Character Studies
Study the provided character to understand the shapes, structure, proportions, and forms used in character design.
The program strives to provide a comprehensive artistic and technical education, preparing students in the art of animation and encouraging critical reflection, collaboration and professionalism. Through innovative teaching, local and international partnerships and the highest standards of artistic and academic excellence, the program seeks to ensure student success in creative careers within the animation industry.
Students will be introduced to the importance of design in character animation. Line, shape, negative space, volume, and colour will be studied. The relationships of these elements—including proximity, balance, rhythm, repetition, proportion, variety, and size—will be emphasized. Three-dimensional models will be created to understand structure. Through drawn exercises, students will learn to create strong character poses that communicate effectively with the audience. Students will study various artistic styles in animation and work individually and as part of a team to create effective, original character models.
Term(s): Ongoing
Course Name: Character Design
Instructor(s):Assigned according to class schedule and availability
Studio Classroom: Classroom 2 Rmd
Weekly Hour(s): 4 + studio hours*
*Access to portfolio students only
Course Format: In person with all-access Discord online support
Follow the complete character design process, from initial studies and brainstorming to a finished presentation sheet.
Study the provided character to understand the shapes, structure, proportions, and forms used in character design.
Gather references, explore the character’s story, and develop 9–12 thumbnail ideas with different shapes and directions.
Review the thumbnails with the instructor, select the strongest three, and develop their shapes, proportions, and rough details.
Select one final design and develop front, three-quarter, and profile views before completing a clean character turnaround.
Create 12 expression thumbnails, then select six of the strongest expressions to develop into a clean presentation sheet.
Develop three action-pose thumbnails, select one direction, and complete the final character presentation sheet.
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Discover original characters developed by our students and see how their ideas, storytelling, and design skills come together in finished work.