Astre is a stunning new art magazine, featuring exclusive pieces from some of the best artists in the world. With 100 pages, luxury finishes, mixed paper types, pull-out prints, artist insights, and incredible artwork, Astre is a magazine like no other.

The ambition is to make every issue feel like a collector's item, designed to increase in value over time. Each copy will be numbered and feature multiple paper types and special finishes - embossing, debossing, cut-outs, removable add-ons – if you can imagine it, then you should expect to find it in Astre magazine.

This is a celebration of the art we love, made by real artists.

CDQ 28 is packed with ideas and inspiration, a whole host of tutorials interviews, and gallery artwork from professional artists all across the globe. This issue’s cover was created by Jackie Droujko.

Through an in-depth tutorial and wide-ranging interview, we learn about how the cover came together, and important lessons from Jackie’s career to date. Kevin Hong brings a fantasy courier to life, Lidia Morales creates a fresh take on the classic character Tinker Bell, and Thomas Campi creates a romantic moment between two characters.

CDQ 27 is packed with ideas and inspiration, a whole host of tutorials, interviews, and gallery artwork from professional artists all across the globe. We welcome Dave Guertin back to CDQ as he shows us how he created this issue's engaging cover and talks about his process and career.

Also in this issue, the mythical Sandman is reimaged by Flor De Jager, and Jay Kim tackles our Characterize This challenge. We also talked to CDQ alumni Jordi la Febre about working in graphic novels and animation.

CDQ 26 is packed with ideas and inspiration, with a whole host of tutorials, interviews, and gallery artwork from professional artists all across the globe. Successful character designer, visual development artist, and illustrator, Mila Useche, shows us how she created this issue's colourful cover.

Also in this issue, we ask Sara Paz about her art, careers, and advice for budding artists. Ben Eblen creates a character from a simple prompt, and Alex Jensen shows us how to design a cast of superheroes. With so much to explore, there’s something for everyone inside this issue of CDQ, no matter your skill level or experience.

CDQ 25 is packed with ideas and inspiration, with a whole host of tutorials, interviews, and gallery artwork from professional artists all across the globe. Lynn Chen shows us how she created this issue's colourful cover and speaks to us about her distinctive style, career, and more.

Long-time friend and contributor Simone Grünewald returns to CDQ for a chat about the secrets behind her character designs, Jennifer Voigt shares her tips for getting the most out of your character designs, and João Moura shows us how to create an old man and his sidekick finding an artifact. There's much more to discover inside, so open the magazine and dig in.

CDQ 24 is packed with ideas and inspiration, with a whole host of tutorials, interviews, and gallery artwork from professional artists all across the globe. Nathanna Érica shows us how she created this issue’s paper-crafted cover and speaks to us about her inspiration, career, and more.

Every issue of CDQ is packed with tutorials to follow along with at home. Lisanne Koeteeuw tackles our Random Word Generator feature, Fatemeh Haghnejad holds a watercolor portraits masterclass, and Raquel Ochoa shows us how to use emotions. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading and let yourself be inspired!

CDQ 22 is full of fun and insightful tutorials from a wide range of industry professionals. Melanie Tikhonova explores how shape language affects design, while Eirini Michailidou shows us how to create characters from three generations of the same family.

Our cover artist is Max Grecke, who takes us through how this striking image was created, and joins us for an in-depth interview. We also chat with industry legend Tom Bancroft, the creator of #MerMay, about his varied career to date, and award-winning animator Eddy Okba about working on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse. There’s so much more to discover inside, so open the magazine and dig in!

CDQ 20 is packed with tutorials and step-by-step guides, fascinating insights into working in the industry, and pages and pages of beautiful artwork from established and upcoming artists.

Between the covers are a dazzling array of lessons, interviews, and art from some of the finest character artists all across the globe.

Kenneth Anderson creates a 70s rock band, Johanna Forster brings fruit to life, and Sara Paz shows us how to create characters from reference photos.

CDQ 19 is packed with tutorials and step-by-step guides, fascinating insights into working in the industry, and pages and pages of beautiful artwork from established and upcoming artists.

Taraneh Karimi takes us behind the scenes of how this issue's fantastic cover was created, and shares her experiences in the industry.

In this issue's tutorials, Justin Runfola brings a fairytale frog prince to life, Melany Altuna injects personality into a cast of animals, and Gray Young shows us how to create storyboards.

Inside this action-packed issue, we bring you a step-by-step tutorial from the talented Shannon Hallstein, who creates a cast of Las Vegas-themed characters, plus a project by Mitch Leeuwe, who takes a simple brief and designs a fascinating underwater sea witch and scary sidekick.

Elsewhere, we interview the founders of MUTI, a studio of illustrators and designers based in South Africa, and showcase their contemporary artwork. We also catch up with Annie Award winner Amanda Jolly about her impressive career in character design, working for clients from Sony to WAG, to Disney and now Netflix Animation. Get stuck in and be inspired by all this, and much more inside!

This vibrant issue features a wealth of extraordinary talent, and kicking things off is the dreamy cover created by digital illustrator and visual development artist Devin Elle Kurtz. Inside, she talks to us about her breakthrough into the animation industry, then provides an in-depth tutorial revealing how she creates her stunning, mood-filled artwork.

We also take a step into the world of gaming with character art director Chris Palamara, who takes us through the unique challenges and opportunities of creating characters for videogames, and we speak to the founder and director of Taiko Studios about the joy of bringing international cultures together in their work. Open the cover to discover all this and much more in the magical world of character design.

Issue 15 is unashamedly packed with romance, magic, and fantasy. You’ll discover an incredible cast of characters, each with their own striking story, direct from the imaginations of world-renowned professional artists. First we speak to Bobby Chiu, who created our enchanting cover, about the studio and online art school he founded with the talented Kei Acedera. Next, dive into comprehensive tutorials from talented creators, featuring personal advice as well as top technical tips. We also speak to Rayner Alencar of Miralumo and Oona Holtane of Netflix Animation Studios, about their work and thoughts on the animation industry, and share some of their inspiring artwork.

All this, plus some bonus features with yet more invaluable insights into character design technique, makes for another jam-packed issue.

On the pages of issue 14, discover a collection of fascinating artwork, interviews, and tutorials from some of the industry’s finest international artists.

Delve into an enlightening interview with award-winning artist Izzy Burton, as she talks about her passion for storytelling, then explains the inspiration and technical approach that led her to this issue’s absorbing cover. Then, unearth invaluable advice from Tim Probert, Art Director at Nathan Love Studio in New York, as he offers guidance on juggling personal and commercial projects.

In-depth tutorials from highly respected artists including Toshiki Nakamura and Justin Rodrigues are presented with flair and interest, to help artists of all levels improve and discover new design techniques. Cute creatures, mythological beasts, and hilarious human characters leap from the pages to offer precious inspiration.

This issue’s selection of industry specialists paints a vivid world filled with colorful characters, emotive anthropomorphic cats, and horror icons as never seen before. A diverse range of artists showcase how to utilize light and color, interpret unusual design briefs, and develop unique backstories to enhance character concepts.

Follow artistic instincts with surrealist illustrator Moon and pick up the unique “fast and loose” or “referenced and studied” creative processes of featured artists Megan Rose Ruiz, Vanessa Morales, and Dom Murphy.

Freelance author and illustrator Andrew Kolb also takes the time to share his creative story and charming illustrations, and Seed Animation studio offer invaluable industry insights.

Crafted by a selection of the industry’s best and brightest; adorable creatures, kooky aliens, and an array of more personable characters bound from the inside of issue 12. Devised for a range of audiences, the designers outline how best to understand your viewer, reveal some of their favorite techniques built for speed and efficiency, and impart the importance of harnessing your unique take on a client’s brief.

Absorb invaluable advice from professional visual development artist, Simon Baek (Toy Story 4, Onward), and the motivational and deeply inspiring words of whimsical illustrator, Sara Kajba of Moonchild Illustrations. Sit back and revel in the fascinating technical approaches of cover artist Sarah Conradsen, the mastermind behind this issue’s shady gang of mercriminals; Tom van Rheenen, and 2D designer for Atomic Cartoons, Lara Carson.

Bursting from the pages of issue 11 are dynamic tutorials, in-depth interviews, and expressive characters from a selection of the industry’s most talented creators. Delve into dynamic demonstrations by Jake W Morrison, Amanda McFarlane, and Vanessa Morales, as they create characters with a life of their own; and uncover the tools and techniques used by Sam Nassour to develop his captivating cover art.

For a little lighter reading, check out the informative mini features to pick up top tips on how to effectively indicate scale, as well as how to approach alternative color palettes, and imbue characters with emotion. And lastly, relish a jam-packed gallery of engaging artwork by Roma Gewska, Madison Harper, and Leonard Furuberg.

Within the pages of issue 10, discover an array of enthralling artwork, interviews, and tutorials from some of the industry’s best international artists.

Learn how to redesign classic characters in an in-depth tutorial by Ioana Sopov as she demonstrates how to update the evil queen character trope. And if you’re looking to create a journal of ideas for future projects, Jose Ciceraro shares tools, techniques, and mindsets for keeping a sketchbook. For aspirational experience, advice, and masterful artwork, read interviews with skillful concept artist, Haimeng Cao and whimsical designer and illustrator, Kelsey Buzzell. Plus, catch critically acclaimed artist and illustrator, Tom Booth, talking about his varied career and enchanting cover art.

Within the pages of issue 09, discover an array of enthralling artwork, interviews, and tutorials from some of the industry’s best international artists.

Study an in-depth tutorial by Jefrain Gallipoli and learn to effectively develop a character whose appearance perfectly encapsulates the feeling of amazement. If you are looking to begin with the basics, listen to Tom Hänni as he speaks the language of shape, and offers tips on how to loosen up and get started. For aspirational experience, advice, and masterful artwork, peruse interviews with versatile creator, Patrick Schoenmaker, imaginative children’s book illustrator, Lina Dūdaitė, and renowned Disney veteran, Armand Serrano.

Character Design Quarterly issue 07 is bursting full of inspiration for artists, animators, illustrators and character art enthusiasts.

Inside issue 07, designers including Steph Laberis and Haley Justice offer valuable lessons, such as how to make impactful changes to your designs through the use of shape language, and transforming animals into memorable and successful characters. Eduardo Vieira composes a quartet of distinctive characters with an intrinsic connection – heavy-metal music! Combatting stereotypes is tackled by Anthony Wheeler, and Jens A. Larsen Aas has advice on strengthening characters through simple stylistic effects. Discover informative insights into the entertainment industry as Dani Diez, Elsa Chang, and Dirk van Dulmen discuss their creative practices. Meanwhile, Isadora Zeferino and Sheena Dempsey lead us through the fascinating world of the children’s book industry. Finally, cover illustrator Cécile Carre shares the skills that have propelled her from qualified engineer to accomplished character designer.

Character Design Quarterly issue 06 is bursting full of inspiration for artists, animators, illustrators and character art enthusiasts.

Issue 06 features a range of exciting artists and character designers to awaken your creativity! Self-taught artist Amanda MacFarlane discusses her engaging designs, Floriane Marchix chats to us about visual development on animated feature films, and James A. Costillo talks about the skills needed to become a successful Art Director. In this issue’s tutorials, comic artist Ivan Shavrin explains how to distinguish conflicting characters in a scene, Hollie Mengert creates a trio of characters featuring both contrast and cohesion, and Tata Che shows how a character can develop and adapt throughout a life span. Also in this issue you can find professional design tips from artists including Julia Christians, Luis Gadea, and Victoria Kosheleva. Plus, our incredible cover artist, Lois van Baarle (Loish), discusses her life and work as a freelance artist and shows the progress of creating this spectacular cover artwork!

Character Design Quarterly issue 05 is bursting full of inspiration for artists, animators, illustrators and character art enthusiasts.


Inside issue 05 is a host of extraordinary character designers including Kun Vic and Paul Schoeni, who share the secrets of their successful careers. John Loren illuminates the subject of lighting, while Dung Ho leads a fast and effective warm-up exercise. Tutorials packed with practical ways to improve your character design include Guilherme Franco’s guide to depicting fury with impact, James A. Castillo’s engaging circus troupe, and Alexandra Frantseva’s multi-genre ninja-warrier concept. Ester Conceicao deals with anthropomorphism, while Kévin Roualland reveals how to develop an authentic fantasy character. Plus, Beatrice Blue’s enchanting cover design is broken down to show how she tells a story within a single scene!

Character Design Quarterly issue 04 is bursting full of inspiration for artists, animators, illustrators and character art enthusiasts.


Issue 04 features the work of talented professional character designers including Christophe Jacques, Stephanie Rizo Garcia, and Nikolas Ilic. Kacey Lynn demonstrates how to design a character for a fairytale, Guille Rancel explores ways to depict pride, and Jeremy Hoffman creates an aged polar warrior with a twist. In this issue’s interviews, Karoline Pietrowski and Kenneth Anderson share insights into their working lives, and Luis Gadea shares his advice and experience on developing a successful character design career. Plus, learn how to design characters specifically for children with Jeff Harvey, and discover the art and passions of Pernille Ørum, the artist behind this issue’s fantastic cover!

Character Design Quarterly issue 03 is bursting full of inspiration for artists, animators, illustrators and character art enthusiasts.


In issue 03 exceptional artists Peter Han, Alberto Camara, and Daniel Isles discuss their work and diverse careers so far. Ida Hem, Almu Redondo, and David Ardinaryas Lojaya present detailed design tutorials on perfecting a character of your own with personality, balance, and interesting contrasts. We also speak to Birgitta Hosea, Head of Animation at Royal College of Art, London, about their internationally renowned animation course, and learn quick design tips from designers including Isadora Zeferino and Matt Howorth. Anna Cattish, the artist behind our striking cover image, discusses the artists and events that have influenced her work, and much more besides!

Character Design Quarterly issue 02 is bursting full of inspiration for artists, animators, illustrators and character art enthusiasts.

Featuring detailed tutorials from talented professional artists Hicham Habchi, Andrea Femerstrand, Donna Lee and Enrique Fernández, the second issue of this refreshing high-quality print magazine is an excellent resource for anyone looking to develop their character creation skills.

Character Design Quarterly (CDQ) is an exciting new print magazine for illustrators, artists, animators and character art enthusiasts.

Issue 01 features tutorials from incredible artists Max Grecke, Brett Bean, Simone Grünewald, and Shaun Bryant, plus advice from CreatureBox who created this issue’s amazing cover art. Disney character designer Amanda Jolly shares her advice for career success and the multi-award-winning animation studio Blue Zoo give an inside view of their dynamic studio. Lois van Baarle (Loish), Avner Geller, and Randy Bishop also share top tips for refining character designs, and much more!