Program Character Design Basics

Questions? Call 801.532.7500 or email programs@spyhop.org.

Design

Character Design Basics

Design original characters and explore different art styles.

COMING SOON
12–14 AGE RANGE
Free COST
September 14 – October 6, '26 DATE
Monday & Wednesday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM SCHEDULE
Foundational SKILL LEVEL
Large Conference Room LOCATION

Bring your imagination to life—one character at a time. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll design original characters for comics, games, or animation. You’ll sketch by hand and on iPads, explore different art styles, create character sheets, and experiment with shapes, colors, and storytelling. From bean-shaped critters to pareidolia creatures (yep, that cloud does look like a lizard), you’ll stretch your creativity while building real design skills.


Gear + Software:

  • iPads
  • Computers
  • Traditional art materials
  • Procreate
  • Aseprite

Great for anyone who is curious about design—whether you love to make art already or you're just getting started. No experience needed!

Mercedes Roberts

MERCEDES ROBERTS

Design Mentor

Hi, I’m Mercedes, a Design Mentor passionate about teaching game design, game art, coding, animation, and so much more. I’ve had the pleasure of working on game projects like T.A.C. Heroes: The Big Red One for Nintendo DS and Dive: Starpath on Steam (It’s free if you want to try it!), as well as various educational game-based exhibits at the Clark Planetarium. Currently, I’m developing an indie game on the side and learning to play the guitar from Allyson, the Music Mentor.

I’m excited to share my knowledge to help you unleash your creativity and share your voice in our classes! Let’s embark on this adventure together!

Fun Fact: Myself and my siblings are all named after cars. Can you guess what car names they have?

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Character Design Basics photo
Character Design Basics photo
Character Design Basics photo

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Our classes are designed for in-person participation. Limited remote attendance may be possible in certain circumstances. Availability depends on the class format and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Absolutely! Many of our students self-identify as neurodivergent. We keep our classes small so that our students have the best experience possible, and our professional teaching artists can accommodate different kinds of learners and ensure special needs are met.
We keep all our classroom spaces an adult/parent-free zone (excluding staff) to ensure students feel free in their creative expression. If you'd like to see the building and learn more about Spy Hop, you can schedule a tour with our team outside of class time.
Sign up for our email list! We email updates about what's going on at Spy Hop, when new programs are available, and upcoming events.
There are lots of ways you can support Spy Hop: make a donation, attend an event, sign up for our emails, follow us on social media, or spread the word about Spy Hop. However you can give and show up for youth voice, just know that we're grateful you're a part of it all.
We've found that small program sizes give the best opportunity for creative learning and mentorship—because of this, most of our classes have a capacity of ten students.
Most of our in-house programs are for ages 12–19 years old. We occasionally offer programs or workshops for young people ages 19-25. We offer spring and summer camps for younger kids ages 8-12.
Pre-program check-ins are usually 15 minutes or less. They're an opportunity for students and our professional teaching artists to get to know one another, assess goals, talk through schedules, ask questions and feel ready for the program to start. Students don't need to bring anything but themselves.
Spy Hop has a small parking lot on the North side of our building and is first-come, first-served. You can enter this lot on 900 S between Spy Hop and Vertical Diner. 2-hour parking is available along 900 S. Street parking is available on 200 W and 300 W. Washington Street and Jefferson Street have limited public parking, with big sections of 2-hour only parking. Please pay close attention to signage to avoid a ticket! Paid parking is also available across the street, at Triangles bar. Limited parking passes are available for students: please visit the Lab for more information.
Currently enrolled students can checkout equipment for short-term use on projects. We do not offer equipment rentals to the general public. For more equipment information please see the Lab for more information, and check out our Gear Policy.