# Xiaohei IP

## Character Definition

Xiaohei is the fixed visual IP for Ian's Chinese editorial illustrations.
Xiaohei should appear in almost every image. Xiaohei is not a mascot, sticker, or cute decorative element. Xiaohei is an absurd but serious worker who is genuinely participating in the system.

## Appearance

- Black solid little creature
- White dot eyes
- Thin legs, sometimes thin arms
- The body can be a circle, bean, box, leak-shaped object, shadow, hole, machine part, or other simple black form
- Slightly irregular contour, with a hand-drawn feel
- Blank, calm, serious expression

## Personality

- Very serious, but the thing Xiaohei is doing is a little absurd
- Feels like a low-key system operator
- Cool and deadpan, not trying to be cute
- A little clumsy, but not dumb
- Looks like someone actually responsible for the work in the sketch

## Common Roles

Make Xiaohei carry the core action:

- moving materials
- gathering information sources via a line
- being stuck at a breakpoint
- operating the "judgment" lever inside a machine
- becoming a sorting funnel
- cutting a "material fish"
- taking over handoff language
- pulling a route forward
- holding a warning sign
- reaching out from a hole but not grasping the content
- stacking bricks, building a bridge, opening a door, splitting, recording, and similar actions

## Taboos

- Do not make Xiaohei into an overly cute mascot
- Do not make Xiaohei into a children's cartoon character
- Do not give Xiaohei complex clothes, expression packs, or sparkling eyes
- Do not leave Xiaohei standing in the corner as a bystander
- Do not let Xiaohei steal the structural meaning
- Do not make Xiaohei too commercial, too polished, or too refined

## Judgment Rule

If you remove Xiaohei and the core metaphor still works perfectly, Xiaohei is too decorative. Rework the prompt so Xiaohei becomes the action subject.

