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Fran Krause
In this course you will explore concepts and approaches involved in creating successful character designs that can be applied to video games. Following a first week delving into some foundational concepts for successful character design, each of the remaining three weeks are structured as a master class where you will observe three professional character designers at work in the studio: Andy Ristaino (Adventure Time), Jacky Ke Jiang (Journey), and Robertryan Cory (SpongeBob SquarePants). Each designer will take on two different design challenges on the fly and address the various issues in designing characters for games, such as movement, expression, and technical limitations. At the end of each week you will have an opportunity to try out some of the concepts from that week's lesson on characters of your own design.
Read more
In this course you will explore concepts and approaches involved in creating successful character designs that can be applied to video games. Following a first week delving into some foundational concepts for successful character design, each of the remaining three weeks are structured as a master class where you will observe three professional character designers at work in the studio: Andy Ristaino (Adventure Time), Jacky Ke Jiang (Journey), and Robertryan Cory (SpongeBob SquarePants). Each designer will take on two different design challenges on the fly and address the various issues in designing characters for games, such as movement, expression, and technical limitations. At the end of each week you will have an opportunity to try out some of the concepts from that week's lesson on characters of your own design.
Read more
In this course you will explore concepts and approaches involved in creating successful character designs that can be applied to video games. Following a first week delving into some foundational concepts for successful character design, each of the remaining three weeks are structured as a master class where you will observe three professional character designers at work in the studio: Andy Ristaino (Adventure Time), Jacky Ke Jiang (Journey), and Robertryan Cory (SpongeBob SquarePants). Each designer will take on two different design challenges on the fly and address the various issues in designing characters for games, such as movement, expression, and technical limitations. At the end of each week you will have an opportunity to try out some of the concepts from that week's lesson on characters of your own design.
This is a fun and engaging class especially useful for students interested in animation in film and TV as well as games, and is suitable for students of any drawing ability.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/bhsqoe/character
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: About Character
In this first week of the course, we will explore some of the major concepts involved in creating compelling, unique, and purposeful characters. These ideas will provide the basis for your assignment this week and lay the groundwork for our visits with professional designers in the coming weeks.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: About Character
In this first week of the course, we will explore some of the major concepts involved in creating compelling, unique, and purposeful characters. These ideas will provide the basis for your assignment this week and lay the groundwork for our visits with professional designers in the coming weeks.
Read more
Week 2: Technical Challenges
This week, we visit Andy Ristaino, a character designer who has created many of the ingenious characters for the animated series Adventure Time.
Week 3: Design with Purpose
This week, we visit Jacky Ke Jiang, an animator who has worked as a character designer for both Disney Feature Animation and in video games. Jacky will discuss working in both 2D and 3D modes as he completes his challenges.
Week 4: Find Your Character
This week, we see Robertryan Cory in action. Cory is an a character designer known for his work on shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Ren & Stimpy, and Gravity Falls.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores industry-standard concepts and approaches for character design in video games
Features master classes with three professional character designers, showcasing their design processes and challenges
Provides hands-on opportunities for learners to apply concepts and create their own character designs
Includes a session on technical challenges faced in character design for games, such as movement and limitations
Suitable for learners of any drawing ability, making it accessible to beginners and experienced artists alike
Taught by experts in the field of character design, offering valuable insights and guidance
Save this course
Save Character Design for Video Games to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Masterclass in character design
Learners say that this course is a masterclass in character design. It includes lectures by professional character designers who share their design insights and principles. Assignments provide an opportunity to put these theories into practice.
Practical application of design theories and principles
"followed up with the assignments getting you to put these theories to practice."
Insights and principles from professional character designers
"This course is different from the others in the series in that it is presented as a series of Masterclasses with professional character designers dispensing nuggets of character design wisdom while they work through a design brief provided by Fran."
"There are some great insights here into the mechanics and principles of designing characters"
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Character Design for Video Games with these
activities:
Read: The Animator's Survival Kit
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of animation, which will enhance your ability to create successful character designs.
View
The Animator's Survival Kit: Runs, Jumps and...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1: The Illusion of Life
-
Read Chapter 2: Squash and Stretch
Character Design Exercises
Show steps
Practice creating character designs by completing exercises that focus on different aspects of character design.
Show steps
-
Design a character based on a specific emotion
-
Design a character that represents a specific concept
Observe Professional Designers at Work
Show steps
Study how professional designers approach character design by watching tutorials and videos.
Show steps
-
Watch a video tutorial on character design
-
Analyze the design process used in the tutorial
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Peer Review and Discussion
Show steps
Improve your designs by getting feedback from peers and engaging in discussions.
Show steps
-
Share your character designs with peers
-
Provide constructive feedback to peers
Create a Character Design Portfolio
Show steps
Showcase your best character designs in a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and creativity.
Show steps
-
Select your best character designs
-
Create a portfolio website or document
Mentor Junior Designers
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding by teaching and guiding others in the field of character design.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor junior designers
-
Provide guidance and support to junior designers
Compile Your Course Materials
Show steps
Review and organize your course materials to improve retention and understanding.
Show steps
-
Organize your notes and assignments
-
Review your notes and materials regularly
Read: The Animator's Survival Kit
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of animation, which will enhance your ability to create successful character designs.
View
The Animator's Survival Kit: Runs, Jumps and...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1: The Illusion of Life
- Read Chapter 2: Squash and Stretch
Character Design Exercises
Show steps
Practice creating character designs by completing exercises that focus on different aspects of character design.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design a character based on a specific emotion
- Design a character that represents a specific concept
Observe Professional Designers at Work
Show steps
Study how professional designers approach character design by watching tutorials and videos.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch a video tutorial on character design
- Analyze the design process used in the tutorial
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Peer Review and Discussion
Show steps
Improve your designs by getting feedback from peers and engaging in discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Share your character designs with peers
- Provide constructive feedback to peers
Create a Character Design Portfolio
Show steps
Showcase your best character designs in a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and creativity.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select your best character designs
- Create a portfolio website or document
Mentor Junior Designers
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding by teaching and guiding others in the field of character design.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor junior designers
- Provide guidance and support to junior designers
Compile Your Course Materials
Show steps
Review and organize your course materials to improve retention and understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize your notes and assignments
- Review your notes and materials regularly
Career center
Learners who complete Character Design for Video Games will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Character Designer
Character Designer
Character designers create visual representations of characters for use in various media, including video games, television, and film. This course's in-depth exploration of character design principles and techniques may directly translate to success as a character designer in the gaming industry.
Lead Character Artist
Lead Character Artist
Lead character artists oversee the creation and development of character designs for video games. This course's in-depth exploration of character design principles and techniques may provide valuable insights for lead character artists looking to advance their careers.
Visual Development Artist
Visual Development Artist
Visual development artists create the initial visual concepts and designs for characters and environments in video games. This course's in-depth exploration of character design principles and techniques may provide valuable insights for visual development artists looking to advance their careers.
Creative Director
Creative Director
Creative directors oversee the creative vision and direction of creative projects. For those creative directors working in the video game industry, this course's exploration of character design from the perspective of industry professionals may provide valuable insights into the game development process.
Illustrator
Illustrator
Illustrators create visual representations of concepts and ideas for use in various media, including video games. This course's emphasis on the design process and the translation of concepts into visual forms may benefit illustrators looking to work in the gaming industry.
Art Director
Art Director
Art directors oversee the visual style and overall design of creative products. For those art directors working in the video game industry, this course's detailed exploration of character design could provide valuable insight into the design process.
Texture Artist
Texture Artist
Texture artists create the textures and materials that give characters in video games their visual appearance. This course's emphasis on the design process and the translation of concepts into visual forms may benefit texture artists looking to work in the gaming industry.
2D Animator
2D Animator
2D animators create animated images and characters for use in various media, including video games. This course's emphasis on the principles of movement and expression may be beneficial to 2D animators looking to work in the gaming industry.
3D Animator
3D Animator
3D animators create animated images and characters for use in various media, including video games. This course's emphasis on the principles of movement and expression may be beneficial to 3D animators looking to work in the gaming industry.
Animator
Animator
Animators work using a variety of tools and techniques to create animated films and videos. This course's focus on the creative process of character design may help build a foundation for animators who wish to make a career in the gaming industry.
Technical Animator
Technical Animator
Technical animators use specialized software and techniques to create and manipulate character animations for video games. This course's exploration of the technical challenges and limitations of character design for games may be beneficial to technical animators looking to advance their careers.
Game Designer
Game Designer
Game designers create the overall design and gameplay of video games. While this course focuses specifically on character design, its exploration of design principles and considerations may be helpful to game designers who wish to understand how character design impacts the overall gaming experience.
Producer
Producer
Producers oversee the production of creative projects, including video games. While this course focuses specifically on character design, its exploration of the design process and the collaboration between different roles in the development process may be helpful to producers looking to gain a better understanding of the creative side of game development.
Motion Capture Artist
Motion Capture Artist
Motion capture artists use specialized equipment to capture and record human movements for use in various media, including video games. This course's emphasis on the principles of movement and expression may be beneficial to motion capture artists looking to work in the gaming industry.
Rigger
Rigger
Riggers create the digital skeletons and controls that allow characters in video games to move and interact with the environment. This course's emphasis on the principles of movement and expression may be beneficial to riggers looking to work in the gaming industry.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bhsqoe/character
Reading list
We've selected 26 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Character Design for Video Games.
Step-by-step guide to creating characters with personality. It covers a wide range of topics, from developing a character's backstory to creating a unique visual style. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the process of character design.
Classic in the animation industry and provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of animation. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about character design for video games.
Save
Practical guide to character design for video games. It covers a wide range of topics, from creating concept art to developing 3D models. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the process of character design for video games.
Collection of essays by leading character designers from the film and video game industries. It provides a unique insight into the creative process of character design. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the art of character design.
This visually stunning book showcases the work of renowned character designers from the animation industry. It provides inspiration and ideas for creating unique and memorable characters.
Is an in-depth guide to the principles of cartoon character animation. It provides valuable insights into how to create characters that are expressive, appealing, and memorable.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to character design principles and techniques, with a focus on digital art.
Save
This magazine quarterly publication that features articles on character design for film, television, and video games. It valuable resource for anyone interested in keeping up with the latest trends in character design.
Comprehensive guide to character design. It covers a wide range of topics, from creating basic shapes to developing complex characters. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the art of character design.
Save
Collection of essays by leading character designers. It provides a variety of perspectives on the art of character design and valuable resource for students who want to learn from the experiences of professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and theories behind game design. It offers a valuable foundation for understanding the role of character design in the context of game development.
Save
Focuses on developing the personality and emotions of characters, which is crucial for creating engaging and memorable game experiences.
Focuses on anatomy specifically for 3D artists, covering topics such as muscle structure and bone placement, which is useful for creating realistic and dynamic game characters.
Explains the principles of perspective and how they apply to animation. It valuable tool for creating believable and dynamic environments for game characters.
Beginner's guide to character design. It covers a wide range of topics, from creating basic shapes to developing complex characters. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the art of character design.
This detailed book serves as a reference for understanding human anatomy, which is essential knowledge for character design and animation.
Save
Basic guide to drawing human figures, which is useful for character design and animation, especially for beginners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of figure drawing. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their skills in drawing the human figure, which is essential for character design.
Presents a collection of body proportion diagrams and poses, which helpful reference for drawing characters in a variety of postures.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the use of Maya software for character modeling and animation. It offers valuable insights into the technical aspects of character design and production for video games.
Comprehensive guide to character design. It covers a wide range of topics, including character development, anatomy, and movement. It useful resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamentals of character design.
Offers a practical guide to the creation of animated characters. It provides valuable insights into the principles of character design and animation.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the character design process at Disney. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history and development of Disney characters.
Series of exercises designed to help students improve their skills in character animation. It valuable resource for students who want to practice the principles of character design and animation.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the animation process at Pixar. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history and development of Pixar characters and films.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of character design. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamentals of character design.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bhsqoe/character
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Effort
4 Weeks, 4 - 6 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
California Institute of the Arts
Instructor
Fran Krause
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Game Design: Art and Concepts. It's comprised of five courses:
- Character Design for Video Games (viewing)
- Introduction to Game Design
- Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
- World Design for Video Games
- Game Design Document: Define the Art & Concepts
Good to know
Explores industry-standard concepts and approaches for character design in video games
Features master classes with three professional character designers, showcasing their design processes and challenges
Provides hands-on opportunities for learners to apply concepts and create their own character designs
Includes a session on technical challenges faced in character design for games, such as movement and limitations
Suitable for learners of any drawing ability, making it accessible to beginners and experienced artists alike
Taught by experts in the field of character design, offering valuable insights and guidance
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