Tips for Good Character Design

Know Your Character

Firstly, you need a good grasp on your character's overall bio; their looks, personality, their bio. Without having a good grasp on those criteria, among others, you would not be able to design the character properly.

Clothing Is Telling

Clothing is telling of your character's personality. What they wear is a good indicator of how they feel and how they come off to others.

Baggy jeans could suggest a cool teenager, while a business suit is associated with a mature and professional person.

An Iconic Pose

A good pose can boost a character's popularity. Curves and direction play a role in this; it is telling of one's weight and gravity.

Proper Anatomy

Good anatomy speaks well. Disproportion can make a design look odd or out-of-place (unless you are aiming for use of that concept); a big head, for example, would make it difficult for a character to walk without falling over.