This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of character design and development for various media, including animation, video games, comics, and film. Students will learn the principles and techniques of character design, from concept to creation, with a focus on crafting compelling and dynamic personalities.
The course will cover the following topics:
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Understanding the fundamentals of character design: Students will learn the basic principles of character design, including shape language, proportion, pose, silhouette, and anatomy. They will also explore the use of color, texture, and style in character design.
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Creating memorable characters: Students will learn how to create characters that are unique, memorable, and visually appealing. They will study various archetypes, stereotypes, and tropes in character design and how to subvert or reinvent them to create fresh and engaging characters.
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Developing character personalities: Students will learn how to develop rich and multidimensional character personalities that are grounded in story and context. They will study the psychology of characters, including their motivations, desires, fears, and conflicts, and how to convey these traits visually.
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Designing characters for different media: Students will explore the specific considerations and techniques for designing characters for different media, such as animation, video games, comics, and film. They will learn how to adapt their character designs to fit the requirements of each medium and effectively communicate the character’s personality and story through visuals.
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Sketching and rendering techniques: Students will learn various sketching and rendering techniques to bring their character designs to life. They will study different approaches to line work, shading, and coloring, and how to use digital tools effectively in character design.
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Critiquing and refining character designs: Students will learn how to give and receive constructive critiques to improve their character designs. They will refine their designs based on feedback and learn how to iterate and revise their characters to enhance their visual appeal and storytelling potential.
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Building a character design portfolio: Students will learn how to create a professional character design portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity. They will learn how to present their character designs effectively and prepare them for potential job opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, assignments, and critiques, students will develop their skills in character design and storytelling, and create a portfolio of compelling character designs that demonstrate their mastery of the craft. This course is suitable for aspiring character designers, illustrators, animators, game developers, comic artists, and anyone interested in creating memorable characters for various media.
