Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Skillshare

Art School Boot Camp: Designing Quirky Characters

via Skillshare

Overview

Save Big on Coursera Plus. 7,000+ courses at $160 off. Limited Time Only!

What makes a character look like a good guy? A bad guy? The comic relief? The love interest? A character design is different than just a drawing of a person. A “character” must be dynamic enough to tell a story about who that person is. The viewer must be able to connect with the character and understand who they are at a base level just by how they look.

This class will focus on using shape language to draw characters that communicate personality, story, and emotion rather than focusing on drawing perfect anatomy. We’ll be developing unique and expressive characters by speaking visually with shape language.

Shape language is how basic shapes (whether in character design, fine art, or any other application) can communicate aspects of mood, personality, and story. Understanding how shape language works gives you a starting point for drawing characters, as well as depth and meaning to your final character design.

By the end of the class, you’ll have your own new character design for use in whatever you like to create whether it be books, comics, video games, or just random doodles!

//

WANT MORE?

Check out my other Skillshare classes here!

You can also see more about me and my work on my website: might-could.com.

And you can sign up for my email list for weekly essays on creativity and artmaking!

Thanks so much! <3

 

Syllabus

  • What's Character Design?
  • Speaking with Shape Language
  • Checking Strength with Silhouettes
  • Case Study: Shape Language in Animation
  • The Fine Details
  • Project Assignment

Taught by

Christine Nishiyama

Reviews

Start your review of Art School Boot Camp: Designing Quirky Characters

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.