Character Design
About this free Character Design course
Character Design is a free 8-week art course that takes students from sketch to superstar: from a blank page to a fully realized, iconic character ready for their own show, comic book, or game. It teaches the same design principles professional animators and illustrators use.
Students learn how shapes act as a character's DNA, whether that's a soft circle, a reliable square, or a dangerous triangle. They learn why great characters like SpongeBob or Mickey Mouse are recognizable by their silhouette alone, and how color, clothing, and accessories bring a design to life. After experimenting with multiple renditions, they finish a complete model sheet with front, back, and side views, action poses, and expressions, then present their design process to the class.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for students in grades 5 through 10 who love to draw, whether they're beginners or experienced doodlers. You only need paper and pencils, though colored pencils, markers, or a drawing app are great for the color unit.
Course outline
- Week 1: What is character design? What makes a memorable character, plus warm-up sketching.
- Week 2: Basic shapes. How circles, squares, and triangles signal a character's personality.
- Week 3: Silhouettes. Designing characters recognizable by their shadow alone.
- Week 4: Starting your project. Sketching your hero or villain and building their world.
- Week 5: Multiple renditions. Exploring many looks, shape combinations, and outfits.
- Week 6: Color and details. Color theory, palettes, clothing, and accessories.
- Week 7: Model sheet. Drawing front, back, and side views.
- Week 8: Final presentation. Adding action poses and expressions, then presenting your design process.
What you'll learn
- Use shape language to express a character's personality
- Design strong, readable silhouettes
- Iterate through multiple versions of a design
- Choose a color palette that fits a character's mood
- Create a complete model sheet with turnarounds, poses, and expressions
How long it takes
The course runs for eight weeks at about 75 minutes a week, or roughly 10 hours in total. Students who love it often keep refining their characters well beyond that.
Frequently asked questions about Character Design
Is Character Design really free?
Yes. Character Design is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
Why is an art course part of a STEM curriculum?
Character design uses the same design thinking as engineering: define the goal, sketch ideas, iterate, and refine. It's also a core skill in animation, game development, and digital media, which are all careers that blend art and technology (STEAM).
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Character Design materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the Character Design materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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