In this lesson, instructor Mike Butkus demonstrates how projection can be used as a professional tool for character design and movie poster illustration. You will learn why strong reference matters when building believable structure, lighting, and likeness. Mike begins with projected photo reference, then develops the drawing through major shadow patterns and facial construction before transforming the reference into an invented fantasy character.

This lesson belongs to the course Entertainment Poster Design Part I: Concept to Drawing. In this 7-week course, instructor Mike Butkus teaches you how to develop a movie poster from concept to final drawing. Working from a fictional action-horror brief, Mike demonstrates how story, composition, reference, character design, projection, and light-and-shadow organization come together to create a paint-ready poster illustration. This course focuses on the drawing and design stages of the poster process, laying the groundwork for Entertainment Poster Design Part II: Final Painting (coming soon).

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.