Well if your turning them into sprites your count doesn't really matter. It truely is impossible to answer the "what is the standard polycount in the industry?" A polycount is based on so many variables and is truely unique to the game you are making. 3000 to 4000 is a good number to shoot for just to show stuff off. You…
I would say the first element of the assignment should be how to spell the word "design". Spelling jabs aside, I'd say for the triangle count you've posted you don't seem to be defining enough detail. I think you could optimize that character quite a bit more, or add detail using the same triangle count. Good luck, looks…
I agree with scooby when you posted your count I was left woundering where all your polys wen't. You could definetly push more form in you character easily with just 5000 poly's. You should optimize your character, posibly ask your teacher about optimization. Probably check the hands that is always a problem area, you can…