How to Draw Your OC in Multiple Styles
Have you ever looked at your original character (OC) and wondered what they would look like if they lived in a different universe? Maybe as a high-octane Friday Night Funkin’ mod, a simplified Papa Louie chef, or a sleek SEGA mascot? One of the best ways to test the strength of your character’s design is to see if they remain recognizable even when their entire world changes.
We, the Gamer Twins, love style-swapping our FNF OC, Sarah Sparkles, into all kinds of remix variants inspired by FNF mods (B-Sides, Neo, Starcatcher, Crystal, Rose-Tinted, and more!). Sarah Sparkles is the energetic lead singer of the girl band Sarah and the Sparkletones in our fan mod Vs. Sarah (which is currently a work in progress). Her base design, the "core identity" that stays no matter what style we put her in, is a fair-skinned teenage girl with a sunny, motivated, chipper personality, dirty blonde hair usually worn in a high ponytail, big expressive brown eyes and a big smile, a signature pink headset with a microphone (her must-keep accessory), pink as her main theme color (but flexible for remixes), a schoolgirl uniform, and always upbeat, enthusiastic, and ready to perform. We've spent a lot of time "remixing" Sarah into dozens of different aesthetics, and we've learned that a successful style swap isn't just about changing colors—it’s about understanding the DNA of a style.
Here are a few examples of our different remixed versions of Sarah, plus her original base design:
(From top to bottom: Original design, Neo, B-Sides, Starcatcher, B3 Remixed, Rose-Tinted, Genderswap, Monday Dusk Monolith, Mermaid, Angel, Ghost, Papa Louie)
(And yes, the headset always stays—even if we have to glue antennae or a flower on it. Priorities!)
Many artists struggle with style swaps or AU redesigns: you change the colors, outfit, or theme to fit a new aesthetic…but suddenly the character doesn’t feel like the same person anymore. They end up looking like a completely different OC!
In this tutorial, we're going to show you how to "deconstruct" a style and "reconstruct" your character within it. We’ll look at how to keep your OC's soul intact while playing with line weights, color theory, and shape language. This works great for any character—FNF OCs, your own creations, fandom redesigns, genderbends, whatever! Whether you’re intermediate and love mod concepts or just want to experiment with AUs without losing the soul of your character, this process has helped us build a whole remix series.
An existing OC with a "base" design.
A basic understanding of layers and coloring.
Let’s dive in and see how many versions of your character are waiting to be discovered.
Step 1: Finding the "Anchor" (Your Base Design) and Identifying Core Identity Traits
Before you can change your character's world, you have to know exactly who they are, no matter the outfit, colors, or theme. Every character has an anchor—a set of three to five visual traits that are so iconic that the character wouldn't be "them" without them.
Think of it like this: If you turned your character into a silhouette, would people still know who it is?
Look at your OC and pick out the "non-negotiables", the core DNA that helps them stay consistent across every variant. If you change too many of these, the character stops feeling like the same person. For Sarah Sparkles, here's how we define her core identity traits (based on her base design and what we've kept sacred through dozens of remixes):
Face and Proportions — Fair skin, teenage girl build, big expressive brown eyes, round/cute facial features, and that signature big cheerful smile. Her face is always chipper and energetic—no matter if she's in space gear or a princess dress, the expression and proportions scream "Sarah."
Hair Foundation — Dirty blonde (or very close) base color in most cases, with flexible but recognizable styling: usually a high ponytail, twintails, or short with accents (like a small bun). We can shorten it (Rose-Tinted, Crystal) or add volume, but we avoid drastic cuts or shapes that hide the ponytail silhouette entirely.
Personality Vibe in Art — Upbeat, motivated, sunny, courageous. This shows through dynamic poses (performing, jumping, waving), enthusiastic expressions, and body language that's full of energy. Even in calmer variants, she never looks brooding or serious.
The Pink Headset with Microphone — This is her signature accessory! It's in every single variant we've drawn. We modify it to fit the theme (add antennae for Starcatcher, a flower for Rose-Tinted, a crystal butterfly for Crystal), but we never remove it or replace it completely. It's what ties her back to her singer/lead performer role.
In B-Sides, her goes brown, her outfit turns mint green, but her headset stays (with mic), and her face is identical, so she's still instantly Sarah. In Starcatcher, she is wearing a space cadet outfit, has antennae on her headset, her hair is styled in twintails with pink scrunchies, her headset modified but present, and her proportions and smile are unchanged. In Rose-Tinted, she has shorter hair, wears a 1950s sock hop skirt, a flower on her headset, and sunglasses, but her eyes are visible, her smile is big, and the headset still there. In Crystal, she wears a princess dress, has short hair with a bun, a tiara, and a crystal butterfly on her headset. The headset is adapted, but her face and energy are preserved.
You can do this for your own OC with a few easy steps.
Pull up your base/reference sheet or favorite main drawing.
Draw your character in their simplest, most "standard" form. Label their key features. By identifying these now, you give yourself a "safety net." No matter how crazy the colors get in a Neo style or how weird the proportions get in a Papa Louie style, as long as you keep these anchors, your audience will always recognize your OC.
Make a short bullet list (3–6 items max) of the absolute must-keeps. What one accessory or feature do fans always recognize? What face shape/eye color/expression defines their mood? What silhouette or body language represents their personality the most? Any color motifs that are flexible but anchor them?
Be ruthless—only include things that, if changed, would make it feel like a different character.
Write it down or annotate directly on a reference image (we often add text labels in Procreate/Photoshop for our own use).
Once you have this list, you're armed! Every change you make in later steps should be checked against it: "Does this still let the core traits shine?" This step is simple but powerful—it prevents "style swap gone wrong" where the redesign feels disconnected.
Pro-Tip: If you’re struggling to find an anchor, try changing their hair color. If they suddenly look like a completely different person, then that hair color is one of your anchors!
Step 2: Decoding the "Style DNA"
Now that you've locked in the core identity traits, it's time to pick what you're remixing into—this is where the fun experimentation starts!
Every art style has a "DNA"—a set of unspoken rules that make it look consistent. If you want your OC to fit into a specific world, you have to learn its laws before you break them!
Pick a style you love and ask yourself these four questions:
Line Weight: Are the lines thick and bold (like a sticker), or thin and sketchy?
Proportions: Are the heads huge and the bodies tiny (chibi)? Or are the limbs long and "noodly"?
Color Palette: Does the style use natural colors, or is it limited to bright neons and high-contrast shadows?
Eyes and Face: Are the eyes simple dots, or do they have complex shines and multiple colors?
The key here is to select a clear, defined style or theme first, then gather quick references so your changes feel intentional and cohesive. Don't just randomly swap colors; base the remix on something specific (like an FNF mod aesthetic, art challenge, era, mood, or crossover vibe). This gives your variant direction and makes it easier to decide what to adapt without accidentally erasing the character's "DNA."
Here is our process for our Sarah Sparkles variants:
First, we pick the inspiration. We usually draw from FNF mod concepts or remix ideas we've brainstormed (e.g., "What if Sarah was in a B-Sides week?" or "Cosmic space cadet for a dream pop/new wave mod?"). It could be anything: retro 1950s sock hop, gem princess fairy tale, angel aesthetic, mermaid AU, etc. The more specific the theme, the easier it is to plan changes.
Next, we do some quick research. We look at existing mod arts, reference images, or color palettes for that style. For example:
B-Sides: Nightcore/remix energy - mint green and brown hair tones (simple color flip for a "flipped" feel).
Starcatcher: Cosmic/space cadet and alien-human band mix, with starry effects, antennae, and space suits.
Rose-Tinted: 1950s sock hop/retro pink, with polka dots, shorter hair, flowers, and sunglasses.
Crystal: Diamond princess fairy tale, with glass slippers, tiara, crystal gems, elegant Disney-inspired dress.
We don't over-research—just grab two to four key visuals (colors, motifs, clothing silhouettes) that define the vibe. An important rule for us is to always ask "How can this theme enhance Sarah without breaking her core traits?" Colors/outfit/hair can shift dramatically, but the headset stays (modified to fit: antennae for space, flower for retro, crystal butterfly for princess), the facial expressions remain chipper and recognizable, and the sunny, motivated personality influences pose and details.
Here's how you can enhance your OC with a different theme without breaking their core traits:
Decide on one specific style/theme for this variant (e.g., cyberpunk, steampunk, holiday festive, villain AU—keep it focused!).
Jot down 3–5 defining elements of that style (main colors, key motifs, typical outfits/silhouettes, mood).
Sketch a tiny mood note or thumbnail: "What would [your OC] look like if dropped into this world?"
Cross-check against your core traits list from Step 1: Flag anything that might conflict (e.g., if your OC has a signature hat, decide how to adapt it instead of ditching it).
This step keeps your redesigns purposeful and exciting. It's not random changes, it's storytelling through style! You aren't just drawing your character "badly" or "differently"—you are translating them into a new language.
Step 3: Plan Changes Layer by Layer
With your core traits locked in and a clear theme chosen, now break the redesign down into manageable layers. Think of your character like an onion: peel and adapt one layer at a time, always checking back against the "DNA" list to ensure recognizability.
We use this layered approach for every Sarah Sparkles variant:
Color Palette Shift — Start here because color is the quickest, biggest mood-changer. Swap the dominant pink for the theme's main colors, but keep pink accents where possible (e.g., scrunchies, details, or subtle highlights) to anchor her identity. Examples include:
B-Sides: Mint green dominant and brown hair for Nightcore flip (pink mic/headset stays as a nod).
Starcatcher: Cosmic purples/blues with starry glows and pink scrunchies.
Rose-Tinted: Warm retro pinks/reds with polka dots.
Crystal: Diamond blues/whites with shimmering gems and pink ribbon accents.
Outfit Redesign — Adapt clothing to fit the theme's silhouette and vibe, but try to echo the original schoolgirl shape (e.g., skirt + top) if it works. Keep proportions similar (teen build, not too bulky). Examples include:
Neo: Cheerleader skirt and pompoms (replaces mic in hand for dance energy).
Rose-Tinted: Polka-dot poodle skirt with a collared shirt and bow.
Crystal: Flowy princess gown with glass slippers.
Starcatcher: Space cadet cropped jacket and boots.
Hair and Head Shape Tweaks — Modify length/style/color slightly, but preserve the foundation (ponytail/twintails silhouette, dirty blonde base when possible). Avoid total overhauls—shorten for retro, add volume for space. Examples include:
Rose-Tinted: Shorter hair with flower.
Crystal: Short bun with tiara.
Starcatcher: Twintails with pink scrunchies.
B-Sides: Brown hair flip, same ponytail shape.
Signature Accessory Adaptation — The headset/mic is sacred—tweak it to match the theme instead of removing it. This is the biggest "anchor" trick! Examples include:
Starcatcher: Add antennae or starry attachments.
Rose-Tinted: Flower decoration with sunglasses.
Crystal: Crystal butterfly wings on the sides.
Pose, Expression, and Effects — Final layer: Keep energy upbeat/cheerful. Add thematic flair (stars, crystals, glows) without overwhelming.
Poses: Performing, jumping, confident—never static/brooding.
Effects: Sparkles for Crystal, neon glow for Neo, stars for Starcatcher.
Headset modified but present
Big smile, expressive eyes, and chipper vibe
Common Pitfalls to Avoid (and How We Fix Them):
Over-changing hair - Makes silhouette unrecognizable (solution: Keep ponytail base shape).
Ditching the headset - Loses performer identity (solution: Always adapt it).
Too many new elements - Overpowers core (solution: Limit to 3–4 big changes max).
Now let's use this approach to change your OC's layers. Here are four helpful steps:
Create a quick checklist or layered sketch: Base, Colors, Outfit, Hair/Accessories, Pose/Effects.
For each layer, note one change and how it ties back to core traits.
Do a rough thumbnail sketch for the variant—pause and ask: "Does this still look like my OC?"
If no, tweak the conflicting layer.
This methodical layering makes redesigns feel controlled and creative instead of chaotic. Once planned, you're ready to draw confidently!
You've planned everything—now bring it to life on the canvas! This step turns your layered plan into a finished piece while double-checking that the core identity shines through.
With your core traits identified, theme researched, and changes mapped layer by layer, it's time to actually draw. We approach this in phases so we can catch issues early and keep adjustments minimal.
Our Drawing and Refining Workflow for Sarah Variants:
Rough Sketch (Base First):
Start with the unchanged core from our reference: Draw Sarah's face, proportions, big expressive eyes, cheerful smile, and ponytail/twintails silhouette exactly as in the base design.
Add the headset/mic right away in its usual position—even if you're planning to modify it later. This anchors everything.
Use light lines so it's easy to adjust.
Pro tip: Sketch the pose first (dynamic, upbeat—jumping, performing, waving) to lock in the energetic personality vibe.
Apply Planned Changes Layer by Layer:
Follow your Step 3 checklist in order:
Colors: Block in the new palette roughly (e.g., mint green fill for B-Sides, cosmic purples for Starcatcher).
Outfit: Sketch the new clothing over the base silhouette (e.g., cheer skirt for Neo, poodle skirt for Rose-Tinted). Keep body proportions consistent.
Hair tweaks: Adjust length/volume but preserve the overall shape (e.g., shorten for Rose-Tinted, add scrunchies for Starcatcher).
Accessory mods: Tweak the headset last in this phase (add antennae, flower, crystal butterfly, etc.).
Effects/flair: Add thematic details sparingly (stars, glows, sparkles, polka dots) after the main elements are down.
Clean Lineart and Base Colors:
Ink over the rough sketch with clean, confident lines (We use brushes that match our usual style—smooth for cute/chibi vibes).
Fill base colors, keeping any surviving pink accents (scrunchies, ribbon details, mic color) to tie back to the original.
Test recognizability here: Step back (or flip the canvas horizontally) and ask, "Does this still scream Sarah at first glance?"
Shading, Details, and Polish
Add shading that fits the theme.
Refine expressions; exaggerate the big smile and bright eyes to maintain chipper energy.
Add small personality touches (e.g., sparkles in eyes, confident tilt of head).
Final effects: Subtle glows, particles, or patterns only after everything else is solid.
Final Identity Check and Tweaks:
Compare side-by-side with the base Sarah (We open the original file next to the new one).
Headset present and adapted?
Face/proportions/expression unchanged?
Hair foundation recognizable?
Pink accents or nods surviving? (bonus)
If anything feels "off," revert or tweak that layer only; don't overhaul the whole thing.
Rough sketch (base face, headset, pose)
Mid-stage (colors, outfit rough-in)
Clean lineart and base colors
Procreate/Clip Studio/Photoshop - layers are your friend! Keep core traits on locked layers so you can hide/show them for comparison.
Flip canvas often to spot proportion issues.
Zoom out frequently - small details can distract from overall recognizability.
Save versions (e.g., "Sarah_RoseTinted_v1_rough", "v2_colors") so you can rollback easily.
Common Fixes We Make at This Stage:
Hair looks too different? Undo and soften the change.
Outfit overpowers face? Reduce detail or contrast on clothing.
Mood feels flat? Amp up the smile, add dynamic pose lines or sparkles.
Lineart isn't just a container for color; it's a personality trait! The thickness, taper, and color of your lines tell the viewer exactly what kind of world your character lives in.
1. Line Weight (Thickness)
The "Game" Look (FNF/Papa Louie): Use a consistent, medium-to-thick brush. This makes the character feel solid and "clickable," like a sprite. Don't worry too much about thin tapers at the ends of hair; keep it chunky!
The "Anime/Modern" Look: Use a pressure-sensitive brush. Lines should be thick where shadows meet and paper-thin at the tips of hair or fingers. This adds elegance and movement.
2. Line Color (Colored vs. Black)
Hard Black Outlines: Give a classic comic or early 2000s flash-game vibe. It makes the character "pop" off the background.
Colored Outlines: Use a darker version of the fill color (e.g., dark maroon lines for pink hair). This makes the character look softer and more "integrated" into their environment, common in styles like Animal Jam or Sonic.
3. The "Inner" vs. "Outer" Line
A pro trick for style-swapping is the Sticker Effect.
The Rule: Use a very thick line for the silhouette (the outside edge) and much thinner lines for the details inside (clothes, eyes, etc.). This is a staple of the Friday Night Funkin' aesthetic!
The "Why": Thick lines simplify a character, making them easier to read at a distance. Thin lines allow for more detail. Choosing the right one helps your OC "fit in" with the official cast of the style you're mimicking.
By the end of this step, you should have a finished variant that feels fresh and thematic...but anyone familiar with your OC goes, "Oh, it's you OC in [this style] - cool!"
Step 5: Examples Showcase and the Final Lineup
Proof is in the pixels! This section puts everything together by showing real results from the process. We'll use our own finished variants as the stars here; nothing beats seeing the "before and after" to prove the method works.
You've identified the core, chosen a theme, planned layers, and drawn/refined. Now showcase 4–6 variants side-by-side with the base Sarah to demonstrate how the identity stays intact across wildly different styles. This is the "wow" part that makes the tutorial memorable and helps readers visualize applying it to their own OCs.
How to Structure This Section:
Use a grid or carousel of panels: Base Sarah on the left (or top), then variants on the right/bottom.
For each example: Short caption explaining key changes + preserved traits.
Include arrows/labels pointing to anchors (headset, smile, ponytail shape, energy pose, pink accents).
Aim for variety: Simple swap (B-Sides), moderate (Neo/Rose-Tinted), elaborate (Starcatcher/Crystal).
Examples from Our Series:
Base Sarah Sparkles (anchor)
Original: Fair skin, dirty blonde ponytail, pink headset/mic, schoolgirl outfit, big smile, energetic pose.
B-Sides Sarah (simple color flip remix)
Changes: Brown hair, mint green outfit dominant.
Preserved: Headset unchanged (pink mic), same ponytail shape, identical face/expressions, upbeat vibe.
Caption: "Nightcore B-Sides vibe—minimal changes, but instantly recognizable as Sarah!"
Neo Sarah (cheerleader energy)
Changes: Cheer skirt + pompoms, perhaps brighter colors.
Preserved: Headset present, big eyes/smile, ponytail, performer pose.
Caption: "Neo cheerleader twist; headset stays, energy amps up!"
Rose-Tinted Sarah (retro 1950s sock hop)
Changes: Shorter hair, polka-dot poodle skirt, flower on headset, sunglasses.
Preserved: Big cheerful smile, expressive eyes, headset adapted but there, pink accents, sunny personality.
Caption: "1950s retro sock hop; shorter hair + flower, but the core performer spirit shines!"
Starcatcher Sarah (cosmic space cadet)
Changes: Twintails + pink scrunchies, space outfit, antennae on headset, starry effects.
Preserved: Headset modified (antennae added), face/proportions, energetic pose, pink details.
Caption: "Cosmic Starcatcher; space flair with antennae upgrade, but still 100% Sarah!"
Crystal Sarah (gem princess fairy tale)
Changes: Short bun + tiara, elegant dress, crystal butterfly on headset, shimmering gems.
Preserved: Headset adapted, big smile/eyes, chipper vibe, subtle pink ribbons.
Caption: "Diamond princess elegance; tiara + crystals, but headset and sunny expression tie it back!"
Readers see the process in action, not theory.
Highlights how small anchors (especially the headset) make big changes feel cohesive.
Encourages them: "If I can turn schoolgirl Sarah into a space alien and still have it be her, you can remix your OC too!"
Keep captions short (1–2 sentences).
Use bold for preserved traits.
If space is tight, do a 2x3 grid or collage one big image with labels.
The best way to see if your style swap was successful is to put all your versions in a row. This is your "Lineup," and it’s the ultimate test of your anchors.
Look at your lineup and squint your eyes so the details blur.
Do they all still feel like the same character?
Does the Neo version feel "electric" compared to the Base version?
Does the B-Side version feel like a "remix"?
Consistency: Did you keep the anchors in every single one?
DNA: Does the Sonic version actually look like it could run alongside the Blue Blur? Does the FNF version look like a functional game sprite?
Polish: Did you remember to adjust the lineart thickness for each specific style?
By learning how to swap styles, you aren't just "copying" other games—you are training your brain to understand Art Direction. You now have the power to take your OC on an adventure through any world, from a 90s cartoon to a modern rhythm game.
To sum up, here are all the steps you need to draw your OC in multiple styles without losing what makes them them:
Identify Core Identity Traits — Lock in the non-negotiables (face, expressions, signature accessory like Sarah's headset, personality vibe, hair foundation).
Choose a Style/Theme and Research — Pick one clear inspiration and gather quick refs for colors, motifs, and mood.
Plan Changes Layer by Layer — Colors, Outfit, Hair/Accessories, Pose/Effects; always checking against core traits.
Draw and Refine — Start with the unchanged core, apply changes methodically, polish, and do a final identity check.
Showcase and Iterate — Compare before/afters, celebrate what worked, and use the method again for new variants!
The magic happens because of those anchors: For Sarah Sparkles, the pink headset is the unbreakable thread that ties every remix back to her performer identity, no matter if she's a cosmic space cadet, retro sock-hop girl, diamond princess, or minty Nightcore flip. Add in her big cheerful smile, expressive eyes, upbeat poses, and subtle pink nods, and she stays instantly recognizable even in wildly different aesthetics.
Style swaps and AUs are super fun, but they can feel frustrating when the redesign starts looking like a stranger. By starting with the core "DNA" and adapting everything else around it, you get creative freedom without sacrificing consistency. It's how we've built an entire Sarah Sparkles remix series that still feels like one cohesive character. And the best part? This works for any OC; FNF mods, your original characters, genderbends, holiday versions, villain AUs, you name it!
Quick Final Tips for Success:
Keep a "core traits reference sheet" handy (We have one saved in our files with annotated base Sarah).
Test recognizability: Show the variant to a friend (or yourself after a break) and ask, "Who is this?" If they say your OC's name, success!
Start small: Try a simple color swap first (like B-Sides) before going elaborate (like Crystal or Starcatcher).
Experiment fearlessly—worst case, you learn what not to change next time.
Have fun! The more you enjoy the theme, the better the result tends to be.
Thank you for reading! If you try this process on your own character, we'd love to see it. Drop a link or tag us (@gamertwins13) so we can cheer you on. Don't be afraid to experiment! Sometimes the best "new" style is a mix of two others. Keep drawing, keep swapping, and most importantly, keep your stars sparkling!