Find a 2D character design, either from a concept artist you admire online, or from a game, movie or series. Then break down that design into a series of references on a PureRef board using the techniques Antonio demonstrated.

This homework is meant as practice for the techniques you will use later, so don’t choose a design you actually want to turn into character art during the course. This should be a chance for you to learn without pressure!

Choose your learning path, then complete the assignment tied to your path:

Beginner Path: Download the PureRef boards Antonio used for his character, and study what will make up the design. For extra credit, add in your own references for any customizations you might want to make.

Hybrid Designer: Come up with a design idea of your own, and build a PureRef board. You can use the free Learn Squared Brief Builder web app (www.briefbuilder.app) to help spark character ideas.

3D Character Artist: Find an existing 2D character design to work with as the basis for your 3D character art. If a 3D version already exists for this character, make sure to only work from the 2D concepts, to simulate the experience of starting on the 3D from scratch. From here, build a PureRef board with visual reference.

Beginner Path: Follow along with what Antonio created to flesh out your character. If you’re stuck, you can download Antonio’s rough sculpt from this lesson’s project files to use for reference.

Hybrid Designer: Utilize the design fundamentals Antonio spoke about, and the references you gathered, to build up your character in this rough sculpt stage.

3D Character Artist: Using the 2D character design you’re working with as a guide, begin layering in elements to build out your 3D character art.

Students of all paths should keep in mind that this is a rough sculpt, and details don’t need to be very defined in this stage. Work with a base mesh under your design - no need to create the entire anatomy from scratch. Pay attention to the silhouette from all angles, experiment and have fun!

Add in some extra shapes, now that you have the base character created.

Beginner Path: Follow along with the details Antonio added. Try adding in some custom ideas of your own!

Hybrid Designer: Refine the design language of your character, making sure the details support the overall design.

3D Character Artist: Add in another pass of detail on your character, keeping in mind the silhouette from all angles.

Students of all paths should remember that this stage is still part of the rough sculpt, so any new details you add only need to be suggestions of where things will go later. The next lesson will focus on more micro-level details and refinements.