Expanding on previous character design knowledge, this module will delve into cultivating creativity, individual workflow and style to create immersive and believable characters and creatures with an awareness for the worlds that they live in. Exploring advanced techniques, students will use developed imagination and skills to establish characters and creatures with an understanding of entertainment industry pipelines that support gameplay, performance and considerations for wider usage.


In this module students will have the opportunity to find their own voice and push their work to a professional standard, exploring more advanced techniques and design theories to bring your characters to life such as;


Using historical and cultural reference to enhance design solutions.

Character relationships.

The essence of a character.

Dynamic poses.

Costume design.

Creating strong character line ups.

Character and creature variations.

Characters, creatures and their worlds.

Development of a consistent style.

Ramifications on gameplay and performance.

Development and presentation of a professional concept portfolio.

World building and visual storytelling.

Advanced digital painting techniques.

Advanced digital sculpting techniques.

Assessment Component 1 - (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3)

Coursework Portfolio weighted at 80% Consisting of:

Completed concept designs presented as professional portfolio pieces.

Portfolio of development work including fully rationalised, iterative and thorough design process

Highly developed artistic solutions to an industry standard visual and technical quality in line with a brief.

Demonstration of advanced techniques and solutions to produce work that maintains a consistent style and theme.


Assessment Component 2 - (Learning Outcome 1,4)

Reflective Logbook weighted at 20% consisting of:

A reflective piece of writing published on a digital logbook.

A breakdown of your character design process for the brief detailing your design decisions and the justification for those.

1 x 3hr Lecture/Tutorial

1 x 3hr Workshop

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of key aspects of character concept design that considers the full ramifications of innovative concept design on the entire game production pipeline.

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding.

2. Identify, distinguish and solve complex conceptual design problems with unique and visually appealing character or creature designs in line with industry production practices

University Learning Outcome

Problem Solving.

3. Investigate and apply suitably efficient and elegant processes to deliver character designs that maintain quality, artistic consistency and technical considerations in line with a brief

University Learning Outcome

Learning.

4. Critically evaluate and reflect on the development of a portfolio of character concepts, demonstrating the ability to evaluate your own work, identify areas for improvement, and take action to refine your skills and enhance your portfolio

University Learning Outcome

Reflection.

Digital Painting Software

Microsoft Office

Data Projection Resource

Digital Academy Forum

Digital Academy Upload System

Library

Games Lab

Wacom Tablets

Digital Sculpting Software

Sketchbooks

Traditional Sketching Materials – Pencils, Markers etc.

3D Total Publishing (2018) Creating Stylized Characters. 3DTotal Publishing. (978-1909414747).


Robertson, S (2014). The Skillful Huntsman: Visual Development of a Grimm Take at Art Center College of Design. Design Studio Press. (978-0972667647).


GDC. (2019) Creating Compelling Characters: Insights from a Panel of Character Concept Artists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5HG8Q4sKg&t=2694s


Lilly, E.J (2015). The Big Bad World of Cocnept Art for Video Games: An Insider’s Guide for Beginners: An Insider’s Guide for Students. (978-1624650208).

Do you want to find your own voice and expand on your previous character and creature design knowledge? On this module you will delve into cultivating your creativity, individual workflow, and style to create immersive and believable characters and creatures with an awareness for the worlds that they live in.