Build a stronger portfolio
PLEASE NOTE: An application is required for acceptance into this course.
The goal of this mentorship with Disney Art Director of Characters Bill Schwab is to develop a deeper understanding of shape, silhouette, attitude and style. This class will cover multiple aspects of character design, including research, rough concepts and final design. During the eight week course we will work on designs for feature, short subject and mascot designs, and the goal is for students to create portfolio pieces from each assignment. Posing and expressions will be included in each assignment, and each assignment will be in line with studio expectations, processes and timelines.
NOTE: Course outline for each instructor may be different; for specific outline information, please select the instructor and click on “Request Syllabus” below.
PLEASE NOTE: An application is required for this course. The first round of Summer Term applicants--those received by June 5--will be notified of application status no later than June 9, 2023. The notification date for the second round of applicants is to be determined.
Registration Now Open
Registration Period
Apr 25, 2023 -
Jul 17, 2023
Course Start
Jul 09, 2023
Course Format
Live group sessions (sessions are recorded and available afterwards)
Skills Level
Intermediate- Advanced
Duration
8 weeks
Q&A
Live (sessions are recorded and available afterwards)
Feedback
Individual recordings
Lecture Type
Live group sessions (sessions are recorded and available afterwards)
Assignment
Ongoing work each week (Expect to spend 8-10 hrs/wk)
PREREQUISITES
The number one prerequisite for this class is an interest in character design! Each student should have a basic understanding of human and animal anatomy as well well as a passion for storytelling through design. *NOTE: application required Students should have a good sketching and drawing foundation, and basic knowledge in color techniques. Course prerequisites: Character Design for Animation, Character Design for Production.
MATERIALS
Photoshop and a drawing tablet are preferred but pencil, pen and markers on paper are ok as well.
The more you know, the better.
Week #1
Visual Contrast
Introduction to the course | Introduction to the instructor and overall philosophy and approach to character design | Visual contrast in design and nature
Week #2
Dynamic Character Poses & Expressions
Dynamic character poses & expressions | Creating pose sheets and expressions sheets
Week #3
Unique Style
Exploring techniques that will aid personal artistic development
Week #4
Silhouette
Creating strong, recognizable character silhouettes | Refining design choices
Week #5
Character Line-ups
Creating character line-ups
Week #6
Mascot characters
Adjust the style to suit a different type of project
Week #7
Turnarounds
Creating character turnarounds
Week #8
Caricature
Exploring style variation through caricature
STUDENT GALLERY
Prepare to meet your master.
LECTURES BY
Bill Schwab
Bill is an Art Director of Characters at Disney Feature Animation, and his recent credits include Encanto, Frozen 2, Moana, and Disney's upcoming feature Wish.
Instructor's Gallery
LECTURES BY
Sam Nassour
Sam Nassour is an Art Director and a Visual Development Artist in the animation and games industries, with experience of working with studios like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Netflix Animation and currently Rovio Entertainment.
He loves visual storytelling and creating his own character design and illustration ideas in his spare time, besides working on personal projects like writing and creating a graphic novel.
Instructor's Gallery
LECTURES BY
Bill Robinson
Bill Robinson is a character designer and illustrator based in Los Angeles. For the last three years he has been the Lead Character Designer on Boss Baby: Back in Business at Dreamworks TV. Bill has also worked in feature film for Netflix, Warner Bros, and Sony Pictures Animation. His TV work involves character design for Disney Jr’s Puppy Dog Pals, as well as projects for Cartoon Network, WB, and Duncan Studio. He has also illustrated over twelve books for children and worked with clients that include Disney, Henson, Universal, Penguin Random House and Little Brown Books. He can also regularly be found at comic conventions like San Diego Comic Con and CTN, where he sells his books and artwork.
Instructor's Gallery
LECTURES BY
David DePasquale
David was born in Jersey City and raised in Manalapan, New Jersey. Growing up infatuated with the arts and music, he spent his childhood splitting his time between drawing what he loved and playing his piano and trumpet.
He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in 2010 with a BFA in Illustration. In January 2015, he moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in the animation industry, began as a Prop Designer for Disney Television Animation, and hasn't looked back since.
He is currently a lead character designer at Netflix, on an unannounced project. His other clients have included Disney Television Animation, Dreamworks TV, WB, Titmouse, Nickelodeon, and Bento Box, among others.
He currently lives in Burbank with his boyfriend and their dog, Banjo.
Instructor's Gallery
PRICING SCHEDULE
Even though our courses are the most affordable for the quality of education, these finance options allow you to focus on your goals instead of the barriers that keep you from reaching them.
3x Payments
$249.67
2x Payments
$374.50
Full payment
$749
Summer TERM REGISTRATION
Now Open
Apr 25, 2023 -
Jul 17, 2023
COURSE BEGINS on Jul 09, 2023
What makes this learning experience unique?
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
Receive personalized feedback on all assignments from the industry’s top professionals.
LIFETIME ACCESS
Enjoy lifetime access to the spectrum of course content, including lectures, live Q&As, and feedback sessions.
CERTIFICATION
Show off your Certification of Completion when you turn in 80% of course assignments.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Learn anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace with flexible, online course scheduling.
Need guidance? We’re Here to Help.
We can help with admissions questions, portfolio review/course recommendations!
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