Turnarounds
Turnarounds are essential reference drawings in animation that show what a character, object, or prop looks like from multiple angles (usually front, side, back, and three-quarter views). Think of it like taking photos of someone while they slowly spin in a circle. These drawings help ensure that animators and artists maintain consistency when drawing or modeling the same character from different angles. It's similar to a blueprint that architects use, but for animated characters. When you see terms like "character turnarounds," "model sheets," or "rotation views" in job descriptions, they're all referring to the same concept.
Examples in Resumes
Created Turnarounds for main character designs in an animated series
Developed detailed Turnaround sheets for props and secondary characters
Supervised junior artists in creating Character Turnarounds for a feature film
Typical job title: "Character Design Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Character Design Artists
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Events & Conferences
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach creating turnarounds for characters with complex designs or multiple accessories?
Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain their systematic approach to breaking down complex elements, maintaining consistency across views, and creating clear notes and guidelines for the animation team.
Q: How do you manage feedback and revisions on turnarounds from different departments?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in collaborating with directors, animators, and modelers, understanding technical requirements, and efficiently implementing changes while maintaining design integrity.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What information do you include in your turnaround sheets besides the main views?
Expected Answer: Should mention size comparisons, color schemes, important details callouts, expression variations, and any special notes for animators.
Q: How do you ensure consistency across all angles in a turnaround?
Expected Answer: Should explain using guidelines, measuring techniques, and checking proportions across different views to maintain character accuracy.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the standard views included in a basic character turnaround?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list front, side (profile), back, and three-quarter views as minimum requirements, and explain why each view is important.
Q: How do you organize your turnaround sheet to make it clear and useful for other artists?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic layout principles, labeling views clearly, and including essential measurements and notes.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic character views drawing
- Understanding of proportion and perspective
- Simple character designs
- Basic digital art tools
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex character turnarounds
- Detailed prop and environment turnarounds
- Style matching ability
- Digital art software mastery
Senior (5+ years)
- Leading character design teams
- Creating style guides
- Managing complex design projects
- Training junior artists
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to maintain consistent proportions across different views
- Lack of understanding of basic perspective
- No knowledge of animation production pipeline
- Poor presentation and organization of turnaround sheets
Related Terms
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