Symmetry vs. "Wannabe" Squidward (Creative Character Series Ep. 2)

Hello, my creative friend! Have you ever stared at a simple shape and started to see a little face staring back at you? That "creative spark" is exactly what we are igniting today. Let's your imagination lead the way!

We are officially on Episode 2 of the Creative Character Series, where we hunt for hidden characters living inside everyday shapes. If you’re just joining us, you might want to check out the Creative Character Series playlist on YouTube to watch previous episodes and subscribe so you don't miss a single spark of inspiration in future!

The Magic of Symmetry

In today’s session, we are exploring a specific symmetrical shape to spark our imagination. Symmetry is a fantastic starting point because it gives us a foundation of balance, but the real fun begins when we start deconstructing it to find a unique personality.

For me, the character in the shape above was instant. I couldn’t unsee it—it was a buzzing mosquito!

Bringing Your Ideas to Life

One of my absolute favourite parts of this series is seeing what you find inside these shapes. Your imagination is incredible and it multiplies the creative spark for me and others! I took a few of your suggestions—specifically the Rat, Squidward, and Mario—and began sketching them out trying to remain as close to the shape as possible.

It is so fascinating to see how one single shape can transform into a grumpy octopus, a famous plumber, or a little rodent just by shifting where the features sit.

I’ve included my initial sketches here to show you the "rough" stage of the process, but if you want to see the fully finished, polished versions of this entire character cast, be sure to watch the video at the top of this post! There is something so satisfying about seeing them go from a simple outline to a final character.

Designing with Intent: Learning from the Icons

One of the best ways to sharpen your creative eye is to compare your shapes or characters with iconic characters we already know and love. Many of you suggested that our shape looked like Squidward or Mario.

While there are similarities, looking at the differences teaches us so much about character theory. Remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" in these exercises; it’s all about training your eyes to see why a design feels a certain way.

The "Square" Personality of Squidward

Squidward shares a similar rounded head with our symmetrical shape, but look closer at his features. He has a sharp, square mouth and straight cheeks. This creates a brilliant balance between round and sharp lines.

From a personality perspective, using a square mouth is a visual extension of his "square" personality. You have likely heard the expression that someone is a "square" if they are conventional, boring, or narrow-minded. It fits his personality perfectly!

Proportions and Personality: Mario vs. Luigi

Interestingly, in my opinion, our shape actually resembles Luigi more than Mario.

• Mario: Has a very large head and oversized features that fill the space, giving him a "cutesy," baby-like appearance.

• Luigi: Has a lengthier face and more "adult" features.

Even if we add Mario’s features to our specific shape, we can’t quite recreate that same cutesy vibe because the base proportions are different. Understanding this helps you pinpoint exactly what to look for when you are building your own characters.

Developing My Character Design Workbook

I have been hard at work refining the Character Design workbook I mentioned in our last session but I am still figuring the exact format. These kits are packed with the library of shapes I’ve collected over the years, along with instructions on how to deconstruct them to find your own characters.

I’ve been experimenting with interactive symmetry calendars which I made for friends and family to make sure the final version is as fun and useful as possible.

Your feedback is what helps me build the best digital products to support your journey, so try it for yourself: If you want to jump-start your imagination, I have a Free Sample Kit available on my website. It’s a great way to practice these lessons at home while I finish the full workbook!

What Do You See?

Before we wrap up, I want to set a challenge for our next session which might challenge your imagination a little bit more. Take a look at the shape below. What character is hidden inside?

Drop your character ideas in the comments of the Youtube video or the dedicated Discord channel where you can also share your sketches! I love reading your suggestions, and I might just feature your idea in the next episode. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the reveal in Episode 3!