Understand how to build shapes, choose colors, and combine them into one image that’s pleasing to the player’s eye.
Learn to create characters properly
We’ll show how characters are created in GameDev, and your mentor with 5+ years of experience won’t leave your questions unanswered.
Try working in a studio pipeline
Why you’ll love this course
Go through the whole process - from sketch to final render - in our signature casual style!
Draw your first portfolio character (and their pet!)
Course Program
Week 1 – Basic anatomy, proportions, and poses
Before starting character design, you’ll study simple anatomy and learn to pose characters using basic shapes, based on references.
Week 2 – Portrait study and the language of shapes
The face is the most important part of a character. This week, we'll cover the anatomy of the head and face, as well as drawing basic emotions. You'll also learn about shape language and how to use it to design your character. This course will focus on drawing the face and stylizing it into different shapes.
Week 3 – Character concept and reference analysis
Creating a character requires a concept and references, so in week three we'll teach you how to conceptualize and select the right references. You'll also learn how to convey volume and form. Explore the hallmarks of casual style and sketch a character and their adorable pet. :)
Week 4 – Lighting in digital art
In week four, before we begin rendering the finished sketch, we'll explore the principles of light and shadow, which are essential for rendering any 2D object. We'll practice rendering poses in black and white using the primitives we learned to create in week one.
Week 5 – Character color and rendering
The final, fifth week of the course will focus on rendering a character and their pet. We'll explore the intricacies of casual rendering, as well as how to choose a palette. We'll also explore how to render clothing and, especially, hair, how to create volume in shapes, and how to use lighting, ambient occlusion, and drop shadows to achieve this.
GALINA K.
Hi! I recently completed the Character Design course and wanted to share my feedback. The theory part was just right - not too much, not too little - and everything was practical. I liked that the lessons were short and grouped by topic, easy to rewatch anytime. My only wish was for more flexibility with lesson releases, as I finished some weeks early and wanted to move on faster.
MARGARITA K.
This is my second time taking a course from Redby Art, and I recently finished the «Character Design Basics» course! Just look at how pretty my result turned out.
At first, I planned to draw another character related to my favorite Asian theme, but then I thought - this time I need something different! A pirate came to mind, and I imagined a sweet pirate girl… but once I started sketching, I realized - being a pirate isn’t that simple!
MARIA G.
And here’s my final project from the character design course! I made the last adjustments to my hero - added shine and more detailed hair. I decided not to stop at just one drawing and even created the heroes’ names as part of a small game concept. The game is about a water nymph named Mai who protects the pond where she grows water lilies, her favorite flowers. A cheerful fawn helps her, visiting her by the water - and together they defend the pond from harmful insects that disturb the peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, each week’s lessons last about 40 minutes, except for Week 4, which is more in-depth — around 1 hour 30 minutes.
It’s best to dedicate about one hour a day for practice. In the middle of the week, there’s an optional but very helpful feedback session. This steady pace prevents burnout and helps your drawing skills grow naturally. Of course, you can cram everything before the deadline, but short regular sessions produce much better results!
We haven’t had students using iPads yet, but if you can install Photoshop or transfer files into it correctly without losing layers or effects, there should be no problem. The main requirement is that your final files open properly in Photoshop.
Preferably, yes! Ideally, you should take this course after completing the “2D Artist” course or have at least a basic foundation. We go step by step — from simple shapes to a full-fledged character — and your mentor is always there to guide and support you.
You’ll need Adobe Photoshop (preferably the latest version), a graphic tablet (even an entry-level one will do), and, of course, your hands 🙂
Don’t worry — you’ll have an extra month to finalize your project.
Yes! After completing the course, you’ll receive an official Redby Art certificate <3
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2025
BUY COURSE
Duration: 5 weeks (+2 bonus weeks)
280 $