Sketch to final art
You approve rough sketches before any finished artwork begins.
Book Illustration
Character design
Memorable characters with expressions, poses and colour references for books and series.
Service introduction
About our character design service
A well-designed character stays recognisable in every scene, on every page and in every book of a series.
We explore shapes, proportions and personality in sketches, then finalise a character sheet you can use across books, merchandise and marketing.
Design sheets
Character design you can hand to anyone
A character design is only finished when someone else could draw it the same way without asking you a question.
That is what the sheets are for. We deliver front, side and three-quarter turnarounds, an expression set, a pose set, a colour specification with hex and print values, and notes on proportion and silhouette. Whether the character goes into a book, an animation, a game or merchandise later, the sheet holds the design steady across whoever picks it up.
- Turnaround, expression and pose sheets as standard
- Colour specification in screen and print values
- Silhouette and proportion notes for other artists
Most of this work comes from authors, studios and brands in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, the UAE and India. Send us your project details and we will reply with questions, an approach and a quote before any work starts.
What we provide
What's included
- Exploratory sketches
- Front, side and back turnaround
- Expression and pose sheet
- Colour palette reference
Creative process
From first idea to final files
A clear five-step process, with your feedback built in.
- 01
Discover
We learn about your book, audience, genre and goals.
- 02
Concept
We explore directions, sketches and references with you.
- 03
Create
The chosen direction is developed into finished artwork.
- 04
Refine
We adjust details based on your feedback.
- 05
Deliver
You receive final files prepared for print and digital use.
Relevant portfolio work
Selected book illustration work
Open any project to see it larger, then move through the set.
Why choose BookZen
Why authors and publishers choose BookZen
Consistent characters
Character and style references keep every scene and page on-model.
Prepared for print and screen
Artwork delivered at the right size, resolution and colour mode for its use.
Global collaboration
Clear online communication and feedback rounds, wherever you are.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about character design.
Yes. We design characters together so they work as a group, with clear differences in shape and colour.
Yes. That's one of its main purposes. Usage rights are confirmed in your quote.
Yes. We work with authors, publishers and businesses in different countries. Briefs, feedback and file delivery all happen online, and we agree on a communication schedule that suits your time zone.
Send us your project details using the Start Your Project form or the contact page, with any references you have. We'll reply with questions, a suggested approach and a quote before any work begins.
Let's talk about your character design project
Tell us what you're working on. We'll reply with questions, ideas and a clear quote.