5 Evil Poses for Perfect Villainous Character Design

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Designing a villainous character that stands out can be a daunting task, but the right "evil pose" can make all the difference. A well-executed pose can ramp up the intimidation factor, make your villain more memorable, and truly capture their malevolent essence. Whether you're an aspiring artist or an experienced designer, these five evil poses will help you create the perfect villainous character design.

1. Creating an Intimidating Stare

An evil character's stare can be a powerful tool in conveying their menacing nature. Here's how you can create an intimidating stare that leaves a lasting impression.

Focus on the Eyebrows

Begin by giving your villain's eyebrows a sinister twist. Thick, angled eyebrows can give the evil pose a sense of tension and malice. But remember, it's not just about thickness—shape is equally important. Arched eyebrows can indicate cunning, while straight eyebrows can suggest ruthlessness.

Sharpen the Eyes

Next, focus on the eyes. Sharp, narrow eyes can add a predatory feel to your evil pose. Think of them as the windows to your character's dark soul. The sharper the eyes, the more intense and intimidating the stare. Don't forget to add a glint of mischief or malevolence to make the stare more impactful.

Add Depth with Shadows

Finally, use shadows to add depth and intensity to the stare. Shadows under the eyes can create a sense of weariness or malevolence. Similarly, shadows cast by the eyebrows can enhance the evil pose, making the stare seem darker and more ominous. Remember: when it comes to creating an intimidating stare, shadows are your best friends.

2. Designing a Menacing Posture

Body language speaks volumes. A villain's posture can say a lot about their character and intentions. Let's dive into how you can design a menacing posture for your evil pose.

Play with Angles

Angles play a crucial role in character design. A villain leaning forward might suggest aggression, while one leaning back could seem aloof or supremely confident. Experiment with these angles to see what works best for your character's evil pose.

Use Power Poses

Power poses are a great way to convey dominance and authority. A villain with an expansive stance—arms akimbo, chest out—can seem commanding and formidable. Similarly, a villain seated on a throne or at a high vantage point can exude power. Use these power poses to make your evil character feel larger than life.

Try Exaggeration

Exaggeration can be a useful tool in creating a menacing posture. For instance, you might elongate the limbs of your villain for a more menacing evil pose. Or, exaggerate the size of their hands and fingers to emphasize their grasping, greedy nature. Remember, the goal is to make your villain memorable and distinct, so don't be afraid to push boundaries with your design.

3. Mastering the Smirk

One of the most iconic elements of an evil pose is the villainous smirk. This simple facial expression can convey arrogance, cunning, and a dangerous sense of amusement. Let's explore how we can perfect this smirk to enhance your character's wicked charm.

Focus on Lip Shape

Lip shape is key when creating a convincing smirk. A thin, stretched smile can give off an air of malevolence, while a twisted, lopsided grin can make your villain seem unpredictable. Experiment with different shapes to find the one that best fits your character's personality and the mood you want to create.

Add Character with Dimples

Believe it or not, dimples can add an interesting twist to your villain's smirk. They can lend your character a deceptive charm, masking their evil intentions. However, don't go too overboard—it's all about subtlety here.

Play with Asymmetry

Asymmetry can add a unique touch to your villain's smirk. A crooked smile can make your character seem more sinister and less trustworthy—perfect for an evil pose. It's a small detail, but it can make a world of difference in your character design.

4. Creating a Dark Aura

Next up on our journey of villainy is the creation of a dark aura. This is where the magic happens, where your character truly starts to feel evil. It's not all about the physical pose—creating an aura of malevolence can turn even the most innocent stance into an evil pose. Here's how you do it.

Use Darker Colors

Color is a powerful tool in character design. Darker hues such as deep purples, black, and blood red can instantly give your character a more menacing appearance. However, you should also consider using contrasting colors to highlight certain elements, which we'll touch on later.

Add Mysterious Elements

The unknown is often associated with fear, and fear is a key ingredient of an evil pose. Add elements of mystery to your character - this could be a shadowy cloak, a hidden weapon, or an unreadable expression. The possibilities are endless, and it's up to you to decide what fits your character best.

Play with Lighting

Lighting can dramatically impact the mood of your character design. By casting shadows over your character's face or having them emerge from the darkness, you can create a sense of dread and anticipation. Remember, the best villainous characters are the ones that leave an impression, and a well-placed shadow can do just that.

5. Designing the Evil Costume

Now that we've nailed the aura, it's time to talk costume design. This is arguably one of the most important aspects when creating an evil pose, as it's the first thing that people will notice about your character. And as they say, first impressions are everything—especially in the world of villainy. So, let's get started.

Use Symbolic Elements

Symbolism can add depth to your character's evil pose. Think about what your villain stands for or what they want to achieve, then incorporate symbols that reflect these goals into their attire. For instance, a crown could symbolize a desire for power, while a snake motif could hint at deceitfulness. Just remember to keep it subtle—overdoing it can take away from the character's authenticity.

Focus on Contrast

Contrast helps to draw the viewer’s eye and can be used to emphasize certain aspects of your character's evil pose. For instance, contrast can be used to highlight the difference between the villain's dark outfit and their pale, sinister grin. It's all about making the evil elements of your character pop and creating an unforgettable image.

Add Tattered Details

Last, but by no means least, consider adding tattered details to your character's costume. While it's not a must-have, a worn-out appearance can add to the overall menacing aura of your character's evil pose. After all, what's scarier than a villain who's clearly been in a few battles and lived to tell the tale?

If you're looking to create even more captivating villainous characters, dive into Rory Duke Stewart's workshop, 'Drawing Compelling Expressions in Character Design'. This workshop will help you master the art of designing dynamic expressions, adding depth and personality to your villainous characters, making them truly unforgettable.