Character Design Sketchbook: Storytelling with Pencil
A course by Raahat Kaduji, Illustrator
Explore the art of sketchbooking by creating your own animal character and learn how to tell stories with it.
Unleash your creativity by diving into the world of character design with a focus on stylized animal figures. This course guides you through a sketchbook process, where you'll learn to experiment and explore ideas. Begin by researching and sourcing reference materials to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen animal subject. Through observational drawing and shading techniques, you will sketch realistic animal renderings, laying the groundwork for more stylized creations.
Transform these sketches into unique animal characters with their own narratives. Discover how to infuse personality into your designs and explore the art of anthropomorphism. This course is perfect for those interested in picture books and children's illustration, offering a foundation in character development. By the end, you'll have a completed sketchbook spread showcasing your stylized animal character, along with a collection of vibrant sketchbook pages. Grab your pencils and sketchbook, and embark on a journey of artistic expression.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 22 downloads
What's included in this course?
Unleash your creativity by diving into the art of sketchbooking, where you'll discover how to transform realistic animal sketches into captivating, stylised characters. Begin by exploring the potential of a sketchbook as a playground for experimentation and idea generation. Delve into the process of gathering and researching reference materials to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen animal subject. Enhance your skills in observational drawing and shading techniques, which will serve as the foundation for your character development journey.
As you progress, learn to infuse personality and narrative into your animal sketches, turning them into unique characters with their own stories to tell. Experiment with anthropomorphism, exploring human poses and expressions to give your characters life. Develop a mind map of props, clothing, and settings to enrich your character's world and bring them closer to reality. By the end, you'll have a sketchbook filled with beautifully crafted animal characters, ready to leap off the page and into their own whimsical adventures. This journey not only strengthens your artistic skills but also ignites a passion for storytelling through illustration.
- 100% positive reviews (46)
- 2,467 students
- 14 lessons (1h 44m)
- 22 additional resources (10 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Indonesian · Romanian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a unique animal character using sketching techniques, develop its personality through props and narratives, and complete a sketchbook spread showcasing your stylised character with observational studies and creative designs.
Projects by course students
![Bear Grandpa [for Character Design Sketchbook: Storytelling with Pencil]. Character Design, Pencil Drawing, Drawing, Children's Illustration, and Colored Pencil Drawing project by Himadri Sekhar Mahanta - 03.31.2026](https://imgproxy.domestika.org/unsafe/s:210:210/dpr:2/rs:fill/ex:true/el:true/plain/src://project-covers/001/867/865/1867865-original.png?1774925281)
Who is this online course for?
Aspiring illustrators, picture book enthusiasts, and creative individuals seeking to develop unique stylised animal characters with personality and narrative will find this program valuable. Ideal for those interested in foundational character design and sketchbook exploration using pencils and other traditional media.
Requirements and materials
A sketchbook, pencils, colored pencils, or pens are essential. No extensive prior knowledge needed, just a willingness to explore. Familiarity with basic drawing techniques can be helpful. A creative mindset and eagerness to experiment will enhance your experience.
Reviews
Raahat Kaduji
A course by Raahat Kaduji
Raahat Kaduji is a talented freelance illustrator and picture book creator based in Oxfordshire, England. With a background in English and Creative Writing from Royal Holloway University of London, Raahat brings a unique narrative flair to her artistic endeavors. Her journey into the world of illustration began without formal art education, influenced by her father's career in special effects within the film and game industry. This early exposure ignited her passion for art, leading her to develop her skills independently. Today, Raahat is known for her digital illustrations that combine vibrant colors and whimsical designs, often inspired by her favorite season, autumn.
Her career blossomed through a growing social media presence and collaborations with notable brands like Wacom and Adobe, who recognized her distinctive style. Raahat's debut picture book, "I'm Not Scary," published by Alison Green Books of ScholasticUK, showcases her ability to weave engaging narratives with charming visuals. Her work continues to evolve, incorporating mixed media techniques and exploring new materials like gouache and pastels. Raahat is committed to sharing her creative process, encouraging others to embrace their artistic journey by developing a solid portfolio and staying true to their unique vision.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Tools, Mood boards, and Observational Sketching
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Tools
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The Sketchbook & Layout
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Looking for Inspiration & Mood boarding
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Sketching animals from observation
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Shading and Adding Texture
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U3
Exploring Anthropomorphism
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Poses using human references
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Styling your character with poses and expressions
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Introducing personality with props/clothes & location
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Animal in the scene with props and location
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U4
Beyond the Sketchbook
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Digital Sketchbook Editing in Photoshop
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Tips on Photographing and Sharing Online
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Final Advice
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FP
Final project
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Character Design Sketchbook: Storytelling with Pencil
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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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.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational skills in sketchbook use, character design, and illustration techniques.
You'll need a sketchbook (like Moleskine), pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, erasers, and optional digital tools for editing and mood boards.
You’ll learn sketchbook layout, mixed media techniques, animal and character drawing, color harmony, shading, composition, digital editing, and how to share or sell your work online.
No prior digital illustration experience is required. The course covers both traditional and basic digital techniques step by step.
The course teaches you how to photograph, edit, and caption your art for Instagram, including tips on hashtags and post timing for better engagement.
Yes, the course includes guidance on preparing your artwork and setting up an Etsy art shop to start selling your creations online.
The course covers using Photoshop and mobile apps for creating mood boards, editing photos, and organizing copyright-free reference images.
What a joy, this is a really nice course
This is such a wonderful class! Very encouraging, helpful and positive. Recommend to anyone who is looking to start their sketchbook practice.
Hola, me interesé por las ilustraciones pero además es un curso donde la artista da explicaciones claras y simples, valoro mucho eso.
Este curso me ha encantado!!!
Muito bom curso! Inspirador e traz dicas muito interessantes de como usar o caderno, lápis de cor, publicar nas redes sociais... vale a pena!