Sorting Out My Characters... One Outfit, Hairstyle and Color at a Time

Creating and detailing characters is one of the greatest joys of writing a novel. Each character becomes a unique being with a life of their own, and as a writer, I get to watch them grow and evolve. However, when it comes to creating characters for a graphic novel, the process becomes even more intricate. Unlike a traditional novel where readers can imagine characters in their minds, a graphic novel demands that they see them too. Visual consistency becomes key in ensuring characters remain identifiable, even when they undergo changes in a traditional narrative.

In a novel, characters can change clothes and appearances without losing their identity in the mind’s eye of the reader. However, in a graphic novel, maintaining clarity demands that characters retain a consistent visual appearance. This poses a unique challenge, especially for a hybrid work like my upcoming book, The Osiris Circle, which combines elements of both illustrated and traditional novels.

Developing characters visually is no small feat, particularly when you're still navigating your first draft and the characters themselves are evolving. So far, my main characters have gone through four iterations as I've tried to pin down "their look". As the plot and their traits have morphed organically, so too has their appearance. My journey of visual consistency has involved a detailed exploration of their faces, hair, ethnicity and body types.
Clothing and hairstyles add another layer of complexity. They need to be identifiable and relatable to current readers, yet they must also possess a timeless quality. I want readers to be able to pick up The Osiris Circle in ten years and still find the characters’ appearances to be believable and relatable to the modern day.

As a result, I’ve spent countless hours deliberating and experimenting with clothing colors and styles. These elements are not just superficial; they represent the personalities of the main characters. Color, in particular, is vital as it serves as the immediate and most effective way for a reader to distinguish between characters. If you see a man wearing a blue bodysuit with a red cape, probably you’re going to identify him as Superman even if he doesn’t have that big “S” on his chest, right?

While I’m not ready to share finalized character artwork just yet, as it is still in development, I am excited to eventually unveil more artwork in future blog posts. This careful crafting of visual iconography is a labor of love, and I believe it will enrich the reading experience of The Osiris Circle.

In the end, clothing and appearances are more than just aesthetic choices; they are integral to storytelling. They help shape the narrative and guide the reader through a visual journey. Sorting out my characters, one outfit, hairstyle or color at a time, is a thrilling part of creating a world that readers can both see and feel.

Stay tuned for more updates as the “look” of The Osiris Circle continues to unfold or follow my socials for alerts.