turning my moodboards into characters!part three

Hey everyone! So many of you asked for more tips on turning those beautiful moodboards into actual characters, and I totally get it – it's fun but can be tricky to make them truly come alive. My last post, featuring Gale, got you thinking about how to go from a pile of cool images to a fully fleshed-out persona. So, let’s dig a bit deeper into the magic of moodboard for character design! I find the 3x3 moodboard format super effective for character design. It forces you to be concise and pick core elements. Each square can represent something crucial: maybe one is for their overall aesthetic (like the gothic and alternative fashion with a black leather jacket and platform shoes for Gale), another for their core personality, a key item they own (like that red velvet cake or a specific black outfit!), or even a specific color palette like purple eyeshadow. For my 'WILDHEART' concept, I tried to make each element tell a story – from the black roses hint at a darker side to the messy bun and black sneakers suggesting a casual, rebellious spirit. When you're aiming for a specific vibe, say an alt moodboard or even a cosmic moodboard, Pinterest is your best friend! Seriously, I spend hours on Pinterest collecting images that truly capture the tone of voice and visual essence I'm going for. For alt characters, think about specific subgenres: punk, goth, grunge. Search for keywords like “gothic aesthetic fashion” or “alternative style accessories” to find chokers, unique gloves, and more. If you're going for cosmic, look for nebula patterns, star charts, or ethereal clothing. The key is to gather images that resonate with the feeling you want your character to evoke. Beyond just looks, think about what makes your character tick. Take Gale, for example. Knowing she's an ENFJ with ADHD + anxiety instantly adds layers to her personality, influencing how she'd interact with the world. A 'face claim' helps visualize, but the internal world is just as important. Even a 'mini playlist!' with songs like 'that funny feeling,' 'killer queen,' and 'eruption' can tell you so much about their internal soundtrack and emotional landscape. It's like building a collage; each piece, whether it's a 'collage cake' visual or a song, contributes to the whole. And for those of you who might be wondering how to apply this to a completely different style, like a 'Toca Boca mood,' it's all about adaptation! Instead of gothic fashion, you’d search for playful, colorful, childlike elements. The process remains the same: collect, curate, and then connect those visual dots to create a personality. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected items, like how a cigarette on a coffee cup can add a nuanced detail to a character's habits. So, grab your Pinterest boards and start building your next amazing character!