What do I need to put on a character reference sheet?

Question

I have created an original character, and though I have his basic info (both history and looks) done, it was suggested to me that I should draw a character sheet for him. How do I make it not look like it's just a boring pose? What kinds of details and info should I put up there? I am not very good at anatomy, how should I work on doing something like a back shot when it would probably look identical to a frontal shot except for his head giving off a clue. Is there anything else I need to know?

Answer 1

Well, it all depends.

A good tip is to put the history and/or basic info of the character on a separate location like under the picture than on the character sheet if they are too long. If you do put the basic info and/or history on the same place, it seems too crammed. But most of the time, the basic info goes with the character sheet.

I would recommend doing a basic, simple pose that mostly requires standing so the viewer can see everything. So try not to block anything significant.

Remember that a character ref. needs to show everything that makes the character that character. (ex: jewelry, accessories, physical appearance, body art, weapons, scars, etc.) If, for example, you need to focus on the hands, I would draw a pair of hands on the sheet and put all the details that couldn’t be seen on original picture.

For the anatomy, you need to start to study them. Grab some pictures from the internet and see what distinctive things it has. (ex: shoulder blades, spine) Do know that males are more wide build than females. By the way, if there is nothing really special on the back of the character, don’t draw it.

But seriously, it is really what you want. I know some refs that are just drawn frontile, back, both sides, and their name. Just choose what you are most comfortable with. :] Anyway, I hope I at least help a little bit.

--Zur