40+ Character Drawing Prompts and Design Tips

Sometimes, the hardest part of drawing characters is deciding where to start. So we got you covered with over 50 character drawing prompts! OCs, realistic humans, funny or complex sci-fi - you name it.

All of our prompts are original and intended for artists of all levels. We’ll also give you some useful tips for character design. So fire up your imagination and let’s get straight to it!

Endless character drawing prompts

First and foremost, a character prompt generator will provide you with an infinite variety of character drawing prompts. You can also add layers of complexity using three parameters: action, emotion, location.

Select none and you’ll receive a simple character prompt, such as “exoplanet explorer”. Select all three, and you’ll be presented with a complex challenge, such as “blacksmith | observing | nostalgic | in a scrapyard”. Take your time to explore the options. And if you want ready-made, printable character art prompts, below we have long and creative lists divided into categories.

Human drawing prompts for characters

Human characters offer endless possibilities, from facial expressions to detailed outfits. These prompts will help you explore different personalities and emotions:

a nervous teen meeting their idol: focus on body language, awkward poses, and wide-eyed expressions.
a weathered sailor during a storm: experiment with dramatic lighting, wind-blown hair, and a tense grip on the helm.
a magician mid-performance: add floating cards, glowing effects, or a dramatic cape for movement.
an overworked office worker with a messy desk: capture exhaustion through slouched posture, tired eyes, and coffee stains.
a baker at sunrise prepping dough: use warm, golden lighting and soft textures for an inviting scene.
a street artist finishing a mural: experiment with vibrant colors, spray cans, and a satisfied smile.
a dancer rehearsing in an empty studio: capture movement through dynamic poses and reflections in mirrors.
a florist arranging a bouquet: highlight delicate hand movements and the texture of petals and leaves.
a librarian carrying a towering stack of books: play with precarious balance and determined expressions.
a backpacker resting on a mountain trail: add elements of nature, like scattered leaves or a distant view.

Fantasy and sci-fi character drawing prompts

Step into otherworldly settings with these prompts. Think unusual costumes, exaggerated features, and magical or futuristic vibes:

an elf warrior mid-battle: play with action poses and intricate armor details.
a robot learning to smile: combine mechanical features with subtle emotions for a unique challenge.
a sorcerer crafting a spell: show glowing runes, swirling magic, and dynamic hand gestures.
a space explorer discovering an alien artifact: include sleek space gear and curious expressions.
a mermaid surrounded by bioluminescent sea life: experiment with underwater light and flowing hair.
a dragon rider bonding with their steed: explore scale textures and majestic wings.
a cyborg bounty hunter recharging their energy core: add futuristic tools and sleek design elements.
a faun playing a wooden flute in a forest: focus on natural details, like fur, horns, and leafy surroundings.
a shapeshifter caught mid-transformation: play with blending human and animal features.
a starship mechanic fixing a malfunctioning droid: combine gritty tools with clean sci-fi aesthetics.

For this last one, check out our animal drawing prompts generator for extra inspiration.

OC drawing prompts to bring characters to life

Original character design is a whole separate topic. Assuming you have a few oc’s up your sleeve, give them some spotlight! These prompts help you dig deeper into their personality and world:

your oc’s favorite childhood memory: add small details that show their younger self's personality.
a moment your oc feels most powerful: showcase their confidence through strong poses and bold expressions.
a rainy day in your oc’s world: focus on mood with reflections, muted colors, and cozy outfits.
your oc meeting their rival: play with contrasts in posture and facial expressions to highlight tension.
a festival or celebration in your oc’s world: add vibrant costumes, food, and dancing to tell a story.
your oc cooking a dish they love: show their concentration and the textures of ingredients.
a quiet moment where your oc feels truly at peace: use soft lighting and relaxed poses.
your oc receiving a surprising gift: highlight their reaction through expressive gestures or eyes.
your oc working in their dream profession: show tools, clothing, and a setting that represent their goals.
your oc encountering a mysterious object: create intrigue with dramatic angles and lighting.

Quirky and fun character drawing prompts

Shake things up with these light-hearted prompts. Perfect for loosening up or breaking out of an art block:

a character stuck in an escape room: show frustration, teamwork, or a "lightbulb" moment.
a pirate struggling to train a parrot: add comedic expressions and chaotic bird antics.
a detective in disguise at a masquerade ball: mix elegance with hidden tension through costume design.
a superhero at the laundromat: capture a casual side with mundane details like mismatched socks or forgotten capes.
a witch running a potion stand at a farmer’s market: use vibrant jars, quirky customers, and market stalls.
a character babysitting a group of mischievous kids: highlight chaos and exasperation in their expression.
a clumsy inventor testing a wacky contraption: add flying gears, smoke, and wild reactions.
a character trying to juggle while riding a unicycle: play with balance and expressions of concentration.
a vampire nervously attending a daytime picnic: use shady spots and overly protective accessories for humor.
a chef flipping pancakes too high in a busy kitchen: add energy with flying ingredients and surprised expressions.

Quick tips for using drawing prompts

Prompts are great, but you need to know how to make the most out of it. Follow these three simple tips to enjoy prompts and come out with an amazing result:

combine prompts: mix a quirky idea with a seasonal setting for more depth.
think beyond the pose: add props, backstories, or unique environments to elevate the scene.
experiment with styles: use prompts as an excuse to try new art techniques or materials.
Add an funky angle: use holiday drawing prompts to take your character through a range of celebrations, like Halloween and Christmas. Depict their emotions and how they interact with the environment.

Tips for successful character design

Characters are not just about visuals. A large part of successfully using character design prompts is making sure there is a solid concept behind the character.

Here are our selected steps to take your character to the next artistic level:

define the role: determine the character's primary function or occupation (e.g., ghost-hunting detective, space explorer).
establish the setting: place the character in a well-defined environment that influences their traits and behaviors (e.g., haunted mansion, futuristic city).
add a unique gimmick: incorporate a distinctive feature that makes the character stand out (e.g., ability to communicate with spirits, a mechanical arm).
draw inspiration from memes or unconventional sources: use humor or scenarios from memes, stock photos, or other unexpected sources to create fresh character ideas.
reimagine characters in new contexts: experiment by placing your original characters (ocs) in unusual or humorous situations to explore their versatility and depth.

Final thoughts

Fantasy, OC, human character drawing prompts are all a great way to practice sketching, expand your portfolio or, if you’re feeling ambitious, even design a new fantasy universe. Use them as a starting point, then let your imagination run wild!