I get bored easily; I discovered that the past few days in my psychology class. My professor is nice, but she talks like a funeral director—which is fitting considering that the class is called the Psychology of Death and Dying. I know I should be paying attention to the lectures, but I find it so hard. It might be because it’s cold outside in Indiana this time of year, and it could be because it gets dark during the time I’m in class, but either way, my attention tends to wane while I’m sitting in that class. So what do I do? Well, I’ve been reading my Banana Yoshimoto novels, mainly because I may focus on her for my Master’s thesis (her or how text messaging and Instant Messaging help ESL students learn English), or I draw on anything and everything I get my hands on (like my class syllabus, as shown). I guess maybe because this semester has dragged on for SO LONG, I just want to draw; I have not been able to do so in forever and that fact depresses me. However, I created a new character today, a vampiress who does not have a name yet, but she made me think, how does one create a character?

One of the most important factors in creating anything is the imagination, so when it comes to creating a character, there is no exception. Many people that I have known have derived inspiration for their character creations from books and television shows. Many of their characters have traits that are combinations of different characters, which I think is great, because all those different traits come together to create a nifty character. I have mentioned about books, television shows, and movies, but how do I derive inspiration for characters? Like many people, I do base some of my characters from books that I have read, but I also feel inspired to create characters by listening to music. My vampiress I created today was based upon songs by Trish Thuy Trang (I am addicted to her amazing voice!) and a story by Angela Carter titled “The Lady of the House of Love.” I want to write a love story based upon Carter’s vampire character and Trish Thuy Trang’s songs.

Think about some of your favorite book and television characters, and choose some of your favorite traits from those characters and write them down. The list you have compiled is now the starting point for your own unique character.

Now, what will your character look like? Many people I have known, just like with character trait development, have based their characters on different looks of several celebrities. Do you want a character that has NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s eyes (Denny Hamlin is my idol!)? How about Derek Jeter’s skin tone, Alex Rodriguez’s smile (so what if he is a womanizer? He is still gorgeous), and Mike Mussina’s nose (I am a New York Yankees’ fan; do not hate me!)? Would Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s body suffice for how your character will look (and who would not want that body on a guy…WOW!)? The possibilities are endless! The same works for creating female characters, as well. Of course, you would use female references. You can use Abode Photoshop, and take a bunch of different pictures of people and select different body parts that you like from each person and create your own unique face! I have done this for creating characters before, and it works very well.

Now that you have all the information you want (traits, image), sit down and create the character you have imagined. After you have created your character, give him or her an interesting story. As I have said, the possibilities are ENDLESS!

I took facial features from several Miss Universe contestants and mashed their features using Photoshop Elements.Then, I drew the image to the right. Awesome, huh?

MARISOL’S CLOSING THOUGHTS

I love charities and I love donating to charities. The holiday season is upon us and even though we are all facing hard economic times, it does not mean that generosity and kindness has to suffer. Think about all the children who may not have a great Christmas (or any holiday) this year because of their financial hardships or because they are ill. Open your hearts this Christmas. Even if you just donate fifty cents, every cent counts for helping someone! Here are some fantastic charities.

DENNY HAMLIN FOUNDATION: As previously mentioned, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is my idol, and for good reason! Not only is he a great driver (and super cute!), but he also does a lot of charity work, which makes him a fantastic role model for ANYBODY.  The Denny Hamlin Foundation helps children with Cystic Fibrosis, a lung disease that often kills children before they are ten years old. Please help research this disease!

St. Jude Children’s Hospital: Who does not know what St. Jude does? This wonderful non-profit hospital opens their doors to children who have serious illnesses without the expectations of payment. In order to help parents and children stay at this hospital, donations are needed from anyone generous enough to help. What if you did not have any money and child needed serious healthcare for cancer? Think about it…

In addition to monetary gifts, St. Jude Children’s hospital also accepts donations of NEW and CLEAN stuffed animals, books, robes, slippers, and toys to help children during their stay.

Also along the same lines as St. Jude, there is Ronald McDonald House. Like St. Jude, RMHC houses children and parents without the expectation of payment. RMHC also accepts donations of NEW and CLEAN stuffed animals, books, robes, slippers, and toys to help children during their stay.

Make-a-Wish Foundation: How are wishes granted for children who are dying and very sick? Monetary donations make wishes come true for children who are granted a wish via Make-a-Wish. Any amount is welcome through this foundation, so please help a child go to Disney World or visit their favorite sports star.

In addition to helping children, our animal friends also need help. Please visit the Animal Rescues blog in our archive.

Thanks so much for reading! Enjoy your day and sketch away!

Love always,

Tags: character, character development, characterization, concept, personality, trait