> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.unvale.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Popular OC Designs to Inspire Your Next Character - URL: https://blog.unvale.io/16-popular-oc-designs-and-tips-on-how-to-design-them/ - Published: 2026-07-17T16:05:53.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-22T21:59:46.000Z - Description: Looking to create a new character design, but you don't know where to start? Check out these popular OC designs. - Author: Whimsy - Tags: Character Design, OC Looking to create your next OC, whether it be for your passion project, or just for fun? There are lots of cool character designs and OCs you could create! If you’re wanting to find some inspiration for a new character, look no further. Today we have a special round up ofpopular OC designs and special tutorials linked for each. ## Hero & Villain OCs Stories usually have a protagonist: the character the story follows. There are also antagonists: the character or force standing in the protagonist's way. - [Hero](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-hero-oc/) – The character who drives the story forward by taking on the central conflict. Often designed with confident posture, warmer color palettes, and a costume that reads approachable rather than threatening. ![Dove, the hero with wings](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/08/Dove-2-2.png) [Dove](https://unvale.io/character/01911710-435d-4f29-b700-e0bad12fc876?ref=blog.unvale.io) the hero by saxsays - [Villain](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-villain-oc/) – The character or force standing in the hero's way, whether through power, cunning, or ideology. Sharp body composition, dark or high-contrast color palettes, and asymmetry are common go-tos for a classic villain. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/08/Argus-2-1.jpg) [Argus](https://unvale.io/character/e07b3695-c329-4ca2-a598-23684d8e1370?ref=dc350471-bccc-45b0-aa97-18e3a6e0d310) by vates - [Magical Girl](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-magical-girl/) – An otherwise normal girl who transforms to fight evil. Their transformation often results in colorful hair and a costume completed with bows, ribbons, jewels, and frills. ## Aesthetic & Style OCs These character types aren't tied to a specific story role, but they're popular for their distinct look and feel. - [Royalty](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-royal-oc/) – An elegant, powerful, and often arrogant character in power. Rich fabrics, structured silhouettes, and a status symbol – crow, ring, cape, etc. – helps sell the power dynamic with a single glance. - [Cowhand](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-on-designing-a-cowhand-oc/) – A rugged, frontier-style character on the open range. Worn leather, dusty earth tones, and practical layers (vests, boots, flannels) keep their look grounded. - [Pirate](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-pirate-oc/) – A seafaring character shaped by adventure, their crew, and life on the run. Weather coats, mismatched accessories, and scars or tattoos to convey their rugged and often dangerous lifestyle. ![Pirate style aesthetic OC design](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/08/Yvoi-1.png) [Vornir](https://unvale.io/character/7230980b-e415-44a9-8b64-6ed1e17b0377?ref=blog.unvale.io) by morgan ## Monster & Horror OCs Monsters and other creatures of the night are staples of horror, but they’re also a popular type of character for fantasy and sci-fi stories as well. - [Monster](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-monster-oc/) – A creature-based character that goes bump in the night. Exaggerated features, unnatural proportions, and mismatched color combinations help push the design past "human." - [Vampire](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-vampire-oc/) – The undead blood sucker of your dreams. Pale skin, sharp fangs, and a wardrobe that honors that iconic gothic/Victorian style. ![Chenyu, a happy vampire with black and blue dress and dark hair](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/08/Chenyu-4.png) [Chenyu](https://unvale.io/character/0742e46d-eb19-4777-b836-6a31cbec2996?ref=blog.unvale.io) the vampire by SuperSoftCorgi - [Werewolf](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-werewolf-oc/) – A shapeshifting character stuck between human and beast. Designs often hint at both forms at once – fur patches, claws, or ears blending into an otherwise human appearance. - [Ghost](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-ghost-oc/) – a spirit tied to unfinished business or a haunted past. Translucent skin, faded clothing, and a lack of solid ground contact are classic visual cues. ## Fantasy OCs Now, let’s talk about fantasy OCs. There’s plenty of fantasy characters that are popular in stories and roleplaying games. - DND [Class](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-your-dnd-oc-based-on-their-class/) – Created based on a specific class role. Gear and weapon choices are important here, regardless of your character's race. Lots of leather for a barbarians, elegant robes for wizards, or hoods for rogues. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/08/Florian-Clairvaux-1-1-1.png) Florian Clairvaux by callingtheartangel - [Wizard / Witch](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-wizard-or-witch-oc/) – Spellcasters defined by their relationship to magic and how they wield it. Robes, staffs or wands, and accessories that hint to their specialties are common design anchors. - [Mermaid](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-mermaid-oc/) – Sea-dwelling and potentially dangerous. Since their bottom half can't be clothed, focusing on their scale design is crucial. Combine with iridescent or ocean-toned colors, and hair or fins that appear to move like water – even on land. ![Mermaid OC with pastel color palette and whimsical scenery](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9e/77/9e77eff6-9e9e-48a2-812e-412acf50b1c8/content/images/2026/08/Mermaid-4.png) [Mars](https://unvale.io/character/6f24aa32-668e-4f3d-a745-0d103b276f36?ref=blog.unvale.io) by SuperSoftCorgi - [Elf](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-an-elf-oc/) – Rooted in classic fantasy lore, often tied to nature or ancient tradition. Pointed ears, refined features, and nature-inspired accessories are common identifiers. - [Fairy](https://blog.unvale.io/tips-for-designing-a-fairy-oc/) – Small, magical, and often connected to nature, mischief, or enchantment. Delicate wings, floral-inspired color palettes, and a smaller scale set them apart. ## Share Your OCs on Unvale Whether you’re designing a protagonist, a monster, or a fantasy character, be sure to show off your amazing creations on Unvale. Our community would love to see them! If you want a specific place to share your new OCs inspired by one of our blogs, feel free to post about your character in the [Unvale-Blog](https://unvale.io/community/unvale-blog?ref=blog.unvale.io) community. If you have any article suggestions for either of us, we’d love to hear about them in the blog community as well! Happy creating! ## Unvale is *now an app!* Never miss a favorite, comment, or follow again. The Unvale app is now available for iOS and Android! [Download for free → ](https://unvale.io/app-store?ref=blog.unvale.io)