Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Research visual references and develop character concepts
2–3 weeks (2–3 hrs/day)
Gather visual references for your characters and environments through observational sketching, reference imagery, and mood board development. Produce rough concept sketches for at least two characters exploring silhouette, proportion, and personality, alongside at least two environment thumbnail studies that establish setting and atmosphere.
Proof required
Submit your research documentation: a mood board or reference sheet with minimum 12 annotated images, rough concept sketches for at least two characters and two environments, and a 150-word written description of the visual language decisions you are pursuing.
What gets checked
- Concept sketches show visible exploration — multiple silhouette or proportion variations per character, not a single polished final
- Reference annotations explain why each reference was selected — not just what it depicts
- Written description articulates specific choices about colour palette, silhouette, or atmosphere tied to the brief
Common mistakes
- Single polished 'first idea' submitted with no iteration — the design has not been explored
- References collected but not annotated — no explanation of why they inform the design
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm multiple concept variations exist — at least three silhouette explorations per character
- Verify reference annotations explain design relevance, not just subject matter
- Check written description addresses specific visual choices tied to the brief
Produce finalised character sheets and environment design pack
3–4 weeks (3 hrs/day)
Develop your strongest character concepts into complete model sheets showing front, side, and three-quarter views with proportional guidelines, colour palette, and expression or pose variations. Produce two finalised environment concept illustrations with colour, lighting, and atmosphere defined. Both deliverables should be at production-reference quality.
Proof required
Submit your complete design package as a PDF: full model sheets for at least two characters (front, side, three-quarter views; colour palette with swatches; minimum three expression or pose variations per character) and two finalised environment concepts (colour, lighting direction established).
What gets checked
- Model sheets include all required views with consistent proportions across front, side, and three-quarter angles
- Character colour palettes are defined with specific hex codes or swatches — not described in words
- Environment concepts are fully rendered in colour with light source and atmospheric depth established
Common mistakes
- Model sheets show only the front view — side and three-quarter views are absent or inconsistent
- Environments are rough sketches — atmospheric and lighting intent is unclear
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm model sheets include front, side, and three-quarter views with consistent proportional guidelines
- Verify colour palettes are defined with specific swatches or hex codes per character
- Check environment concepts are in colour with light source and atmosphere clearly established
- Confirm all designs are at production-reference quality — not rough working sketches
Present design package for studio critique and document feedback
1–2 weeks
Present your completed character and environment design package in a live critique session with your tutor, a working art director, or a character designer. The reviewer challenges specific design decisions — silhouette legibility, colour harmony, world-building consistency. Document who attended, what was challenged, and what you changed.
Proof required
Submit: (1) the completed design package; (2) review documentation — reviewer name and role, date, 200+ words of specific feedback and challenges posed; (3) your written response explaining changes made in response to critique.
What gets checked
- Review documentation names the reviewer with their professional role — art director, working animator, or tutor
- Feedback record captures specific design challenges — silhouette, colour, proportion — not general impressions
- Student response demonstrates genuine iteration — revised work or principled explanations for unchanged decisions
Common mistakes
- No live critique occurred — feedback collected via email or message without a review session
- Design package presented for approval rather than critique — no specific challenges documented
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
Masteryfor the dedicated
What a verifier looks for
- Confirm a live critique session occurred — in-person or video call, not async message feedback
- Verify reviewer name and professional role are documented
- Check feedback record contains design-specific challenges (silhouette, colour, consistency), not general praise
- Verify student response addresses each challenge with revised work or a principled explanation
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