How Do I Decide What My Character Actually Looks Like?

For many players, visualizing a character is one of the most enjoyable parts of creating them - but also one of the trickiest. You know the personality, the backstory, maybe even the voice, but translating all of that into a clear visual identity can feel surprisingly vague. Most people end up with a loose mental sketch that shifts from session to session.

A strong character design doesn’t require elaborate detail. It just needs clarity and intention. Here’s how to shape a look that feels authentic and consistent.

Start With What Their Life Has Shaped, Not What Looks Cool

Before thinking about aesthetics, think about experience.A character’s appearance is rarely self-designed. It’s shaped by:

• The climate they grew up in

• The work they’ve done

• The dangers they’ve survived

• The culture that influenced them

• The values they hold

A sailor has different skin tone and posture than a noble scholar.A desert ranger carries different wear and tear than a mountain cleric.

Let the world leave marks on them. That’s where realism comes from.

Choose Three Defining Traits - No More

When designs become overwhelming, it’s usually because there are too many ideas competing at once. Narrow it down to three anchors:

• A facial or physical feature

• A clothing or gear signature

• A tone or mood that surrounds them

For example:

• Sharp cheekbones, worn leather, and a restless energy

• Soft curls, layered robes, and a calm presence

• Weathered skin, utilitarian gear, and a focused stare

Three traits give your brain something solid to latch onto while leaving room for imagination.

Let Personality Influence Appearance

A character’s temperament should affect how they look and carry themselves.

Ask yourself:

• How do they want to be perceived?

• How much attention do they invite or avoid?

• How do they react to discomfort?

• What do they keep polished vs. what do they neglect?

Embrace Imperfections - They’re the Memory Hooks

Memorable characters often have a detail that breaks symmetry or polish:

• A scar from a past fight

• A slightly mismatched set of gear

• Calloused hands from hard labor

• A damaged accessory they refuse to replace

• Hair that never quite stays in place

These aren’t flaws - they’re story cues.

Imperfections are often what players picture first when recalling a character.

Use Real-World References for Clarity

If the image in your head still feels fuzzy, pull references from real people or historical images.Try mixing:

• One photo for facial structure

• One for clothing silhouette

• One for textures or atmosphere

You’re not recreating any one reference. You’re triangulating a look.

Let the Camera Reinforce the Design

In online play, your character’s appearance needs to translate through the screen. Physical costumes often lose detail, and lighting can wash out color cues - which is why many players turn to Faes AR when finalizing their character’s look.

Seeing your character’s features, clothing, and mood reflected in real time gives you immediate clarity about what feels “right.” It also helps you discover details you might not have considered during character creation.

If you want to experiment with looks, the Faes AR Portal lets you preview designs, and you can read more about the team’s design philosophy here:About Faes

You can purchase the app directly at:store.faes.ar

Stop When It Feels Familiar

You’ll know the design is complete when you can describe your character in one or two sentences and immediately picture them. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s recognition. If the description feels natural - as if you’re describing a real person you’ve met - you’ve found the look.