Sketchbook: Creating Characters Based on Real People
A course by Diego & Sebastian Ramírez JacintoFreelance Artists
A course by Diego & Sebastian Ramírez Jacinto, Freelance Artists
Learn to design unique characters with our method, drawing inspiration from real life and capturing shapes and gestures.
Dive into the art of creating characters from everyday life observations with Diego and Sebastián Ramírez, known in the animation world as Los Awesombrosos.
Immerse yourself in the creative process of designing characters that resonate with audiences, using drawing techniques straight from your sketchbook. You will learn how to capture the essence of real people and transform those observations into animated characters with personality and depth.
From the initial exploration to the final design, each lesson is crafted to enhance your ability to see and depict what makes each person unique.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 17 downloads
What do we look for when we observe?
5 minutes, 58 seconds
Imagination vs. observation
4 minutes, 23 seconds
Different ways to solve a problem
9 minutes, 24 seconds
The skull and stylized features
13 minutes, 17 seconds
Build the face
17 minutes, 14 seconds
The mask and the expressions
17 minutes, 24 seconds
What's included in this course?
To start, we will teach you how to sharpen your observational skills to capture the details that make each person unique. You will learn techniques for caricaturing and synthesizing these observations into visual elements that define the character of your creations.
Next, we will show you how to translate these sketches into animated characters, detailing each step from concept to final design. We will then delve into how different features and gestures can be exaggerated to emphasize your characters' personalities.
Finally, we will integrate all these elements into a coherent and stylized piece, ready to be part of any animation production.
What is this course's project?
The final project involves selecting a sketch from your sketchbook and fully developing it into a detailed animated character, demonstrating everything you have learned about creating characters based on real-life observations.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for artists and designers of all levels interested in character design for animation.
It is ideal for those looking to deepen their observation and drawing skills and learn how to transform real people into animated characters that tell their own stories.
Requirements and materials
You will need a sketchbook or drawing pad, pencils and/or markers for sketching, and access to digital drawing software such as Photoshop or Procreate for the final stages of design.
No prior animation skills are required, but a passion for drawing and observation is essential.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
El curso está muy bien estructurado y los profesores explican muy bien, resulta muy fácil dibujar y crear siguiendo las indicaciones que establecen.
- 3 months ago
I've been in love with this one highly recommed!
- 3 months ago
muito bom esse curso, aprendi muito!
- 4 months ago
Este curso me ha dejado flipando! La facilidad con la que te enseñan a crear personajes a partir de referencias reales es genial. Compraria más cursos de ellos!
- 5 months ago
very easy and do able approach to character design am so happy
They have worked on a wide range of projects for renowned studios such as Netflix, DreamWorks, HBO Max, and Disney TVA, specializing in character design and visual development.
Their unique approach to capturing humanity and authenticity in their designs has earned them recognition and awards, including the Quirino Award for "Best Design for Animation."
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
Observation: look for ideas with your sketchbook
- What do we look for when we observe?
- Imagination vs. observation
- Different ways to solve a problem
- U3
draw the head
- The skull and stylized features
- Build the face
- The mask and the expressions
- U4
Draw the body
- The 3 spheres of the body
- Draw hands in a simple way
- Clothes and what they say about you
- U5
Bring your characters to life
- The power of gesture
- Draw the final characters
- Detailing!
- FP
Final project
- Sketchbook: Creating Characters from People
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
This course is aimed at intermediate-level artists looking to deepen their skills in character design through observation and creativity. You don’t need to be an expert, but basic drawing experience is recommended.
All you need is a sketchbook, pencils or charcoal, and optionally visual references like photos or access to public spaces to practice observing and drawing from life.
You’ll learn how to analyze real people, distill their features, sketch expressions, stylize faces and bodies, and turn your sketches into original characters full of attitude and personality.
The course focuses on observing real people to create animated characters, covering quick sketching, stylization, anatomical construction, and developing your own visual storytelling.
It’s recommended to have basic drawing skills and some experience drawing people, as the course focuses on intermediate techniques in observation, sketching, and stylization.
A sketchbook is essential for capturing observations, practicing quick sketches, and building your own visual library that will serve as a foundation for creating authentic, expressive characters.
You’ll learn direct observation, quick sketching in public spaces, using references, simplifying shapes, facial hierarchy, and techniques to capture attitudes and emotions in your characters.