OC after finishing the character sheet and drawing?

Enhance the outcome by drawing a background that reflects your OC's role, adding an expression or action pose sheet from your thumbnails, creating a small prop or costume swatch to place beside the drawing, and photographing or scanning a well-lit image to upload with a custom caption to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to design an original character with Emeshy

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Facts about character design and storytelling for kids

✏️ Character sheets usually include poses, expressions, and basic stats (age, height, likes) to keep designs consistent.

🧠 Even a one-sentence backstory gives your character motivations and helps you draw consistent reactions.

🧩 Keeping a color palette to 2–4 main colors makes an OC memorable and easier to reproduce.

🎨 Many artists start OC designs with a silhouette — a strong shape makes characters instantly recognizable.

🌐 OCs often bring people together — online art trades and collabs are common ways creators share and improve designs.

How do I create an original character in Emeshy's style with my child?

Start by looking at Emeshy’s artwork to note common shapes, color palettes, and facial expressions. Sketch several thumbnails for silhouette and pose. Choose clothes, colors, and unique features, then write a short personality list (three traits) and a one-paragraph backstory explaining motivation. Layout a simple character sheet with name, age, abilities, likes/dislikes, and a front/side sketch. Share by photographing the sheet or exporting a digital file. Encourage revisions and feedback.

What materials do we need to design an OC in Emeshy's style?

You'll need basic art supplies: pencils, eraser, fineliners, and colored markers or colored pencils. For digital work, use a tablet and drawing software (Procreate, Clip Studio, or free options). Optional: character sheet template, ruler, tracing paper, reference images of Emeshy’s style, and a camera or scanner to share finished work. If printing, have paper and a printer. Keep everything child-friendly and non-toxic for younger artists.

What ages is this OC design activity suitable for?

This activity suits a wide range: ages 6–8 can design simplified OCs with adult help focusing on colors and basic traits; ages 9–12 work independently on drawings, personality, and a short backstory; teens and older kids can create complex sheets, layered backstories, and digital art. Adjust difficulty by simplifying prompts, using templates, or offering storytelling questions. Supervise younger children for cutting, digital tools, or online sharing.

What are the benefits of designing an OC with Emeshy?

Designing an OC in Emeshy’s style builds creativity, storytelling, and character-thinking. Kids practice drawing, color choices, and fine motor skills while learning empathy by developing personalities and motivations. Writing a backstory improves writing and sequencing. Sharing character sheets boosts confidence and social skills, especially in swaps or group projects. It’s a low-pressure way to explore identity, practice critique, and enjoy screen-free or digital creative time.
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