Is How to draw characters ebook & video worth it if you’re shopping in Drawing & Painting?

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, knowing you should be able to draw a person but freezing on where the shoulders go, you’re not alone. The gap between “I can draw a box” and “I can draw a believable character with weight, emotion, and personality” is where most self-taught artists stall out. That’s exactly the gap How to Draw Characters by Mitch Leeuwe is built to close. At $74.99, you’re not getting a single 20-minute tutorial or a PDF that promises “master anatomy” in 30 pages. You’re getting a 224-page illustrated guide paired with over 15 hours of video instruction that walks you through the full character-drawing pipeline—from basic shapes to dynamic poses, facial expressions, and even how fabric drapes over a moving body. If you’ve been bouncing between random YouTube clips and half-finished books, this bundle offers the kind of structured, start-to-finish curriculum that actually lets you build a repeatable process.

Quick answer

What you’re actually buying

At first glance, $74.99 might feel like a steep entry point for a drawing course, but the volume of material here changes the math. You’re not just buying a PDF; you’re buying a 224-page visual reference that breaks down character design fundamentals into digestible, illustrated chapters. The eBook serves as your anchor, offering clear tutorials and practical exercises that you can flip through at your own pace, while the accompanying video course—clocking in at over 15 hours—acts as your live classroom. This dual-format approach is rare in the indie digital space. Most courses give you either a quick video series or a thin PDF. Here, the two formats are designed to align, meaning the video demonstrations reinforce the specific techniques and concepts you’re studying in the text. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

The curriculum doesn’t just stop at “how to draw a face.” It digs into the mechanics that make characters feel alive. You’ll work through dynamic poses to convey movement and emotion, explore a range of facial expressions to capture personality, and tackle the often-tricky subject of clothing and accessories. Understanding how fabric behaves and drapes over a body is a skill that separates stiff, mannequin-like drawings from artwork that feels grounded and real. The course also covers diverse demographics, including specific techniques for drawing kids, women, and men, ensuring you have the tools to create a wide variety of characters rather than just one generic archetype.

What makes this bundle particularly valuable for a self-taught artist is the emphasis on developing your own artistic voice while mastering the fundamentals. The content encourages you to explore different styles and experiment with your approach, rather than just copying a single aesthetic. One Gumroad review captures this well, noting that the course is “incredibly inspiring and full of fantastic advice for creating stronger, more appealing characters,” and that it’s “easy to follow, motivating, and a real joy to learn from.” That’s the sweet spot for a foundational course: it’s structured enough to keep you on track, but engaging enough that you actually want to sit down and practice.

Why it’s on our radar

This bundle stands out because it tackles the “character drawing” problem with a level of depth that most quick-start guides simply don’t attempt. Many resources in the drawing niche focus on either speed (quick sketches) or high-level theory (anatomy charts) without bridging the gap between the two. Mitch Leeuwe’s approach seems to prioritize the middle ground: the practical, step-by-step process of turning a concept into a finished, expressive character. The inclusion of 15+ hours of video is a significant commitment from the instructor, suggesting a level of detail and patience that’s hard to find in shorter, cheaper alternatives. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

The specific focus on “how to” aspects—like depicting poses, expressions, and clothing—makes this a practical toolkit rather than just an inspirational collection. For an artist who has the basics down but struggles with consistency and expression, this is the kind of resource that can fill in the missing links. The fact that it’s packaged as a cohesive eBook and video course, rather than a disjointed set of tutorials, adds to its value. You get a clear learning path, which is crucial when you’re trying to build a new skill from the ground up.

Another Gumroad review highlights the instructor’s teaching style, calling Mitch “one of the best cartoon and drawing instructors ever” and recommending the course for both beginners and advanced artists. That kind of feedback suggests the material is layered: beginners get the foundational structure they need, while more experienced artists can pick up specific techniques or refine their understanding of complex elements like fabric draping or dynamic posing.

What actually matters

Before you commit to a $74.99 investment, it’s worth considering how you learn best. If you’re a visual learner who thrives on watching someone else’s hand move through a stroke, the 15+ hours of video will be your primary driver. If you’re someone who prefers to study at your own pace, pause to take notes, and reference specific techniques later, the 224-page eBook will be your go-to. The real power of this bundle is that you can toggle between the two. You might watch a video lesson on dynamic poses, then open the eBook to see the same concept broken down into step-by-step diagrams and exercises. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

Consider your current skill level and what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re a complete beginner, this is a solid, comprehensive starting point that will keep you engaged for months. If you’re an intermediate artist who feels stuck in a rut, the focus on diverse styles and expressive features might be exactly the push you need to break out of your comfort zone. The course covers a wide range of topics, so you can likely find specific modules that address your current pain points, whether that’s improving your understanding of body proportions or mastering the look of different fabrics. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

Finally, think about your time commitment. 15+ hours of video is a significant amount of content. It’s not a “watch once and master it” type of course. It’s a resource you’ll likely return to, rewatching specific segments as you practice. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this might be more than you need. But if you’re serious about building a durable, repeatable process for character drawing, the depth and structure of How to Draw Characters make it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Mid-check

If you’re on the fence, it’s worth checking the current availability and any potential updates to the course. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

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FAQ

Is this course suitable for complete beginners? Yes, the curriculum is designed to introduce the fundamentals of character drawing. It starts with basic shapes and builds up to more complex techniques, making it a solid starting point for those new to the discipline. The dual format of eBook and video allows you to learn at your own pace, which is particularly helpful for beginners who might need to revisit concepts. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

How long is the video course, and is it a one-time watch? The video course is over 15 hours long. It’s not designed to be a one-time watch; rather, it’s a comprehensive resource you’ll likely return to as you practice. The length suggests a high level of detail, with step-by-step demonstrations that you can pause, rewind, and reference as you work through your own drawings. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

Does the eBook include practical exercises? Yes, the 224-page eBook features clear tutorials and practical exercises alongside the theoretical content. These exercises are designed to help you apply the concepts you’re learning, reinforcing the skills through active practice rather than just passive reading. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

Can I use this course to improve my existing character design skills? Absolutely. The course covers a wide range of topics, from dynamic poses to expressive features and clothing draping. Even if you’re already comfortable with the basics, the focus on diverse styles and specific techniques can help you refine your process and develop a more unique artistic voice. (How to draw characters ebook & video)

Bottom line

If you’re serious about building a strong foundation in character drawing, How to Draw Characters by Mitch Leeuwe offers a level of depth and structure that’s hard to find elsewhere. The combination of a 224-page illustrated guide and a 15+ hour video course provides a comprehensive learning experience that can take you from basic shapes to expressive, dynamic characters. It’s an investment in your skills that pays off in the quality and consistency of your artwork. If you’re ready to commit to the process and want a resource that will grow with you, this bundle is a strong choice.