François Bourdin
Join the waitlist

A new online course by François Bourdin, coming soon

Designed
to stand
out

A stylised character design workflow, from reference to final illustration.

I’m opening up the way I turn real-life references into bold, stylised characters: the shapes I look for, the proportions I push, and how I take a design all the way to a finished piece. The goal isn’t to draw like me. It’s to find a visual language that’s unmistakably yours.

Join the waitlist Free to join. Early access + a waitlist-only offer.
Stylised character portrait by François Bourdin

Why join the waitlist

An exclusive waitlist offer, only for early subscribers.

Early access before enrolment opens to the public.

Behind-the-scenes updates and bonuses as the course takes shape.

By joining, you agree to the collection and use of your information in line with our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

From reference
to character

Four stages, one complete character. Short focused exercises along the way, and a final project that’s entirely your own.

[Image 01: François’s reference board] Character artwork by François Bourdin
01

Read the reference

Learn what to look for in a reference, and decide what to exaggerate, simplify or keep before you draw a line.

[Image 02: shape and silhouette sketches] Character artwork by François Bourdin
02

Think in shapes

Break reality into bold shapes and strong silhouettes, then turn those choices into a style that feels like yours.

[Image 03: a coloured, rendered character] Character artwork by François Bourdin
03

Colour, light & texture

Build a palette with purpose, then add volume and materials without losing the graphic punch.

[Image 04: a finished illustration] Character artwork by François Bourdin
04

Reference to final

Follow my complete workflow on one character, from first sketch to finished illustration.

Portrait of François Bourdin
Character with golden jaw by François Bourdin Portrait by François Bourdin Portrait with forehead mark by François Bourdin Character smoking by François Bourdin Crow knight character by François Bourdin

Meet
François

I’m a freelance concept artist and character designer based in Nantes, France. With over six years of experience working across video games, animation, and film, I’ve developed a style built around bold silhouettes, angular shapes, and expressive colours. My goal? To create characters that catch your eye in an instant and stay with you.

In this course, I’m sharing the creative process behind my work, from the first rough shapes to the final details, so you can design characters with more confidence, personality, and a style that’s truly your own.

Recent clients
SupercellFlying BarkPassion PicturesDevoted