Digital Art: Digital Character Creation

Create compelling stories and characters using industry techniques and exercises.

Creating strong characters and stories are the key components of any good book, show,
movie, or video game. This class aims to teach industry methods of character design,
how to find ideas and inspiration, how to write interesting personalities, themes, and
backstories, and how to build a unique world for characters to inhabit.
By the end of the class students should have several fleshed out characters and stories
that can be used for fun, personal projects, or professional projects.

WEEKLY TOPIC BREAKDOWN (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

1. Introduction, concept & character

2. "What if" story method

3. Character personality & motive

4. Character design: shape/color language

5. Inspiration from media

6. Researching for story & character

7. World building

8. Character turn-around

9. Character expression sheet/reference sheet

10. Character illustration

11. Comic/dialogue/story snippet

12. Art trades

SKILLS TAUGHT IN THIS CLASS:

-Understanding elements of character design and story and how they impact each other

-Methods of finding and using inspiration/reference

-Learning industry character design techniques such as shape/color language

-Improving understanding and analysis of story and theme in media as well as in one's own work

SUPPLY LIST:

-iPad or an equivalent tablet

-Apple Pencil or stylus pen

-Drawing app Procreate or a drawing app of the student's choice

VAI has some iPads, Apple Pencils and pre-downloaded drawing software for use in class.

THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING!!!!

LOCATION:

Visual Art Institute 2900 S 300 W, South Salt Lake, Utah

Please park on the NORTH side of the building and enter up the ramp to the front office. It is the really colorful side of the building.

INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Aria Hancock. Learn more about our instructorsat https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty

DROP-INS:

This class IS open for drop-in students. Students can register online for a specific date or purchase a Flex Pass. Everyone is responsible for bringing their supplies for the class.

REFUND POLICY:

We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class.

TRANSFER POLICY:

We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.

CLASS CANCELLATION:

We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.

MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT:

When you register for more than one class, you can receive a discount up to 10% per class! You must call and register through the front office for this discount.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:

Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.

DIFFICULTY REGISTERING?

Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796 or email us at [email protected]