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Short course

Character Design Short Course

Book course
Character Design Short Course | On campus
Design engaging characters. Learn the fundamentals of character design and bring your creations to life.
Next start months
April 2026
August 2026
Tutor(s)
Matthew Lloyd
Price
From £540.00

Course description

Course overview

Join our Character Design short course and learn the stages of character design and development from an award-winning writer and illustrator.

By looking at examples of illustration styles including children‘s picture books, graphic novels, cartoons, advertisements, packaging, animations and films, you will learn how to give life, expression and movement to your characters.

Beginning by observational drawing and different playful drawing activities you will learn how to convey emotions using the simplest of illustrations. You will progress to explore how your character/s will move in a variety of situations, explore the best body proportions for your drawing style and character consistency.

Please note this course is taught in a studio and does not include digital software or animation skills.

Who this course is for

This course is aimed at illustrators wanting to know how to apply their skills most effectively, whether for the task of creating a children's book, packaging, graphics, animation, film, TV, gaming or theatre design.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Character Design Research
  • How best to suit your illustration style to character
  • Designing for different age groups
  • Model Sheets
  • Exploration of expression, emotion, body-language movement and consistency
  • Drawing skills
  • Inking and Rendering

Learning outcomes

  • Developed your character design skills to help you hone your talents on the road to success
  • Have the opportunity to produce a series of character facial expressions to explore emotions
  • Produce character drawings showing how the whole figure can convey emotion and movement in a variety of situations
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

  • A4 Sketchbook
  • A3 Layout pad
  • Pencils, pens or drawing materials of choice
  • Note pad and pen
  • Examples of any previous work

Please note that most materials needed for the short courses are available at the Chelsea College of Arts' Art Shop. Please contact the Art Shop directly for opening hours and availability.

Tutor

Matthew Lloyd

Since graduating from Bath Spa University in 2009 with a BA in Graphic Communication, Matthew has spent the past 15 years working in London as a freelance 2D animator, character designer and animation director. He has worked on music videos for bands such as Tame Impala, Metronomy and The Arctic Monkeys and commercials for clients including Google, Meta and the BBC.
For the past 4 years Matthew has also been working as a tutor on The Film and Video Workshop, a bi-annual short course for 16-19 year olds funded by the BFI, which specialises in teaching animation and VFX.
His most recent projects include working as an animator for the BAFTA nominated short film 'Your Mountain Is Waiting' and as a character designer for an upcoming animated children's series.

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Short Courses