Character Design Quarterly 35

Character Design Quarterly (CDQ) is a lively, creative magazine bringing inspiration, expert insights, and leading techniques from professional illustrators, artists, and character art enthusiasts worldwide.

Each issue provides detailed tutorials on creating diverse characters, enabling you to explore the processes and decision making that go into creating amazing characters. Learn new ways to develop your own ideas, and discover from the artists what it is like to work for prolific animation studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks.

The cover for issue 35 is by Maxine Vee (313K Instagram followers), a freelance illustrator based in Canada. Her cosy, fantasy-inspired characters and environments have led to work with Walt Disney Studios, Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, and many more. She takes readers step by step through the creation of her stunning cover art, then answers our questions on her career journey and current creative projects.

Another great feature in this issue is an in-depth look at using Risograph to create characters. Natalie Andrewson, an American freelance illustrator and author (based in Los Angeles) speaks to us about how she came to work in this unique medium and creates a brand-new character, walking us through her process. Her work has featured in graphic novels, animation, gallery shows, and more. She has 193K followers on Instagram.

Edited by 3dtotal Publishing, based in Worcester, England, UK. 3dtotal publish high-quality art books dedicated to bringing invaluable training to beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Their books feature top industry professionals from around the globe who share their experience in skillfully written step-by-step tutorials and guides. Illustrated throughout with stunning artwork, these best-selling publications offer creative insight, expert advice, and essential motivation.

Cover artist Maxine Vee (313K Instagram followers) is a freelance illustrator, based in Toronto, Canada. Her cosy, fantasy -inspired characters and environments have led to work with Walt Disney Studios, Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, and many more.

Natalie Andrewson (193K Instagram followers) is a freelance illustrator, comic artist, and Risograph creator from North Carolina, currently based in Los Angeles. Her colourful characters have featured in graphic novels, animation, gallery shows, and her Risograph prints were the subject of an art book in 2024.