The creation of a basic model sheet is an exercise in 3D visualization and rendering. Anybody can create a cartoon character. It takes style and experience to rotate this character so that he or she (it?) is still recognizable as a unique persona. Add to this the sometimes subtle variations of expression and we begin to nail down the character within the character. The third assignment for the semester is it create such a character (head and shoulders), and build a model sheet that includes three rotations or “turn arounds” and at least 6 emotional expressions.

If you Google “model sheets” you will find quite a few examples of different approaches and styles. One of these is of course Disney. Books have been written about the Disney approach to character creation, and having some first hand experience with this group I can tell you that they leave NO stone unturned in nailing down character traits through model sheets and then protecting that character through eight inch thick style books. the link below will give you a little view into thier world.

Lion King model sheets