Design a character questionnaire for an animation
Create a character questionnaire to develop an original animated character by answering personality, appearance, and backstory questions to guide animation design.
Step-by-step guide to design a character questionnaire for animation
How To Create Your Own Cartoon Characters In Canva - Express Yourself!
Step 1
Clear a workspace and lay out your paper and materials so everything is easy to reach.
Step 2
Choose a fun animation theme or genre for your character like superhero space creature or everyday kid.
Step 3
Write a big title at the top that says "Character Questionnaire" and leave a line for your character's name.
Step 4
Create a "Personality" section and write six questions that ask about traits feelings favorite things and how the character reacts to problems.
Step 5
Create an "Appearance" section and write six questions that ask about height body shape clothing colors hairstyle and any special physical features.
Step 6
Create a "Backstory" section and write five questions that ask where the character came from important past events and why they want what they want.
Step 7
Make a "Movement and Voice" section and write four questions that ask how the character walks talks and shows emotions.
Step 8
Make a "Relationships and Goals" section and write four questions that ask who the character cares about and what big goal or dream they have.
Step 9
Add a "Quirks and Signature Pose" section and write two prompts: list three quirky habits and describe one signature pose or expression.
Step 10
Answer every question you wrote in the questionnaire for your original character using clear short sentences.
Step 11
Draw three quick sketches of your character in different poses and color them using your answers to guide details.
Step 12
Share your finished questionnaire and character drawings on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have markers or colored pencils?
Use crayons, watercolors, colored-paper collage, or stickers to color your three quick sketches and complete the Appearance section, and use a phone camera to photograph the finished Character Questionnaire for sharing on DIY.org.
My drawings look awkward â how can I fix them?
Lightly sketch stick-figure poses and basic shapes first, follow your Movement and Voice answers to set gesture and expression, then refine lines with pencil before coloring.
How can I change the activity for different ages?
For younger children, reduce questions (for example two Personality and two Appearance prompts), let them answer with drawings or stickers and trace simple shapes for the three sketches, while older kids can expand the Backstory section and write full-sentence answers.
How can we extend or personalize this activity?
Turn your three colored sketches into a short flipbook or simple stop-motion using your Movement and Voice answers to plan walking and expressions, or add collage, fabric, or special-feature details to the Appearance section before uploading to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to design a character questionnaire for animation
Easy Canva Tutorial - Create Your Own Cartoon Characters
4 Videos
Easy Canva Tutorial - Create Your Own Cartoon Characters
How to make cartoon character animation in under 5 minutes?!
Make your own kids Animated Story with AI - A Simple Step by Step Guide
How to Make Your Own Comic | Toontorial | @cartoonnetworkuk
Facts about character design for animation
âď¸ Animators and voice actors use backstory questionnaires to guide movement, expressions, and speech choices that feel real.
đźď¸ Designers test character silhouettes first because a strong, unique silhouette makes a character instantly recognizable.
đ Many studios create "character bibles"âquestionnaires and reference sheetsâto keep a character's personality, look, and history consistent across teams.
đŹ Some animated films spend years refining characters' personalities and relationships before full animation production begins.
đ§ Writers often use classic archetypes (Hero, Trickster, Mentor) as quick building blocks to craft relatable character personalities.
How do I create a character questionnaire for an animation project?
What materials do I need to make a character questionnaire for my childâs animated character?
What ages is designing a character questionnaire suitable for?
What are the benefits of using a character questionnaire and safe variations to try?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required