Animation style character design can be a very interesting thing to watch, but very difficult to accomplish. The same way as when we're creating a story we have to start from an initial image and work from there. Animation is the exact same thing but instead of having just one frame, we have to imagine that we have thousands, if not millions. That's why a lot of animators are very meticulous. There's also different kinds of animation such as cel-based and CG-based. Cel-based animation refers to things done on cel paper or, in the case of digital artists, done directly on the screen. CG animation, or computer-generated animation, is done on a computer, usually in software. I prefer to do both the cel and the computer-based animation for a variety of reasons. I feel like the two styles complement each other in many different ways. An important thing to note about animation is that it's not easy. If you're a newbie, it's going to be really difficult. There's a lot of rules that you're going to have to learn. The most important rules I've learned, and I think all of you guys have the same rules, are that you have to plan. It's really important to make sure that you really know what you're doing. Here are some steps to take before you begin: First of all, you have to find an image that you like, and that represents your character. You can find some good suggestions in books, magazines, on the internet, or maybe it's just an image you're holding in your head. Then, you'll have to start sketching out your characters on paper. I find this really helpful. The thing about the paper is that you can really see your character's silhouette and proportions. If you think about it, it helps a lot when you're starting to draw. So make sure you do it. Then, you'll have to sketch out the body on graph paper. If you need some examples, or advice on that, then I suggest going to search some ideas . When you draw on paper, you have to work the proportions and the proportion of limbs. The next step is the body itself. Here are some general rules. Remember, if you feel like you've already put your mind into this part, then you're already in the right place. So here are some general rules: You have to create a good starting point. You can either draw the whole thing, or just a general idea of it. You have to remember that this is an abstract, so it doesn't have to be as detailed as some other drawings. You can even start with a pencil. You can color it in after you start drawing in earnest. When you sketch out your character, and do the proportions and it should still have some of the details that you'll be adding in later. If you're really stuck, go back to your paper, and add a few lines. I found this to be a great way to get things done. If you can get something in, then your work will be much easier. If you can't get it in, then that might mean you're not being as organized as you need to be. You should be consistent. Don't add too much detail, but be sure to add in detail that shows your character. You don't want everything to look pretty. You need to be sure it still looks like your character. As I said before, you can change your work at any point. Don't be afraid to change things, and redo things. If you feel like you've drawn out the proportions right, but your drawing looks a little flat, don't be afraid to just add some shading. But make sure you add the detail. If you start shading before you've gone through the proportions, it can give a wrong idea of what your character looks like. If you still need a little more help, then you might want to find yourself a good drawing tutor. There are many who are willing to help with your art.