Welcome to Character Design Crash Course, a series of illustration classes meant for beginning cartoonists or intermediate character artists looking for a refresher. In this class, I take you through my four-step process for designing a dynamic character, which includes coming up with a story and concept, creating rough thumbnail sketches, refining your design and finalizing the details, and finally, cleanup and color. I also talk about the fundamentals of character design, and the importance of using reference and learning from other artists.
What You'll Learn
What You'll Make
Once finished, you'll have a fully colored character to add to your portfolio. :D
Note: You can do everything I'm going to demonstrate in this class traditionally, but if you do want to work digitally (I use Photoshop and Procreate in this class), some beginning knowledge and experience with the digital drawing program of your choice is likely necessary. If you want to learn more advanced digital painting techniques, I have a couple of classes on Adobe Photoshop in my channel.
Your assignment is to design and illustrate a character of your choosing.
Your goal is to create a fun character that you can include in your portfolio!
DELIVERABLE
Your project should include your fully illustrated character, as well as your rough sketches. I want to see your process. Feel free to post any practice exercises you may have done as well!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Hi! My name's Melissa Lee, and I'm an illustrator and surface designer living in the hilly forests of Northern California. Alongside doing freelance and art …