What makes a good "sonic" character design?

[Blazermaze00]

What are the main elements you think makes up a convincing sonic-style design, things that official characters may be lacking or what make certain fan characters seem official looking? I find that the sonic style can be adapted into other art styles pretty easily while still being recognized as sonic art because they are often drawn and modeled in many different art styles officially, but something like pokemon/fakemon fanart can only look convincing when it follows the main pokemon art style (aka official renders).

In relation to character design, what makes you go "oh, that's a sonic character!" when you see fanart or fan characters in artists' usual art styles and not strictly the sonic-style?

[Ratchet25tx]

Either Cartoony, Cel-Shaded(Comic-like), or 3D are good designs if you ask me.

[joe_schmoe99]

If anything, specifically having that specific muzzle shape and the big expressive eyes are what make me go "nice Sonic character"

[Shade Vortex]

Mainly, simplicity. Having overdesigned characters with a bunch of accessories and tons of colors does not work with this series. On the other hand, shaping is important, too... The Zeti do not fit into the typical Sonic designs despite being simple and cartooony. They look like something out of Monsters Inc., not Sonic.

Interestingly enough,

Spoiler

Trip's true appearance

fits in pretty well, despite having some complexity to her outfit.

Edited October 24, 2023 by Shade Vortex

[Diogenes]

They're rubber hose style characters. Any tutorial/style guide for rubber hose characters will get you like 90% of the way there, with a little anime influence for the rest. Basic shapes, limited details, strong silhouettes. Sonic's design is nothing but circles, triangles, hoses, and beans.