Design Your Own Character

Oct 2026 · Four-week studio

Create an original character from first idea to polished presentation while learning the design choices that make characters memorable. Also get a 30-minute 1:1 call with a professional artist mentor to discuss your goals and how to get the most out of the studio.

• Dates: October 18 to November 8 (4 weekly sessions)
• Day and time: Sundays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Location: Adventures in Ink, 15201 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite 210, Leander, TX 78641
• Instructors: Peet Cooper & Abelle Hayford
• Ages: 13–18
• Class size: up to 10 students
• Bring: Sketchbook, loose paper, or drawing tablet + pencil or stylus

Tuition covers all four sessions. Classes are non-refundable.

Turn an idea into a character that feels uniquely yours.

Create an original character from first idea to polished presentation while learning the design choices that make characters memorable.

Workshop Description:

Most young artists already have characters they love to draw. This four-week workshop shows them how to push an idea further and make deliberate design choices. Students begin with a character concept, explore shape and silhouette, develop personality through pose and expression, and use costume, props, and color to communicate story. The workshop culminates in a polished original-character presentation sheet. It is designed as an approachable introduction to professional character-design thinking without duplicating January’s more advanced Heroes & Rivals project.

What Students will Learn:

Shape language; silhouette; proportion; pose and personality; facial expression; costume and prop ideas; color palette; iteration; critique; presentation.

4-Week Project Arc:

Week 1: Start with an idea and explore multiple silhouettes, shapes, proportions, and personality directions.
Week 2: Choose a direction and develop the character through pose, expression, and clearer construction.
Week 3: Add costume, props, and color choices that communicate who the character is and what world they belong to.
Week 4: Respond to critique, refine the design, and create a polished character presentation sheet.

Final Project:

A polished original-character presentation sheet with pose, expression, color, and supporting design details.

Recommended Student / Fit:

Ages 13–18 who already enjoy drawing characters and want to make their designs feel more intentional. No professional-level experience is expected.

Outcome:

Students finish a complete original-character project while learning that strong design comes from exploration, choices, critique, and revision — not simply adding more detail.