Character Design For Animation Short Course

About this course

The course examines how drawing, shape theory and animation history inform character design. Participants develop characters through structured idea-generation and drawing processes, working through the stages needed to prepare designs for traditional and computer animation, cut-out, stop motion, games, illustration, comics or advertising. Character designs are tested through traditional animation on paper, helping participants assess how the designs function in motion. The course focuses on studio-based design and methods rather than computer software instruction.

What you'll learn

• Apply fundamental principles of shape theory to character design
• Develop original character concepts through drawing and structured idea generation
• Create character designs suitable for different animation and visual-media formats
• Test character designs through traditional animation on paper
• Use drawing-led working methods to develop and refine characters

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners, including students and professionals working across different media. Its all-levels listing suggests a broad audience, while the course description specifically identifies it as suitable for beginners. Participation centres on studio-based drawing, design development and animation testing.

• Suitable for learners from different media backgrounds
• Designed for both students and professionals
• Focused on analogue drawing and design methods rather than software teaching