The chubby, white animated characters, Moomintroll, are a childhood memory for many. They would have turned 80 this year (2025). Some scholars suggest that the Moomintrolls were created during World War II, when Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union and faced a critical moment of survival, creating a depressing atmosphere within the country. To boost morale, the author began imagining a peaceful, brave, and curious fantasy character, which he ultimately compiled into a book published just a few months before the war’s end. During this depressing time, the author channeled his sorrow into strength, creating these beloved adventure stories.

Creating a contemporary character that both inspires and provides practical help is not just about designing something cute or memorable — it’s about forging an emotional bridge between the world’s struggles and a hopeful vision of the future, much like how the Moomins emerged from wartime hardship.

Here’s a step-by-step approach you can take:

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1. Start with the World’s Current Emotional Landscape

• In the 1940s, Finland faced fear and uncertainty; today, the world faces climate change, polarization, mental health stress, and tech-driven isolation.
• Your character should be born out of a modern crisis or challenge — something people deeply feel, such as:
  • Coping with anxiety and overwork
  • Fighting environmental degradation
  • Navigating online vs. real-world disconnection

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2. Define the Core Emotional Function

Think of your character as a living embodiment of resilience or hope. Ask:

• What do people need to hear or feel right now?
• Will my character encourage courage, kindness, curiosity, or self-care?
  Example emotional themes:
  • Calm in chaos
  • Joy in small things
  • Helping others without losing oneself

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3. Blend Idealism with Practical Value

Your character should not just feel inspiring but also be actionable in what it offers.
Ideas for practicality:

• Share small daily tips (mental health, eco-friendly actions, kindness habits) through the character’s “voice.”
• Appear in short comic strips, animations, or social posts showing real-life problem-solving.
• Partner with cause-based merchandise (e.g. reusable bottles, books that donate proceeds).

The Moomins brought comfort — your modern character could bring comfort + guidance.

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4. Use Symbolism with Depth

• The Moomins’ round, soft forms conveyed safety and peace.
• Choose design traits that reflect the inner message:
  • Gentle shapes → reassurance
  • Earthy or calming colors → emotional grounding
  • Visible imperfections → relatability and authenticity

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5. Make Them Multifaceted

• Give them a backstory shaped by the same problems we face — they overcame them, or they’re still learning how.
• Let them have flaws or fears but show how they grow. People trust characters that aren’t perfect.

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6. Invite the Audience to Co-Create

• Allow fans to share stories, art, or ways the character helped them.
• This makes the character feel like a community mascot rather than just a piece of media.

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Example Concept

Imagine a small green creature named “Sorelli” who lives in a city rooftop garden, tending plants that bloom only when people share a kind action.

• In comics, Sorelli teaches small, doable eco-acts.
• In merch, he appears alongside QR codes linking to community challenges.
• His personality: curious and shy, but becomes brave when helping others.

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📌 Core Principle:
Like Tove Jansson during WWII, channel your own fears and hopes into a character who faces the same storms as we do — but shows a tiny, believable way forward.