How to Make a Good OC
@elizadrawingsblog pm me asking how you make a perfect bio and hairstyle (I knew this would be a long message so I decided to answer it here. I mean maybe one more person could benefit out of it). I will tell you something, I cannot make a perfect bio nor hairstyle. But I can tell you what I do make a decent bio.
Let’s start off with easiest question for me.. Hairstyle!
For hairstyle, hairstyle is base on fashion. So I try to make it with the character’s looks (outfit, body shape, eyes, face structure etc), Species (mortal, mythical creature etc), and age.
*Some hairstyles means certain things so I would also look into before deciding on a hairstyle and even culture as well. Like if they come from a different country, I look up what would be a common hairstyle there.
Keeping those things in mind I do use google to see certain age hairstyle would commonly be. If it’s a mythical creature I google looks to get an idea of what hairstyle would be common to use.
Once I use google, I try to figure out a hairstyle that would go great with the outfit and if the hairstyle has meaning.
Usually it makes me a couple of tries to figure out one I really like. (Ava I went through 5 different hairstyles before choosing her princess hairstyle.
Now for the hardest part… Bio. I will admit to it again. I cannot make the perfect bio. I still edit and flesh out characters for years. So far it’s taking me over 5 years for one character. So here’s my lil’ tips and secrets for the bio.
For me it all depends on original or fanbase ocs. Since to me that’s two different categories. Original is based on your own world, your own creation. Fanbase oc is based on a pre-existing universe that’s already developed for the viewer/reader. I will answer for both (since there’s just a slight difference.)
Fanbase:
RESEARCH!!!!! I cannot stress this enough for those who asked me for help with their fanbase ocs (Ducktales or another). This is extremely helpful for how your ocs will fit into the fandom, reactions to characters, etc. I mean research whatever you need to, about the universe, the characters in it (if you wish them to befriends, enemies, or related).
Try not to break canon. This one is just something I’m more so picky about. I try to keep it canon as possible. Wanting the oc to fit in as best as it could be. (Example, with Elena De Spell Chen, Elena was an egg before Magica was sent into the dime..she became a still born. With magic reviving her, the magic was the cause of her hatching years later, thus why she’s not a 15+ year old oc)
Figure out what species would blend in nicely for the fandom. I’m not aiming at Ducktales but literally any fandom. I see angel or demon or mermaid ocs in some other fandoms like attack on titan or hetalia or something. It doesn’t fit in. So go with what would be commonly in the universe or what the story told you so far is in that world.
Outfits that can fits into the fandom. Again not aiming at Ducktales but some fandoms have a certain outfit code like Attack on Titan. Like if there’s a certain time period the characters wear, make sure it fits into that fandom.
Names, not saying for for Ducktales, but some fandoms choose certain names depending where it take place time periods, and country. So choose carefully and look into where the name comes from before deciding on one.
When wanting to place a ship or relationship, think of it logically. Really stop and think and reflect on it. Think ‘how will it work’ ‘what common grounds do they have’ ‘what could keep the relationship together’ etc you have to look on both side canon and your own oc. This will take a long time. Look up some youtube videos that talk about relationship (psych to go is one I suggest or even looking at relationships around you). Figure out their first meeting how they react etc. Please, don’t do the love at first sight or even they have everything in common. Like no, stop right there. That doesn’t usually happen in real life that’s not a common thing. Make it sounds like it could be realistic I mean this isn’t a fairytale please don’t make it sound like one..((There’s a lot I could add on to here but for now I will hold it off, if anyone wants me to go into detail about just ask.))
Original
Research if you choose the species to be other than human. A lot of cultures depict certain species differently. So look it up and if you like you can give you own little twist to it.
Try not make a copy and paste type of a story. Example making something the same as harry potter. Try your best at making something new..so don’t rush it. Take your time and explore the world you’re creating.
Both
Names This is just a personal one for me cause I love names with meanings, symbolism, puns etc. When giving a character a name, give some thought into it. Names have meaning and it could play a part into personalities, and could help describe the oc. Also the name could help with symbolism and can play a part into the story if the name can be symbol.
Try to not make it too Mary Sue A lot people tend to go overboard or don’t think it through with the plot, setting etc. So don’t make your oc amazing at everything, overly powerful, no faults saying ‘they are clumsy’. Think of it as how most people are. We have a lot of flaws we are not perfect. So make your oc the same and people will related to them better *What I do is base the oc off of a friend of family
Careful on the backstory Make sure it makes sense with universe you made or canon universe. You don’t need it to overly sad, dramatic, or perfect. I’m not saying never to do that but it could lead into a Mary Sue trait. Just think it through.
Take your time and EDIT EDIT EDIT! I cannot stress this one enough. You may think I’m sound annoying but trust me on this editing is so important. An amazing oc isn’t created in one shot. It made through days weeks, months or even years before getting a good oc that you will love and put your heart into. Trust me, I have an oc that I’ve been working on for 5 years to get her to something I feel proud of and love.
Make an oc that you feel like will connect to people From what I learn (through story telling class and my own personal experience) that people have a connection to characters they related to in a sense. No this doesn’t mean you got to make the oc boring. It just mean that the oc needs a common ground that viewer/reader will related making them feel proud when the oc accomplish their journey or even related to the villain intentions etc
MOST IMPORTANT!!!!
Have fun! Ocs are meant to have fun. It a way to express and enjoy and pouring your heart into these lovely creations. So take your time, put some love and have fun creating your lovely oc. There’s probably more but these are the key basics I use. But here you go. What I kinda do when make a bio. If anyone wanna ask questions or more info on a certain topic along these lines just go ahead and ask. I could go into more detail or even add in anything you guys do to make a good oc c: