Blog: Improving ref sheets

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      My favorite thing about DeviantArt is that collaboration is such a big part of the site. With Trades and Commissions, most of us have already made a reference sheet that includes a pic of our character, their color scheme and some blurbs about them.
Even so, when it comes to break downs, turn arounds and other details, many artists don't see a reason to use them.

Here's a short list of things you should include when designing your characters and why.


Breakdown
      These show in simple shapes how you draw your character.
Ivan - breakdown by kristaia Luke Structural Breakdown by animatedpunk  :thumb111113728:

Illustration- Not needed as much. I would include it if the way you draw characters is difficult.
Sequential- Used when drafting the page especially action scenes.   
Product- Not needed. A turn around would be enough.
Animation- Absolutely necessary because movement is easier when relating it to

Shapes
Raw SF 2010 Pencil Test 4 here! by JEBurton

And lines
Chel Werewolf TF -Rough by CanineHybrid



Turn Around
      A page showing your character from different views. A complete one would include Front, Back, Side(Left and Right), 3/4(Left and Right) and even how they look from above.
Turn Around Challenge by PUNKBOX Riley Turn-Around by animatedpunk :thumb268629802:

Illustration- It can be just the front, side, and back. Colors and shadowing can be included.
Sequential, Product, Animation- Most of the time the person doing your animation or lines for your comic isn't coloring it. Unless they are, colors are unnecessary and can be distracting.



Expression/Pose sheet
      No one laughs, runs or fights like your character does. Its a good way to show you character's personality without words.   
Comm: Irina - P4P1LL0N set by retrozero :thumb276779067: Expressions by Kweo


Basically needed for everything except products (If the pose is being made into a figure, you'll need a turn around of that pose)



Size Comparison
A page showing your main character's height compared to the rest of your cast.
   Character Size Comparisons by CaTZStudio Species Size Comparisons by Chris000


Illustration and Sequential- How tall you character is in heads.
Product- For toy lines or action figures you're need to go into specifics like inches and centimeters.
Animation- Include height in both heads and inches since animation can range form lose to very technical.  




Final thoughts: Since you're inventing a world and characters to fill it, there's no way you can fit all the info onto one page. Instead, really go into their mechanics drawing wise and tell their story in your comic or animation.


Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works- Steve Jobs


This week's questions:
Planning to have your series in more than one media? (Comic and toys, animation and books, etc)? Will it effect the way you design your characters?
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CaTZStudio's avatar
thank you for featuring my comparisons shot of my characters!