Beginner Entertainment Design

Objective: Understand the role of entertainment design and start with foundational sketching techniques.

Topics Covered:

Overview of the entertainment design process: film, games, and animation.

Introduction to the fundamentals of sketching: line work, shape language, and form.

Introduction to materials and tools used in entertainment design.

Activity: Practice sketching basic forms and shapes, focusing on dynamic line work.

Homework: Sketch a series of simple entertainment props (e.g., tools, gadgets) using basic forms.

Objective: Learn the principles of world-building and develop concepts for entertainment environments.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to environmental design: landscapes, architecture, and mood.

Developing ideas for diverse environments: urban, natural, fantasy, or futuristic.

Using references and mood boards to inspire world-building.

Activity: Sketch 3 rough environment concepts, focusing on layout and mood.

Homework: Refine one of the environment concepts into a more detailed sketch.

Objective: Learn how to apply perspective to environment sketches to create depth and realism.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to 1-point and 2-point perspective for environment design.

How to create depth and scale in large environment concepts.

Using perspective grids to guide environmental layouts.

Activity: Sketch an environment scene using perspective grids.

Homework: Refine the environment sketch, ensuring perspective is accurate.

Objective: Introduce the basics of character design, focusing on proportions and silhouette.

Topics Covered:

Basic anatomy and proportions for character design.

The importance of silhouette in defining a character's personality.

Creating character variation through exaggerated proportions.

Activity: Sketch 5 different character silhouettes focusing on diverse body shapes and proportions.

Homework: Choose one silhouette and begin developing it into a full character sketch.

Objective: Learn to convey character personality through facial expressions and features.

Topics Covered:

Basic facial anatomy and proportions.

Sketching a range of facial expressions to show emotion and personality.

How character design communicates personality through facial features.

Activity: Sketch 3 different characters with a focus on varying facial expressions.

Homework: Develop a character headshot with multiple expressions.

Objective: Introduce costume and prop design as key elements of character development.

Topics Covered:

How costume design enhances character identity and world-building.

Designing props that reflect a character’s personality and role.

Balancing practicality and creativity in costume design.

Activity: Design a basic costume and prop set for one of your characters.

Homework: Refine the character costume and prop design, incorporating feedback.

Objective: Learn to draw dynamic poses and capture movement in character sketches.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to gesture drawing and how it improves fluidity in poses.

Capturing action and weight in dynamic poses.

Using gesture drawing to bring life and energy to character designs.

Activity: Practice gesture drawings of characters in action.

Homework: Refine a dynamic pose sketch of one of your characters.

Objective: Explore the fundamentals of creature design for entertainment media.

Topics Covered:

Study of anatomy and structure for fantasy and sci-fi creatures.

Using real-world animals as inspiration for creature designs.

Combining different elements to create unique and believable creatures.

Activity: Sketch 3 rough creature concepts using different combinations of animal anatomy.

Homework: Refine one creature design into a more detailed concept sketch.

Objective: Refine your character, creature, and prop designs by adding intricate details and final touches.

Topics Covered:

How to polish rough sketches into finalized designs.

Adding fine details such as textures, materials, and accessories.

Ensuring consistency in design across character, creature, and props.

Activity: Finalize one character or creature concept, incorporating all details.

Homework: Prepare the final design for presentation, focusing on polish and completeness.

Objective: Present your final entertainment design project for critique and feedback.

Topics Covered:

How to present entertainment design concepts professionally.

Communicating your design process, from concept to final sketch.

Receiving and applying feedback for future improvement.

Activity: Present your final character, environment, and prop designs to the class.

Homework: Refine your final presentation based on feedback and prepare it for portfolio use.

Concept Sketches: A collection of character, environment, and prop concept sketches.

Final Designs: A fully-developed character or creature design, complete with costume, props, and environment context.

Portfolio-Ready Work: Final designs prepared for inclusion in a professional entertainment design portfolio.