Ultimate Guide to Character Design Keywords
(For AI Prompts, Concept Artists, and Designers)
Creating a compelling character requires careful thought in styling, posing, view angle, expression, and costume elements. The keywords below help artists and prompt writers build rich, visually engaging characters — whether for anime, gaming, digital illustration, or storytelling.
🖌️ Stylization Keywords (Art Styles & Effects)
These keywords define the look and feel of your artwork:
Character Sheet Style / Infographic Drawing – Shows multiple views, poses, and notes for a character.
Realistic – Highly detailed and life-like art.
Ethereal – Dreamy, elegant, airy atmosphere.
Warm Tones / Soft Lighting / Natural Light – Cozy, gentle ambiance.
Bokeh / Blurry Background / Depth of Field – Photographic focus and blur effects.
Cybernetic Illuminations – Futuristic glowing effects.
Neo-Pop / Art Nouveau / Grandparentcore / Cleancore – Choose from vibrant, decorative, vintage, or minimalist styles.
Splash Pigment / Ink Wash / Sumi-e / Ukiyo-e – Traditional Asian painting styles with brush or ink effects.
Magazine Cover / Commercial Poster – Editorial and commercial layout.
👁️ View Keywords (Camera Angles & Framing)
Use these for dynamic camera perspectives:
Three-Quarter View / Perspective View – Common angles for showing depth.
Close-Up / Macro Photo / Headshot / Bust Shot – Focused framing on face or torso.
Full Body / Side View / Front and Back View – Comprehensive visual of the character.
Low Angle / From Below / Fisheye Lens – Adds drama or exaggeration.
Environmental Portrait – Character shown in a relevant background.
Waist-Up / Cowboy Shot / Torso Shot – Mid-range shots for fashion and action poses.
😊 Facial Expression Keywords
Set the mood of your character’s face:
Smile / Grin / Adorable / Cheerful – Happy or cute expressions.
Tearing Up / Tearful / Running Mascara – Sad, emotional look.
Wave Mouth / Spiral Eyes – Stylized expressions for surprise or confusion.
Biting Lip / Nose Blush – Subtle emotional tension or bashfulness.
💇 Hairstyle Keywords
These influence personality and silhouette:
Smooth / Dynamic Hair / Hanging Hair – Different flow and texture.
Ponytail / Twintails / Braid / Braided Bun – Classic anime styles.
Undercut / Diagonal Bangs / Hair Over One Eye – Edgy and stylish.
Ahoge – A single strand sticking out, often seen in cute characters.
🎀 Ornament Keywords (Accessories & Features)
Add charm and identity:
Hairclip / Headband / Hair Ribbon / Maid Headdress – Head accessories.
Eyepatch / Blindfold / Mole Under Eye / Forehead Mark – Unique traits.
Thigh Strap / Tassel / Ribbon – Detail elements for outfit and theme.
👗 Clothing Keywords (Outfits & Styles)
Define fashion, function, and fantasy:
JK Seifuku / Idol Clothes / Miko / Enmaided – Uniforms and cultural outfits.
Turtleneck Sweater / Backless Sweater / Trench Coat – Seasonal fashion.
Highleg / Leotard / Slit Skirt / Pelvic Curtain – Fantasy and modern mix.
Thighhighs / Fishnet Stockings / Yoga Pants / Stirrup Legwear – Stylish legwear choices.
🕺 Action & Pose Keywords
Show energy, mood, and personality:
Crossed Legs / Sitting on Seiza / Leaning Forward / Semireclining – Body posture variations.
Heart Hand Duo / Double Thumbs Up / Peace Sign / Salute – Fun, friendly gestures.
Head Tilt / Planted Sword / Energetic Pose – Character mood and strength.
💪 Body Keywords
Highlight physical details:
Abs / Toned / Fit Physique – Strong body types.
Navel / Off-Shoulder / Tsurime Eyes / Thick Eyebrows – Eye-catching features.
Cyborg / Tan Skin / Cocoa Skin – Sci-fi or diverse aesthetics.
This keyword system helps artists, prompt writers, and AI users build precise visual styles and character identities. You can mix and match these tags depending on the theme — futuristic, fantasy, casual, elegant, or emotional!
