How to Design a Space OC

This is part of our design series on how to make an OC! – The ultimate guide to character building.

Want to create a space character for your next sci-fi project? This is the article for you! Whether you’re designing an astronaut or a galactic adventurer, we have some tips on how to get started with creating your character.

Space OCs are a fun type of character that’s great for a sci-fi story. So how do you go about designing a cool and out-of-this-world space character for your projects? Let’s talk about it! 

Deciding On the Type of Space OC

First off, it’s important to think about what kind of space character you’re creating. There’s plenty of options! Some space characters might be explorers, while others might be researchers. Different galactic characters could be designed in a different way depending on what type of OC they are. The type they could affect their personality, outfit, and the gear they have. If you need some different types to think about, here’s some space character ideas to consider:

• An astronaut character who’s been sent by earth to explore a newly discovered planet
• An alien OC who researches different parts of the galaxy in search of resources
• A space character who fights off alien invaders trying to take over their universe
• An evil space OC who ventures to different planets to take over

When creating a sci-fi story, aliens are another cool type of character to use! For ideas on creating alien OCs specifically, check out our article all about designing an alien character.

Galactic Details: Space Suits, Neon Patterns, and More

Next up, it’s time to give the space OC some cool sci-fi details! You’ll want to think about how the character might dress for their role and setting. Consider using different space-themed patterns for a celestial look, or neon colors for a more sci-fi look. A space character might wear a suit meant to support their needs in an unfamiliar galaxy, or they might dress in attire that matches the terrain of a specific planet. Need some ideas? Here’s some to get your creativity flowing:

• A space OC with a space suit that has a galactic pattern on it and sparkles on it
• A space character with an astronaut helmet decorated with star and planet stickers
• A space OC with a neon suit that has light-up details along the edges
• A space character with mountain-climbing clothes for a planet with rocky terrain

Sci-Fi Tools and Gear

Another important aspect of designing a space OC is giving them unique tools and gear to assist them in their astronomical adventures. What the galactic character will have will depend on their environment and how advanced their civilization is. An OC in the modern day might be limited to current technology, while an OC in a futuristic city might have more complex and advanced gear to use on their space adventures. Some ideas of tools to give your space character:

• A teleporter tool built-in to the space OC’s neon utility belt
• A space OC with pair of laser blasters that utilize light to create powerful explosions
• A pair of metal jump-boots that the space OC wears to reach high locations
• A telepathic headset made from a newly discovered material that allows for quick communication for the space OC

Creating an Astronomical Setting

You’ll also want to think about the setting of your space character and the world they live in. A space OC might live on a unique planet or environment compared to that of earth. They might have a planet that has odd plants and animals, or they might live on a planet that has lower or higher gravity than earth. The unique terrain of their setting could impact their design and gear. Here’s some ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• A space OC with gills and a water-filled helmet so they can survive outside their water planet
• A space character with futuristic gear that allows them to have steady gravity on a planet with low gravity
• A space OC with a space suit that includes a jetpack for a planet with large mountains and deep ravines
• A space character who can’t see well on a planet that’s always dark, but they have gear to detect movement and thermal temperatures

For more ideas on creating the setting of your sci-fi world, check out our article on creating sci-fi planets.

Out-of-This-World Bonds

Another thing to consider as you create your space OC is the bonds they have with other characters. A galactic character might be the leader of a space-exploring crew, or they might be a lost researcher who befriends an alien on their journey home. They might serve as a guardian to a lost space child, or they might become an apprentice to a wise and ancient alien. Here’s some possible bonds that your space OC could have:

• A space OC who develops a romantic relationship with an alien and wears a matching ring
• A space character who leads a group of galactic rebels who all have matching uniforms
• A space OC who’s rivals with another explorer group and wears spiked armor for battles with them
• A space character who is co-pilot of a well-known spacecraft with their best friend and wears a friendship bracelet

Where the Space OC Fits in the Story

One last thing to consider when designing your galactic character is where they fit into the sci-fi story. It’s good to think about what kind of role they have, and what part they’ll play. Some space OCs might serve as a courageous protagonist, while other OC might serve as a fun comic relief character. The role they have in the story can impact their design as well! For some space character ideas, here’s some for inspiration:

• A heroic protagonist space character who has square shape language and a blue color palette
• A villainous antagonist space OC who wears a black space suit that has sharp spikes on the edges of it
• A comic-relief side character who wears bright colors and has round shape language on their uniform
• A wise protector character who wears bright gear and has a light-shield

Create Your Space Character

There are plenty of things to think about as you design your space OC. Deciding on their type, their gear, and the setting are all aspects you can use to guide your space character’s design. 

Once you’ve designed your space character, be sure to share them with us on Unvale. We’d love to see your characters and their stories!