OC art is artwork of an original character: a character the artist (or the person who commissioned the art) created themselves. It's one of the most popular kinds of art online, from quick doodles and memes to polished illustrations, comics and animations.
Whether you draw every day or you've never picked up a stylus, this guide covers OC art styles, dozens of ideas to draw your character, and how to get art of your OC if you don't draw.
Popular OC art styles
- Anime and manga. Big expressive eyes, clean lines and cel shading. The most common style for OCs. See our guide on how to draw anime characters.
- Chibi. Tiny, round, two to three heads tall. Great for stickers, emotes and cute moments.
- Semi-realistic. Realistic proportions and lighting with a little stylization.
- Cartoon. Simple shapes, bold outlines and exaggerated expressions.
- Painterly. Soft brushwork and rich color, popular for fantasy characters.
- Pixel art. Small, blocky sprites that suit game characters and retro vibes.
- Comic book. Strong ink lines, dramatic shadows and dynamic poses.
Trying your OC in different styles is a fun way to discover which features really define them. If your character is still recognizable as a chibi and as a realistic portrait, the design is strong.
40 OC art ideas
Everyday life
- Your OC's morning routine
- Your OC in their favorite outfit vs. what they wear at home
- What's in their bag?
- Your OC cooking their favorite food
- Your OC's bedroom
- Your OC on a rainy day
- Your OC with their pet, or the pet they wish they had
- Your OC at their job
- Your OC asleep
- Your OC's comfort spot
Personality and emotion
- An expression sheet with six emotions
- Your OC trying not to laugh
- Your OC at their angriest
- Your OC when no one is watching
- What your OC thinks they look like vs. what they actually look like
- Your OC receiving a compliment
- Your OC's biggest fear
- Your OC's happiest memory
- Your OC as a child
- Your OC as an elderly person
Alternate versions
- Your OC in a different genre (fantasy, sci-fi, modern, horror)
- Your OC as an animal
- Your OC as a villain (or a hero, if they're already a villain)
- Your OC in a different decade's fashion
- Your OC in a school uniform
- Your OC in formal wear
- Your OC in winter clothes
- Your OC as a playing card or tarot card
- Your OC as a mascot
- Your OC redesigned from your oldest drawing of them
Story moments
- The first time your OC met their best friend
- Your OC's most important choice
- A scene from their backstory
- Your OC on the cover of an imaginary book
- A movie poster for your OC's story
- Your OC's wanted poster
- Your OC with their rival
- Your OC meeting another artist's OC
- Your OC's ending
- Your OC breaking the fourth wall
Need a fresh character to draw? Grab one from 100 OC ideas.
Popular OC art challenges
- Draw your OC in this outfit. A shared outfit template that everyone draws their character in.
- Art vs. artist. A photo of the artist next to their art (including OCs).
- Six fan characters. Ask friends for six characters to draw in your style. Many people include OCs.
- OC-tober and monthly prompts. Daily prompt lists, often running for a whole month.
- Redraw challenge. Redraw an old piece of your OC to see how much you've improved.
- Style swap. Draw your OC in another artist's style (with their permission and credit).
- Character swap. Trade OCs with a friend and draw each other's characters.
How to share OC art
- Include a reference. When you post, link your character reference sheet so others can learn about your OC.
- Use clear tags. Tags like oc, original character and oc art help people find your work.
- Credit collaborators. If you drew someone else's OC, tag them. If someone drew yours, credit them.
- Be clear about AI. If an image was made or helped by AI, say so. Many art communities have rules about AI-generated work.
Commissioning OC art
If you want art of your OC from another artist:
- Prepare references. A ref sheet or a few clear images, plus a short personality description.
- Read their terms. Check prices, what they will and won't draw, and how you're allowed to use the art.
- Be specific. Pose, expression, background, and any must-have details.
- Respect the artist. Don't ask for major changes after approval and always credit them when posting.
How to visualize your OC if you can't draw
You don't have to be an artist to see your character. Describe your OC in the Character Creator, including style, hair, eyes, outfit and personality, and get a portrait in seconds. For anime-style characters, use the Anime Character Creator. Many people use generated images as a starting point for a ref sheet or as a reference to share with an artist they commission.
FAQ
What does OC art mean?
OC art is any artwork of an original character: a character created by the artist or by the person who commissioned the art, rather than a character from an existing series.
What should I draw my OC doing?
Start with everyday moments: eating, sleeping, working or relaxing. Then try emotional moments and alternate versions, like your OC as a child or in a different genre. The 40 ideas above are a good place to start.
Can I post AI art of my OC?
Many platforms allow it, but some art communities don't. Always label AI-generated images clearly and follow each community's rules.
How do I make my OC art look consistent?
Use a reference sheet with a turnaround, expressions and color swatches, and check it every time you draw. Keep the same signature details in every piece.
