Game Art Design Year 2 - Introduction

We have just recieved the brief for this module inwhich the basic outline is we have to design a humonoid character from scratch then model the character in maya then bring the character to life by animating them for a short sequence which could be anying from a jump to a crawl, However we have to think about the environment the character will be placeed in as for the second part of the brief we have to design the environment. At this date I have very little idea as to where to head with the project both in concept or research however I feel like just drawing freehand and get some potential ideas on paper, then see where, If I can gain influence from the illustrations.