Character turnarounds and model sheets: what to send your 3D artist (with a template list)
What a character turnaround and model sheet are, which views a 3D artist needs, how to mark scale, materials and colours, and how a good sheet cuts revision rounds when ordering a 3D game character.
Short answer: a turnaround shows your character in one neutral pose from front, side, back and three-quarter, all lined up to the same height. Add a model sheet with material callouts, a colour palette and close-ups of the face, hands and props, and a 3D artist can build the character with far fewer questions and revisions.
The views
| View | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Essential | Proportions, symmetry, face |
| Side | Essential | Depth, profile, posture |
| Back | Recommended | Hair, clothing, backpacks, tails |
| Three-quarter | Recommended | Shows how shapes turn; the "personality" angle |
| Top (for top-down games) | Optional | Silhouette as the player sees it |
Draw them in a T-pose or A-pose with a neutral expression, aligned on horizontal guide lines (top of head, chin, shoulders, waist, knees, feet).
The model sheet
- Scale: height in centimetres or a human silhouette beside the character.
- Materials: arrows with short notes — "leather, worn", "glass visor, reflective", "cloth, matte".
- Colour palette: flat swatches with hex codes, not just painted colours.
- Close-ups: face (neutral + one expression), hands, logos, props, weapons.
- Don'ts: what must never change — a logo, a silhouette element, a colour.
Template list (copy this into your brief)
- Character name, role, age/type, personality in three words
- Engine, platform, camera distance (why it matters)
- Front / side / back / three-quarter views
- Height and scale reference
- Material callouts
- Palette with hex codes
- Close-ups of face, hands, props
- Expressions or animation list if needed (rigging guide)
- 3 reference games for the rendering style
If you only have one drawing
That is common and workable. We fill in the missing angles, show them as a blockout from four views and ask you to approve before detail work. The steps are in from 2D concept to a 3D game character.
Working with us
We model stylised and realistic game characters from turnarounds, single drawings or written briefs. Examples: Protocol Zel, Mafia Hippo. See the Game & 3D page or send your sheet on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked
1.What is a character turnaround?
A set of drawings of the same character in the same pose from several angles — usually front, three-quarter, side and back — aligned to the same height so a 3D artist can model accurately.
2.Which views are essential?
Front and side are essential; back and three-quarter are strongly recommended. Close-ups of the face, hands and complex props save extra questions.
3.Do I need a professional turnaround before ordering 3D?
No. Rough but consistent drawings, a photo collage or even a written brief can work. A clean turnaround simply reduces guesswork and revision rounds.
4.Can Creatune make the turnaround too?
Yes — we can design the character from references, then produce the views or go straight to a 3D blockout you approve from several angles.
