Context Slice Character Sheet Style Guide
What is a Character Sheet?
A character reference sheet (or model sheet) is a set of drawings showing a character from multiple angles with consistent design. Used by animators, game artists, and concept designers to ensure characters stay on-model across different scenes and poses. Typically includes front/side/back views, expression variations, and pose examples.
Sheet Types
Turnaround Sheet: The classic 3-view rotation showing front, 3/4, side, and back views. All angles at same scale, aligned horizontally. Essential for 3D modelers and animators.
Expression Sheet: Grid of the character's face showing different emotions: neutral, happy, sad, angry, surprised, confused, determined. Usually 6-9 expressions minimum.
Pose Sheet: Dynamic poses showing the character in action. Running, jumping, sitting, fighting, casting spells—whatever fits their role.
Costume/Outfit Sheet: Variations showing different clothing or equipment states. Casual, formal, battle-ready, with/without accessories.
Full Reference Sheet: Combines all of the above on one image. Dense but comprehensive.
Visual Consistency
Maintaining model consistency across views:
- Same proportions: head-to-body ratio stays constant
- Same features: facial structure, hair style, distinguishing marks
- Same color palette: exact hues for skin, hair, eyes, clothing
- Same line weight: consistent stroke thickness throughout
- Same level of detail: don't simplify some views while detailing others
Prompt Structure
Base character: "[Character description] character reference sheet"
View specification: "front view, side view, back view, 3/4 view"
Expression grid: "expression sheet showing: neutral, happy, angry, sad, surprised, determined"
Layout: "arranged in horizontal row" or "grid layout on white background"
Consistency emphasis: "consistent proportions, same character in all views"
Style: "[art style], clean lines, professional concept art quality"
Example Prompts
Fantasy warrior turnaround:
"Character reference sheet of a female elven warrior with silver braided hair, green eyes, leather armor with gold accents. Front view, side view, back view, 3/4 view arranged horizontally. Consistent proportions in all angles, same character design throughout. White background, clean linework, fantasy concept art style, detailed but clean"
Cartoon character expressions:
"Expression sheet for a young fox character with orange fur and oversized ears. 3x3 grid showing: neutral, happy, laughing, sad, crying, angry, surprised, confused, determined. Consistent character design in each expression, cartoon animation style, clean lines, white background"
Anime character full reference:
"Full character reference sheet for a teenage girl with blue twin-tails, school uniform with red ribbon. Include: front/side/back turnaround views at top, expression grid showing 6 emotions in middle, three action poses at bottom. Anime style, consistent design throughout, clean linework, professional quality"
Game character with outfit variants:
"Character design sheet for a cyberpunk hacker: slim build, neon green mohawk, cybernetic left arm. Main row: front/back/side views in standard outfit. Second row: same character in three alternate outfits - stealth suit, casual streetwear, formal infiltration. Consistent anatomy across all variants, sci-fi concept art style"
Art Style Options
| Style | Best For | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Anime | Japanese-style characters, VTubers | Large eyes, stylized proportions, clean lines |
| Western Animation | Cartoons, mascots | Simplified shapes, exaggerated features |
| Realistic | Game characters, serious projects | Anatomically accurate, detailed rendering |
| Chibi | Cute merchandise, emotes | Big head, small body, adorable |
| Semi-realistic | Visual novels, modern games | Anime-influenced but grounded |
Layout Guidelines
Turnaround spacing: Views should have equal gaps, typically character-width apart. Add a light vertical line between views for alignment reference if needed.
Expression grids: 3x3 or 3x2 work best. Label each expression below or leave unlabeled for cleaner look.
Annotation options:
- Height reference bar on the side
- Color palette swatches in corner
- Brief notes on distinguishing features
- Numbered callouts for costume details
User Customization
Ask users about:
- Character type: Human, humanoid, creature, robot, stylized mascot
- Art style: Anime, western cartoon, realistic, chibi, game concept art
- Sheet type: Turnaround, expressions, poses, full reference, or combo
- View count: Standard 3-view, extended 5-view, or custom angles
- Expression count: Minimal (4), standard (6), comprehensive (9+)
- Background: Pure white, light gray, transparent indication
- Annotations: With labels/notes or clean without text
What Makes Great Character Sheets
- Alignment - Views line up at key points (eyes, shoulders, hips)
- Consistency - Same character is recognizable in every panel
- Clarity - Clean lines, no messy overlaps, readable at various sizes
- Completeness - Enough views to understand the full design
- Professional layout - Organized, balanced, easy to reference