Design a Character Reference Sheet for Your Fursona!

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 1 person | Log in to rate

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Make Sure Everyone can see just how Special your Character is!

A character reference sheet (also known as a character model sheet, ref sheet, character sheet, or other similar terms) is a visual representation of your character, a few key accessories / weapons / outfits, and whatever else you think is needed to get across your character's appearance!

Have a Reference Sheet already? 

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Why Have a Ref Sheet in the First Place? 

Sure, you could do without them, but...

  1. Artists Need Them to Draw your Character (the way you want it!)
    We understand: when you pay somebody to draw something of yours, you want them to do it right. A good reference sheet reduces the odds that something is going to get lost / misconstrued in communication.
  2. It's a Good Way to Introduce your Character!
    A good reference sheet gives people an idea of who your character is and what they're like -- they don't use character sheets in D&D for nothing, after all!
  3. Make Sense of your Characters with them!
    Lots of things sound good when you're just talking about them -- too good, in fact. having a visual reference allows you to see problems with a character / outfit before you get too far!
  4. They're a great visual introduction!
    Putting together a Squidoo lens about your character? Combining a reference sheet with the "Text with BIG Picture" module is a great thing to have on your lens, for yourself and for visitors!

Think You Need a Reference Sheet? 

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I can't live without it!

lulu says:

hi

Tallia Dragonpaw says:

Well, of course!! I'm a liger-mix, and it's difficult explaining my fur patterns over and over again. :)

Justin W. Ames says:

I'm gonna need one once I finish my fursona's design and put him in color. I'm making him a par of my Flash sereies, and I wouldn't want to get anything wrong.

mina says:

i need to make a better one for my fursona, dazzle a half wolf half dog. she's red with blue markings :)

Weelollycupcake says:

wanna make one today! I have my first fursona, a fallow deer.

They're nice, but...

Frayah says:

this is worthless

Envy says:

Eh, I'm between. Depends whether your fursona changes outfits or not. But since there's no comments for "They're nice, but...", I'm putting mine there.

 
view all 18 comments

Reference Sheets can contain lots of info!  

Details make the artist's job easier!

This is a fairly detailed reference sheet of my own character, Jigsaw Forte.

This is a reasonably complex sheet, with front and back references, alternative styles, and a sample outfit, but by the same token, everything is laid out where we can see it, and an artist attempting to draw her will have an easy time deciding what they want to do with her!

"Make sure your sheet gets across the details that it needs to! Be complete, but keep it simple!"

Reference Sheets can be Simple! 

You don't have to kill yourself over every angle!

This reference sheet of Punkin done by Mukichan is an excellent example of a quick, rough reference sheet that doesn't take any more effort than a normal drawing!

... well, almost.

You'll notice three things this sheet does that the more complex version does as well:

  1. Punkin is still illustrated nude (albeit in G-rated nudity) for reference purposes.
  2. Reference points and details are still pointed out on the body itself, such as her fingers and tail transparency.
  3. Swatches of her color scheme are off to the side, for color selection purposes.
As a result, this is an excellent example of a minimalist character reference sheet: Just enough detail to get you going, and very little effort to produce!

The Top Reference Sheet Don'ts! 

As voted and added to by you, the reader!

Seen something on a sheet you absolutely hate? Think we've got our priorites in the wrong order? Add a new disappointment to the list, or vote other people's ideas up or down!

Sexual References!

Genital Piercings and references to how a character shaves too much for you? We think so, too. At least make a kid-safe version of the sheet for the rest of us!0 points

Neon Colors!

We get it, your sparkledog is your fantasy creature... but neon pawpads and tongue? Seriously?0 points

Too Many Accessories!

A few accessories are fine; necessary, even. Some people overdo it to the point their character looks like a genki girl.0 points

Lots and Lots (and Lots) of Tattoos

It doesn't look that good on a normal human; you think we want to see it on a fantasy creature, either? A few tattoos are fine, but there's just so many other ways to get a point across...0 points

Tiny Oekaki Drawings!

The best character sheets can be printed out for easy distribution to artists at conventions -- so it pays to make sure your sheet is print-friendly!0 points

Don't Want to Draw Your Own Character Sheet? 

Now you don't have to!

Lots of folks commission other, better artists in the furry fandom and elsewhere to make detailed character sheets that can bring their characters to life... and you can too!

Just a few notes to keep in mind before you commission someone for a sheet, though:

  • The More References, The Better!
    Yes, that's why you're getting the sheet in the first place, but the more references we can see, the more interpretations of your character we already know you like (so a cohesive standard can be made!)
  • Keep in Touch With The Artist!
    Short of getting a fursuit, this is likely going to be one of the most involved commissions you ever ask for -- not the least of which is because a good character sheet will make all your future commissions easier! Offer the artist as many methods of contact as possible, or at least check your email on a daily basis...
  • Be Willing to Pay!
    Because of the excess additional care a character sheet takes to make to your specifications, it may end up being more expensive not just from the sheer amount of depth and detail, but also because of the expectation that your sheet may need additional revisions! Not to mention, the more detail you add to your character, the more likely it is they'll ask for more money...

Get The Character Sheet You Always Wanted!

I can make one for you!

For $50, I can draw you a great character sheet, with multiple full-body reference pictures, a color palette, flavor text, and all the awesome stuff that makes everyone else's jobs easier!

Also, my sheets are made to be printed out and taken wherever you go, or even able to be printed into big, beautiful posters!

Contact Me Now to request a commission and get started!

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Who Made This? 

P.S.:If you need a character sheet done, just email me and I can take you on as a commission! Prices start at $50, and that includes a nice reference sheet with at least three full-body pictures (just like my sheet!) and more!

Lensmaster JigsawForte has been a member since March 9 2008, has rated 23 lenses, favorited 36, and has created 76 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "The Ultimate "Bejeweled Blitz" Tips and Tricks!". See all my lenses

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Creator of the Webcomic Last Resort.

Check out what I'm doing lately on my Squidoodlist blog!

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by JigsawForte

Creator of the Webcomic Last Resort.

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