Learn Character Design in 21 Days by David Perez
Duration:4+ hours
Release date:2026
Publisher:21-Draw
Skill level:Beginner
Language:English
Exercise files:Yes
Software:Photoshop, Pencil & Paper
Course URL:https://www.21-draw.com/course/character-design-21-days/
Want to create characters that pop like they do in your favorite animated movies? David Perez is here to show you how, breaking down character design into super simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’ve never drawn before. You don’t need to be a master artist; you just need to know how things work, and this course covers all the essentials. David reveals some seriously cool tricks to create endless character variations using basic shapes, tackle tricky parts like hands and feet, and draw poses that tell a story. You’ll even learn to visualize and draw characters from any angle. Forget confusing theory; this course focuses on practical skills that get results, so you can confidently bring your own characters to life.
π― What you’ll learn
- Understand the core fundamentals of character design
- Create a variety of characters, from heroes to sidekicks
- Design expressive, memorable characters
- Master essential drawing techniques for faces, bodies, and clothing
- Break down complex forms like heads, hands, and feet into simple shapes
- Draw the body and head in 3D from any angle
- Combine simple shapes to design endless head variations
- Create proportionate and expressive hands and feet
- Design clothing with natural folds and form
- Use angles and twists to create dynamic poses and tell stories
- Create expressions using “Squash and stretch”
- Draw various hairstyles with volume
- Develop good drawing habits for quick improvement
- Construct mouths, noses, and eyes with easy techniques
β Requirements
- Skills: No drawing experience needed
- Tools: Pencil & Paper
- Hardware: Just a paper/sketchbook and a pencil
π Description
Want to design unique, fun characters like the big animation studios? David Perez is here to simplify character design for you like never beforeβbreaking down the fundamentals into clear, easy steps that anyone can follow. You donβt need to be a highly-skilled artist to create kickass characters. You just need to understand how things work and why they work. And youβre in luck! Everything will be covered in this beginner course!
David will reveal mind-blowing methods to create an endless range of heads, bodies, and expressions by just using basic shapes. You will learn to master tricky body parts like hands and feet, draw poses with energy that tell a story, and design expressive faces bursting with personality. He also shows you simple techniques to visualize and turn shapes in 3D space. This powerful skill allows you to draw characters from any angle you want! How cool is that? David cuts through the confusion and complex theory, boiling everything down to the absolute basics and equipping you with skills that actually work! By the end, you will be able to confidently create characters from your imagination. Go from feeling frustrated to being truly proud of your designs! Letβs bring your vision to life together!
π§βπ Who this course is for
- Beginners starting in character design
- Artists looking to brush up on the fundamentals
- Anyone interested in learning about character design
- Those curious to understand character design concepts
π§βπ« About the Author
David Perez is a character designer who has worked in the animation industry for over 10 years, with studios like Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Bros, Netflix and more.
π Final Result
- Students will be able to confidently design their own unique characters, from concept to finished drawing, with a portfolio-ready understanding of character design principles.

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