Learn Dynamic 2D Game Character Design With Free Tools
Course
Online
Description
-
Type
Course
-
Methodology
Online
-
Class hours
3h
-
Duration
1 Year
-
Start date
Different dates available
-
Online campus
Yes
-
Delivery of study materials
Yes
-
Support service
Yes
-
Virtual classes
Yes
Learn Dynamic 2D Game Character Design With Free Tools is a practical, creative, and accessible course designed to help aspiring artists build the essential skills needed to create engaging 2D characters for games, animation, and digital storytelling. This course guides learners through proven character design principles, digital illustration techniques, and free software workflows that allow them to create compelling artwork without expensive tools. From sketching concepts and shaping proportions to refining style, line work, colour, shading, and final presentation, the training covers everything required to produce polished 2D characters suitable for mobile games, indie game projects, and visual portfolios.
Learners will explore how to work with free design platforms and understand key elements such as silhouette design, character expressions, movement references, and stylistic consistency. The course aims to demystify digital art creation, offering step-by-step learning that builds confidence and capability, even for complete beginners. Whether you want to enter the world of game design, strengthen your creative hobby, or improve your digital art portfolio, this course provides a strong foundation.
By combining structured guidance with creative exploration, the programme helps learners develop job-ready artistic techniques while gaining insight into modern 2D game art trends. It is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to grow in game development, digital illustration, or creative media.
Important information
Price for Emagister users:
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Create 2D game characters using free digital art tools.
Apply core principles of proportion, silhouette, and expression.
Use colour, shading, and line work effectively.
Develop consistent character styles for game projects.
Prepare polished artwork suitable for digital portfolios.
Improve creativity and visual storytelling skills.
This course is ideal for anyone interested in building creative skills for gaming, animation, or digital illustration. It suits beginners who want to learn 2D character design from scratch, as well as hobbyists looking to refine their artistic approach using free, accessible tools. Individuals exploring a future in the gaming sector, including aspiring game developers, illustrators, indie creators, and creative media students, will find this course highly valuable.
It is also suitable for professionals in related creative fields seeking to refresh their skills or add digital art techniques to their portfolio. Whether you are experimenting with personal projects, planning to create your own indie game, or developing artwork for online platforms, this course offers clear, structured guidance that helps you progress with confidence. No previous experience is required—only enthusiasm for illustration and character creation.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, making it accessible to learners of all backgrounds. It is suitable for individuals aged 16 and above who are interested in developing their digital art skills. A good standard of English, basic numeracy, and general IT competence are recommended to support smooth study progression. Learners will benefit from having access to a computer or tablet capable of running free illustration software, but no paid tools are required. Anyone with an interest in creative design can enrol and begin learning immediately.
Upon successful completion of the Learn Dynamic 2D Game Character Design With Free Tools, you will qualify for a UK and internationally recognised professional certification. You may also choose to formalise your achievement by obtaining your PDF Certificate for £9.99 or a Hardcopy Certificate for £15.
This course stands out by offering flexible, self-paced online learning that fits around any schedule. Learners gain access to expert-designed modules that break down 2D game character design into clear, achievable steps using free, accessible tools. The content focuses on practical development, helping learners build skills that support creative projects, freelance goals, or future roles in the gaming sector. By mastering a modern digital art workflow, learners can enhance their CV, strengthen their portfolios, and progress confidently into game design or illustration paths. Its combination of accessibility, quality content, and creative skill-building makes it a valuable choice for beginners and emerging artists.
Reviews
This centre's achievements
All courses are up to date
The average rating is higher than 3.7
More than 50 reviews in the last 12 months
This centre has featured on Emagister for 7 years
Subjects
- Animation
- Design
- Animation Builder
- Animation Authoring
- Animation Software
- Animation Shop
- Animation Engineering
- InkScape
- Knight character in Inkscape
- Knight
- Prepare for animation!
Teachers and trainers (1)
One Education
Course Provider
Course programme
Before we start
- Introduction
- Before you start
Design your character in Inkscape
- Design the knight character in Inkscape – Part1
- Design the knight character in Inkscape – Part 2
- Design the knight character in Inkscape – Part 3
Prepare for animation!
- Exporting the design from Inkscape
- Welcome to DragonBones!
- Import and assemble your character to DragonBones
Animate your character in DragonBones!
- Create the bone system of your character
- Using live video references
- Our very first animation!
- Idle animation
- Creating a mesh!
- Animating more soft parts with mesh editing
- Character walk cycle in DragonBones – Part 1 the first steps!
- Character walk cycle in DragonBones – Part2 move your arms!
- Character walk cycle in DragonBones – Part 3 animating meshes!
- Character walk cycle in DragonBones – Part 4 final touches
- Creating an attack move – Part 1
- Creating an attack move – Part 2
- Dying animation sequence
Exporting animation and modular characters
- Export your animated sprites from DragonBones
- Modular characters in DragonBones
Learn Dynamic 2D Game Character Design With Free Tools
