Develop what makes a quality character
This advanced course will explore the key aspects of creating character concept art within the games and film industries. Beginning with principles of design and the iteration process of generating ideas, the course focuses on exploring the essence of a character by developing that character’s attitude and digging deep into what makes the character feel real and grounded. The course will explore a range of techniques and methods so students can experiment with different software and adapt it into their individual workflows.
By the end of the course, students will understand the standard pipeline used in the entertainment industry for creating character concept art, and learn how to execute a powerful character from start to finish–with focus on details, lighting, communication, and clarity. At the end of the course, students will be able to show completed work for the full design process, resulting in a final character concept for their portfolios.
NOTE: Students should already have a strong foundation in anatomy, drawing, and digital painting. (Course outline for each instructor may be different; for specific outline information, please select the instructor and click on “Request Syllabus” below. )
By the end of the course, students will understand the standard pipeline used in the entertainment industry for creating character concept art, and learn how to execute a powerful character from start to finish–with focus on details, lighting, communication, and clarity. At the end of the course, students will be able to show completed work for the full design process, resulting in a final character concept for their portfolios.
NOTE: Students should already have a strong foundation in anatomy, drawing, and digital painting. (Course outline for each instructor may be different; for specific outline information, please select the instructor and click on “Request Syllabus” below. )
Registration Now Open
Registration Period
Oct 09, 2024 -
Jan 27, 2025
Course Start
Jan 21, 2025
Course Format
Live
Skills Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Duration
8 weeks
Q&A
Once a week
Feedback
Individual recordings
Lecture Type
Live
Assignment
Deadlines each week
PREREQUISITES
Analytical Figure Drawing, Head Drawing & Construction, Costume Design and Creature Design for Film & Games classes or a strong understanding of human anatomy and gesture and digital painting
MATERIALS
Photoshop (or equivalent), Wacom Tablet (or equivalent). Optional: Pure Ref, Blender, Keyshot
The more you know, the better.
Week #1
Creating a Narrative and Gathering Reference
Class introduction | Students will be given a story prompt and develop a character bio | Discuss the differences between creating characters for games and film | Best practices for gathering reference | Create a reference/mood board
Week #2
Sketches - Rough Ideation
Explore rough ideas based on character bio from week 1 | Focus on exploring form, value and pose to sell the idea | Using character archetypes to tell a story | Importance of creating distinct ideas vs noise
Week #3
Narrowing Ideas
Narrowing focus and choosing 2-3 ideas to refine | Importance of moving forward | Identifying technical challenges
Week #4
Detail Pass Part 1
Choosing a single direction to refine | Explore different rendering techniques based on project
Week #5
Detail Pass Part 2
Further refinement of design | Using photos, 3D assets, and 2D textures to support the concept
Week #6
Support Studies
Parts of a concept often require more detailed information to hand off to a modeler or animator | The instructor will identify these items and students will provide support drawings or studies | Some examples of these can include detail drawings of weapons or gadgets, construction of gear, or range of motion studies.
Week #7
Branding, Decal Pass
Branding is a huge part of creating an identity for your character | This can include decals, insignia, tattoos, color palettes and even materials | Students will provide detail drawings or callouts to support these items based on instructor feedback.
Week #8
Building A Presentation
Students will put together there final presentation package for the client in form of callouts, notes and reference materials.
STUDENT GALLERY
Real heroes don't wear capes they teach
LECTURES BY
David Paget
Course Start: Jan 21, 2025
Dave Paget has been working as a concept artist within the entertainment industries for 8 years. Specializing in character design, Dave has mainly worked as a freelance artist on a variety of game, film and animation projects including the recently announced Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War, Spider-Man, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Love, Death+Robots, Kong:Skull Island and Bloodshot. Dave has recently joined Sumo Digital in the UK and is working full time, in-studio as a Senior Concept Artist.
Instructor's Gallery
STUDENT INTERVIEWS
PRICING SCHEDULE
Even though our courses are the most affordable for the quality of education, these finance options allow you to focus on your goals instead of the barriers that keep you from reaching them.
3x Payments
$233
2x Payments
$349.50
Full payment
$699
Winter TERM REGISTRATION
Now Open
Oct 09, 2024 -
Jan 27, 2025
COURSE BEGINS on Jan 21, 2025
What makes this learning experience unique?
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
Receive personalized feedback on all assignments from the industry’s top professionals.
LIFETIME ACCESS
Enjoy lifetime access to the spectrum of course content, including lectures, live Q&As, and feedback sessions.
CERTIFICATION
Show off your Certification of Completion when you turn in 80% of course assignments.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Learn anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace with flexible, online course scheduling.
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We can help with admissions questions, portfolio review/course recommendations!
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