In this class, we will not only be learning about the history of character design and its importance in creating films and cartoons, but we will be taking a deep dive into shape language, visual storytelling, color theories, character costuming, and much more. We will essentially be designing our own characters that we would love to see on the big screen. From an underdog superhero to a scary monster, I will guide you through reference collecting, character anatomy, and how each element of visual design can aid in your story.
The reason why I am the ideal instructor for this class is that I am a Freelance Character Designer myself! I studied at California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor's Degree in Animation and Visual Effects. My concentration involves character design and visual development within the realm of animation and film design. I have been a professional Character Designer for five years and have been on small contract works for independent short films and animated projects. I have even worked alongside Jorge Gutierrez(Director of the Book of Life and Maya and the Three) and Jay Olivia(Storyboard Artist for Deadpool I and II, Superman)!
The class will be conducted as if we were in an operating studio itself. I will assign assignments based on the animation/cartoon pipeline of the industry, which includes story crafting, visual development, first looks, and rough ideas. The student's story will start to mold once we have decided what our final story, environment, timeline, and character will be. Then the designing part(the fun part) will commence! I will walk the students through a full-on character designer workflow. Character sheets, expressions, mouth charts, turnaround, and color keys will provide the student with a clear understanding of visual storytelling through an entity that was entirely created by them, with scientific design elements and creative flow.
