IL 3655 - Character Design

Credits: 3

Telling good stories involves creating memorable characters. How is this accomplished? What is the role of costume? How can the artist develop vivid personalities to inhabit the author’s stories? How does knowing the audience help define the character? The answers to these questions are the basis for this advanced course in character design. Students develop a series of characters traditionally on paper (character sketches, turnarounds, sheets, and finished drawings) and with Sculpey or other clay 3D materials. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will have a better understanding of how to create a more fully developed drawn character.

Prerequisites: FD 1380 - Life Drawing II

Course Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate professional character design and presentation skills used in film, video games and the comic book industry.
Analyze and produce compelling and dynamic characters from written descriptions and stories using basic and advanced theories of design.

Required Textbooks:
ON-CAMPUS: Character Design Handbook - ISBN: 978-1624650345

ONLINE: Force: Character Design from Life Drawing - ISBN: 9780240809939
Course Materials:
Optional Materials based on Student Preference