This posting contains a Character Template and overview. Please read the overview carefully. A link to download the template can be found at the end of this posting and in the General Documents/Templates box on the right. This template is 2970 * 2100 pixels, which is suitable for printing A2. Do not change the Canvas Size of this template.
If you are confident, you may modify the design and layout, but please do read the overview and rational below first. It is also extremely recommended that you get feedback on your Character sheet before you print it.
Character Sheet
The Character Sheet should include clean strong line drawings. There is no shading or colour. These are not rough or development drawing. They should reflect the best of your artistic ability. The layout should be well balanced on the page, occupy equal areas of the layout. The "Character Name" font and size is important, but should not overpower the page. Remember, the characters are the most import aspect of the page. All text should be clearly legible (able to read). Text labels at the bottom of the sheet should remain in plain Verdana Font. Edit the red text with your own details and change ALL text to black (no exceptions).
Remember in a studio setting these Character sheets are photocopied and distributed to Animators. Therefore they should not include any colour or tonal work.
The Description field may contain any of the following :
Description : Character Sheet
Description : Character Rotation
Description : Character Poses
Description : Character Details
Description : Rough Model
Description : Head Rotation
Description : Expressions
Description : Size Comparison
Description : Colour Sheet
Description : Layout
Character Sheet (full colour)
This is next stage. Once your characters are approved, you can make multiple copies of your Character Sheet and begin producing full colour options. It is recommended to work within colour themes and palettes. Once you have created your initial colour versions, you can start to mix and match different combinations. You should keep multiple version of your colour work for your portfolio. This will demonstrate that you able to generate options.
The Character Sheet (full colour), should contain a colour swatch for each sheet. It is recommended that you try creating the colour swatch first (colours that compliment each other) and then apply them to the character. Remember, you can always mix and match elements from different Character Sheets once you have created them.
Layout Sheet
The layout should also be in line. You can create multiple layouts for your film during preproduction to add to your portfolio. I have often been asked "If my film contains only one environment, do I only need to do one drawing?" ...and the answer is NO..!! Firstly, you need to create a portfolio. These projects are given to you as opportunities to generate work for your portfolio. Secondly, a layout is not a picture of the environment - It is a camera shot. You may have only one environment, but Im sure you have multiple camera angles.
The example below is from Disneys "Peter Pan". One technique that is useful is the weight of the line. Notice in the example that a darker, heavier line is drawn around each level. This is done to exaggerate which items are grouped together and help create the illusion of space.
Lastly, just take note that there is no text covering any aspect of the layout drawing.
Overview
The Photoshop file (.pds) contains the folders and layers as indicated in the diagram below.
The borders folder contains a separate layer for each of the black lines. The border lines should remain unedited unless extremely necessary.
The text folder contains a separate layer for each instance of text. You may add your own font (see bottom of this posting) for the CHARACTER NAME only. All other text should remain in the Verdana Font. All text should be in Black. The red text indicated that you are required to edit it (and then change the colour to black).
The Logo layer is there for you to personalise your work. Feel free to add your own production logo to unify your work. If you have your own alternative logo, you do not need include the LASALLE logo.
The Character, Layout and Full Colour Examples are there for your reference only. You should delete them once your Character/Layout Sheet is complete.
Download Full Photoshop .psd File (33MB) :
This file contains all 3 layers for your reference.
Download Photoshop .psd File (3MB)
This file only contains the Character Sheet
Fonts : A good selection of free fonts can be found at dafont.com, which are organised by themes. Remember to keep your design unified - pick a font that reflects the style and feel of your film.
Useful
Notes
