Character design courses can help you learn anatomy, color theory, personality development, and storytelling through visual elements. You can build skills in sketching, digital painting, and creating character backstories that resonate with audiences. Many courses introduce tools like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Blender, that support bringing your characters to life and refining your artistic style. You'll also explore techniques for character animation and how to effectively convey emotions through design.

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Game Design, Video Game Development, Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Storytelling
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Animations, Prototyping, Conceptual Design, Video Game Development, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Storyboarding, Design, Virtual Environment, Technical Design, Design Elements And Principles, Usability Testing, Creative Design, Design Strategies, Interactive Design, Graphic and Visual Design
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Animation and Game Design, 3D Assets, Animations, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphics, Graphics Software, Design and Product
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Adobe Illustrator, Presentations, Typography, Graphic Design, Animations, Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Adobe Creative Cloud, Branding, Brand Strategy, Marketing Design, System Configuration, Brainstorming, Intellectual Property, Design Software, Knowledge of Apple Hardware, Creative Design, Strategic Thinking, Legal Risk
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, 3D Assets, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animations, Graphical Tools, Creative Design, Color Theory
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Storyboarding, Storytelling, Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creativity, Aesthetics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Content Creation, Writing and Editing
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Adobe
Skills you'll gain: Layout Design, Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Adobe Illustrator, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Design, Design Elements And Principles, Adobe Creative Cloud, Content Creation, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skillshare
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Digital Design, Web Design, Motion Graphics, Adobe XD, No-Code Development, Animations, Layout Design, Prototyping, Graphic Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Style Guides
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Brand Strategy, Adobe Express, Presentations, Branding, Creative Design, Target Audience, Visual Design, Typography, Adobe Creative Cloud, Storytelling, Adobe Illustrator, Diversity and Inclusion, Adobe Acrobat, Color Theory, Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Digital Assets, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Epic Games
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Software Design Documents, 3D Assets, User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Interface (UI) Design, Interactive Design, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Conceptual Design, Prototyping
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Logo Design, Digital Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe InDesign, Image Quality, Style Guides, Branding, Art History, Layout Design, Design Research, Visual Design, Design Strategies, Adobe Illustrator
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Character design is the process of creating the appearance and personality of characters for various media, including video games, animation, and comics. It is important because well-designed characters can significantly enhance storytelling, engage audiences, and create memorable experiences. Effective character design involves understanding the character's role, traits, and the world they inhabit, allowing creators to convey emotions and narratives visually.
A variety of job opportunities exist in character design. These roles can include character designer, concept artist, 3D modeler, and animator, among others. Professionals in this field often work in industries such as video game development, animation studios, film production, and advertising. Each position may focus on different aspects of character design, from initial sketches to final 3D models, providing a range of career paths for those interested.
To succeed in character design, you need a blend of artistic and technical skills. Key skills include drawing and illustration, an understanding of anatomy and proportions, proficiency in digital design tools, and knowledge of color theory. Additionally, storytelling skills and the ability to convey emotions through design are crucial. Familiarity with 3D modeling software can also be beneficial, especially for those looking to create characters for video games or animation.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in character design. For instance, the Character Design for Video Games course offers insights into creating compelling characters specifically for gaming. Additionally, the 3D Character Design Workshop with Nomad Sculpt provides hands-on experience in 3D character modeling, while the Create a Stylized Character with Nomad Sculpt Specialization allows learners to explore stylized character creation in depth.
Yes. You can start learning character design on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in character design, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning character design can be approached through a combination of online courses, practice, and feedback. Start by enrolling in relevant courses to build foundational skills and knowledge. Regularly practice drawing and designing characters, experimenting with different styles and techniques. Seek feedback from peers or online communities to improve your work. Additionally, studying existing characters in games and films can provide valuable insights into effective design.
Character design courses typically cover a range of topics, including the principles of character design, anatomy and proportions, color theory, and the use of design software. Courses may also explore storytelling through character design, the creation of character backstories, and the development of unique visual styles. Practical assignments often allow learners to apply these concepts in real-world projects, enhancing their skills and portfolios.
For training and upskilling employees in character design, courses like the Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate can be particularly beneficial. This program covers essential aspects of game design, including character creation, making it suitable for professionals looking to enhance their skills in a collaborative environment. Additionally, the Google UX Design Professional Certificate can provide insights into user experience, which is valuable for character designers working in interactive media.