conceptartist,soonsang Details
Intro
Class Intro
Concept Artist, soonsang
"Discover a systematic approach to IP development and professional character design for games and animation."
How One Protagonist Can Shape an Entire World
One character is all it takes to create an entire world. In this class, you’ll learn how your protagonist becomes the first droplet, falling into your own world, and how ripples from that droplet gradually shape everything around it.
Led by character IP creator soonsang hong, this lecture introduces a clear, step-by-step framework for worldbuilding through character design. You’ll learn how to set a strong thematic direction, organize your ideas using the three-sheet reference method, and develop supporting characters organically through the "Water Droplet Theory." Each chapter will help you understand not just how to draw characters, but how to design the structure that allows a world to grow around them. By the end, you’ll be equipped to develop your work into a sustainable original IP.
Class Preview
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Check Out soonsang's Class Preview!
Chapter 7. "Droplet Principle” (Wave Pattern) Theory
1. How the protagonist’s personality naturally gives rise to new characters
2. Using contrasting traits to shape supporting roles, such as bravery, comfort, guidance, or conflict
3. Demonstrating this process intuitively through the protagonist, Luna
2. Using contrasting traits to shape supporting roles, such as bravery, comfort, guidance, or conflict
3. Demonstrating this process intuitively through the protagonist, Luna
Class Perks
Special Gift from soonsang
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In-Class Working Files- Full resolution PSD files from the instructor’s live demonstrations, including character sheets and final products
- Study how each character and team was constructed layer by layer, from rough planning to finished concepts -
Lecture Slides (PPT)- All lecture slides used in class, including story structure and world-building frameworks
- Designed to help you review the narrative and design system behind characters -
Exercise Materials- Guided exercise sheets that follow the same workflow used in class, from creating a protagonist to expanding a full character cast
Recommendation
Who should take this class?
Beginner artists who want to learn how to transform simple ideas into solid character designs without feeling overwhelmed.
Learning artists who want to create interesting supporting characters and relationship structures that naturally expand around the protagonist.
Aspiring artists who want to build a professional creative career by developing their work into scalable, sustainable IP, using a Director’s Mindset.
Expert Concept Artist soonsang's Portfolio
Why Take This Class?
This class goes beyond simple drawing. You’ll learn how to start with a single main character and gradually expand a world, building a supporting cast around them. One protagonist becomes the foundation for relationships, roles, and stories that develop naturally within a cohesive world. Using the 3-Sheet Reference Method and the Water Droplet Theory, you’ll acquire a creative design system that helps you maintain consistent quality while continuously developing your characters into a unified, scalable IP.
Through this process, new characters, relationships, storylines, and potential spin-offs will naturally emerge from this foundation. The result will be a sustainable, expandable creative engine that empowers you to become an artist capable of creating not just a single compelling character, but an entire world for every character and idea.
Get Ready for the Real-World
22 Class Exercises
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Building a Habit of Organizing and Collecting References -
Building a Reference System -
Creating Main Character Rough Designs -
Developing the Main Character Concept
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Understanding the Water Droplet Theory -
Balancing the Characters Through Rough Silhouettes -
Rough Designs Tailored to Each Character’s Deformation Style -
Uncle Buck: Role Definition and Design
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Berry & Leo: Role Definition and Design -
Rabbit: Role Definition and Design -
Doug & Toby: Role Definition and Design -
Analyzing Character Sheet Structure
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Luna: Turnaround Character Sheet -
Luna: Expression and Pose Character Sheet -
Uncle Buck: Expression and Pose Character Sheet -
Leo & Berry: Expression and Pose Character Sheet
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Dango: Expression and Pose Character Sheet -
Toby & Doug: Expression and Pose Character Sheet -
Rabbit: Expression and Pose Character Sheet
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Analyzing Characters’ Childhood Designs -
Creating a Size Comparison Board for the Entire Crew -
Group Illustration Examples
Final Products
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A Structured Reference System for Maintaining Consistent Quality on Your Own -
Character Illustrations and Character Sheets Expanded Based on the Water Droplet Theory -
Expression and Pose Work That Reveals Personality and Emotion -
Childhood Designs That Add Strong Narrative Depth
Highlights
Class Highlights
A Structured Character-Building Process Using the 3-Sheet Reference Method
This course is designed for artists who want to turn simple ideas into solid character designs but are unsure where to start. To ensure a stable start, soonsang offers an accessible entry point through the "3-Sheet Reference Method.”
Building Expanding Character Relationships Through the Water Droplet Theory
This course is for creators who want to develop supporting characters that naturally connect with the protagonist. Through the "Water Droplet Theory," you'll learn how to build logical and engaging character relationships.
A Director’s Mindset for Building Sustainable and Scalable IP
This course is for artists seeking to build a professional creative career by developing their work into a scalable, sustainable IP. Using the "Director’s Mindset," you'll learn how to create deep narratives and expand them into potential spin-off opportunities.
