Color and light play a massive role in setting the mood and hierarchy of a design. A well-designed character uses a limited color palette to avoid visual clutter, typically following the 60-30-10 rule: one dominant color, one secondary, and one accent color. Lighting should be used to define form and direct the viewer’s eye to the most important parts of the character, usually the face or a signature weapon.

Exaggerate the difference between body parts. A huge hand on a tiny body signals a craftsman or brawler. Tiny feet on a giant torso suggest clumsiness or comedy.