5 Essential Tips for Creating Your Own Dragon Character
I'm often asked which comes first for me- the story or the image. I would say... that depends. Often I create the image of a particular dragon in my mind, based on just the physical characteristics and create it from there... but some of my most favorite dragons are ones that came from a detailed process of building them from very distinct ideas, with flaws and characteristics, preferences and intricate backstories.
In today's world of fantasy fiction and art, dragons are as diverse as we are. They're complex characters with personalities, quirks, and backstories that can rival any human protagonist. Case in point? This guy.
This is one of my most favorite dragons ever. Certainly not the prettiest one I have ever designed, but one I felt I already knew before I even created him. With this image, I had already built up a backstory about the dragon being curious, and not ominous. He was solitary and a newcomer to an already established planet. I created a full history for him and because I felt like I already knew the dragon before I designed him into existence, he feels to me, I felt like I knew him already and he will always be more memorable to me. I just adore the feeling of this image. That expression is everything!
Another favorite dragon is this litte cutie from my piece called "Safety First". Named so for the double goggles on the gnome. :) I only have a few images that I have printed for my own walls, and Safety First was the very first and still my favorite, ever. I crack UP every time I pass this one, hanging on my wall. I mean, look at the them... They both have CHARACTER that is hard to forget. :) I built the story for these little dudes from the ground up and that gave him substance.
Some people have told me that they just don't have a creative bone in their body. I don't believe it! I honestly think that you can follow a simple process and design your very own, outstanding dragon or fantasy character.
Whether you're a writer, artist, or just a dragon enthusiast looking to flex your creative muscles, these five tips will guide you through the process of breathing life into your very own dragon character. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's more your speed), and let's dive in...
Tip 1: Define Your Dragon's Physical Appearance
Close your eyes for a moment. Picture your dragon. What do you see?
Is it a behemoth that could give mountains an inferiority complex? Or perhaps it's more... portable? Maybe it could perch on your shoulder like an overgrown, scaly parrot. The size is up to you, but remember – it'll affect everything from your dragon's lifestyle to its relationships with other characters.
Now, about those scales... What color are they? Red as a summer sunset? Blue as a winter twilight? Or something completely unexpected – like iridescent purple or pitch black with stars swirling in the depths? Don't be afraid to get creative here. Your dragon's coloration could reflect its personality, its environment, or even its magical abilities.
I've created some visuals to get you started:
Will your dragon have scales such as these? Do they glow? Are they pointed? Frosty? Textured? Iridescent?
Or will they have a more pebbled, leathery hide like this? I have to admit- I never really considered pebble leather hides till someone asked me to make one for them. It just makes sense and it also makes for a not-so-typical dragon! I'm all for that.
And speaking of the unexpected... what unique features does your dragon have? Glowing eyes? A beakish avian style snout? Feathers instead of scales? Feeeeathers! I love adding feathers to my dragons. It gives them a softer feel that really appeals to me. Multiple heads? (Hey, why not?) The sky's the limit... there is absolutely nothing holding you back here.
Remember, your dragon's appearance is the first thing that'll grab your audience's attention. Make it count.
Tip 2: Establish Your Dragon's Abilities
Alright, we've got the looks down. But what can your dragon do?
Sure, you could stick with the classics – flying, fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding. Nothing wrong with that. But... what if you pushed the envelope a little?
Maybe your dragon breathes ice instead of fire. Or controls the weather. Or... can turn invisible at will. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.
But here's a pro tip: give your dragon some limitations. Yes, you heard me right. An all-powerful dragon might sound cool in theory, but it can get boring fast. Think about it – where's the tension if your dragon can solve every problem with a snap of its claws?
So, maybe your fire-breathing dragon can only produce flames after eating spicy food. Or your weather-controlling dragon gets hay fever during pollen season. Maybe they fear heights, or have a love for everything dwarvish. These quirks and limitations don't just add realism; they add character.
And isn't that what we're all about?
Tip 3: Develop Your Dragon's Personality
Now we're getting to the good stuff. What makes your dragon tick?
Is it wise and ancient, with the patience of... well, a very patient thing? Or is it young and impulsive, ready to torch first and ask questions later?
Maybe it's got a dry sense of humor that would put most standup comedians to shame. Some of my favorites are sarcastic dragons. I love a good banter between a human and a dragon with some intellectual barbs thrown in there. Dragons aren't really known to be submissive, and a good ornery, sarcastic and free-thinking dragon would be right on par.
Or perhaps it's more of an introvert, preferring the solitude of its cave to the company of others.
Think about what your dragon wants. Is it seeking knowledge? Power? A really good back scratch? Maybe it has a hankering for delicious hobbit treats, like this little guy.
No matter what your dragon is after, these desires will drive your dragon's actions and decisions.
Now.. my favorite part!! Don't forget the quirks! Maybe your dragon collects bottle caps, or has a secret passion for knitting, or can't resist a good riddle. These little details can make your dragon feel real... relatable, even.
Adding Depth Through Quirks
Combine multiple quirks for more complex characters
Consider how quirks might have developed
Think about how quirks affect interactions with others
Use quirks to create both comedic and serious moments
Consider how quirks might be both strengths and weaknesses
Tip 4: Create a Backstory
Every dragon has a tale... see what I did there?
But seriously, your dragon's history is crucial. Was it hatched from an egg, emerging fully formed like Athena from Zeus's forehead? Or did it start as something else entirely, transformed by ancient magic or cosmic accident?
Think about your dragon's age. Has it been around since the dawn of time, watching empires rise and fall like sandcastles on a beach? Or is it practically a hatchling, still learning the ropes of this whole 'being a dragon' thing?
Consider the key events that shaped your dragon's life. Did it witness great historical moments? Has it loved and lost? Fought epic battles? Made terrible mistakes?
And let's not forget relationships. Does your dragon have a soft spot for humans? A rivalry with other dragons? A complex history with a particular family or nation?
Your dragon's past will inform its present... and future. Use it wisely.
Tip 5: Consider Your Dragon's Cultural Context
Last but not least, think about how your dragon fits into the bigger picture.
In your world, are dragons revered as gods? Feared as monsters? Or maybe they're just... there, like very large, scaly pigeons that everyone's used to seeing around?
Consider how this affects your dragon's place in society. Is it a hermit, avoiding contact with other beings? A reluctant hero, called upon in times of need? Or maybe it's integrated into everyday life, running a quaint little tea shop in the heart of the city... Hey, stranger things have happened.
Think about the symbols and meanings associated with dragons in your world. Do they represent wisdom? Power? Chaos? The IRS? (Now there's a terrifying thought...)
All of this will influence how your dragon behaves and how others react to it. A dragon in a world where its kind is hunted might be wary and defensive. One in a dragon-worshipping society might be... well, a bit full of itself.
Remember, your dragon doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's part of a living, breathing world. Make sure it feels that way.
Bonus: Name Your Dragon
Naming your dragon solidifies all your hard work, and makes your dragon unique. There are many different ways to name a dragon- some are trope and others are beyond creative. The draconic language is complex, but you could even go that route if you so choose. There are dragon name generators online that may help, as well. I've concocted a table of ideas that could essentially generate thousands of dragon names! Consider the location of your dragon, their personality, quirks and physical characteristics to create the perfect moniker.
FIRST NAME | DESCRIPTOR | 2nd DESCRIPTOR |
Emberclaw | Terror of | the Volcanic Spires |
Stormscale | Rider of | Tempests |
Frostfang | Guardian of | the Frozen Wastes |
Nightshade | Venomous Destroyer | of the Godless Man |
Ironhide | Defender of | the Mountain Citadel |
Whisperwing | Silent Hunter of | Boundless Treasures |
Sunfire | Protector of | the Nameless Ones |
Thundercrest | the Sky Tyrant | of EnderVale Keep |
Moonbeam | Keeper of | the Ancient Secrets |
Razortooth | Emmissary of | the Crimson Canyons |
Mistwraith | Phantom of | the Foggy Moors |
Sapphire-Eye | Jewel of | the Azure Peaks |
Thornback | the Impenetrable | Spirit Slayer |
Windwhisper | Soarer of | the Cloudpeak Mountains |
Obsidian-Heart | Lord of | the Ashen Wastelands |
Swiftclaw | Purveyor of | Odd Things |
Starborn | Child of | the Cosmic Aether |
Flamedancer | Mother of | the Scorched Badlands |
And there you have it, folks. Five tips to create a dragon character that's as unique as a snowflake... if snowflakes were large, possibly fire-breathing, and prone to hoarding treasure.
Remember, these aren't hard and fast rules. They're more like... guidelines. Suggestions. Friendly advice from one dragon enthusiast to another.
The most important thing is to let your imagination run wild. Push boundaries. Challenge expectations. Create the dragon you want to see in the world.
Who knows? Maybe your dragon will be the next Smaug or Toothless, capturing hearts and minds across the globe.
Or maybe it'll just be a character that you love, one that you feel familiar with. And in the end... isn't that what matters most?
So go forth and create. And if you feel like sharing your dragon tales (there's that pun again), well... you know where to find us. Happy dragon crafting, friends! IMPORTANT! I will be starting a Challenge in my Patreon group where we will walk through the Dragon Building Process together- complete with worksheets and prizes. I'd love for you to join us! You can find out about Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/DragonMuseArtworks
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