Expression Sheets
Expression sheets are essential documents used in animation that show all the different facial expressions and emotions a character can make. Think of them like a catalog of a character's possible faces - from happy to sad to angry - that helps keep the character looking consistent throughout an animated project. Animators and storyboard artists use these sheets as reference guides to ensure that everyone working on the project draws the character's expressions the same way. They're also sometimes called "expression maps," "character expressions," or "facial expression guides."
Examples in Resumes
Created detailed Expression Sheets for main characters in animated series
Developed Expression Maps showing 30+ emotions for protagonist character
Collaborated with animation team to refine Character Expressions for consistency
Updated Expression Sheets based on director feedback for feature film characters
Typical job title: "Character Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Character Designers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage an expression sheet project for multiple main characters while maintaining consistency?
Expected Answer: A senior artist should discuss their process for organizing multiple character expressions, maintaining style guides, and coordinating with teams to ensure consistency across all characters.
Q: How do you adapt expression sheets for different animation styles?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they adjust expression sheets for various styles (anime, western, 3D) while maintaining character personality and emotional range.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for creating an expression sheet?
Expected Answer: Should describe their workflow from receiving character descriptions to final expression sheet, including research, sketching, and refinement stages.
Q: How do you ensure expressions will work from multiple angles?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they consider different viewing angles when designing expressions and how they document these variations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the essential expressions every character needs?
Expected Answer: Should list basic emotions like happy, sad, angry, surprised, and explain why these are fundamental to character expression sheets.
Q: How do you maintain consistency in expressions across a sheet?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic techniques for keeping character features consistent while showing different emotions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic emotion portrayal
- Understanding of facial anatomy
- Simple character consistency
- Basic digital drawing tools
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex emotion combinations
- Multiple character styles
- Efficient workflow processes
- Team collaboration
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced character expression design
- Project management
- Style guide creation
- Team leadership and review
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to maintain consistent character features across expressions
- Limited understanding of basic emotions and facial anatomy
- No experience with industry-standard design software
- Poor communication skills when explaining design choices
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