Storytelling Through Look Dev
THIS COURSE IS IN DEVELOPMENT
Look development for animated characters is usually a technical artist’s job. However, as much as software and technical expertise helps, advanced technical expertise is not required to make appealing, feature film quality animated characters. This course is designed to reinforce the design principles for creating textures and shaders for animated characters. We’ll discuss how to tell the story in every detail of the character, learn to approach a character from broad to fine details, and make a plan to execute the look. Throughout the course, students will learn how to receive feedback and prepare to work in a professional environment, and should have a solid piece for their portfolio by the end.
Look development for animated characters is usually a technical artist’s job. However, as much as software and technical expertise helps, advanced technical expertise is not required to make appealing, feature film quality animated characters. This course is designed to reinforce the design principles for creating textures and shaders for animated characters. We’ll discuss how to tell the story in every detail of the character, learn to approach a character from broad to fine details, and make a plan to execute the look. Throughout the course, students will learn how to receive feedback and prepare to work in a professional environment, and should have a solid piece for their portfolio by the end.
Registration Now Open
Registration Period
-
Course Start
Course Format
Standard (recorded lectures, individual recorded feedback)
Skills Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Duration
8 weeks
Q&A
Once a week
Feedback
Individual recordings
Lecture Type
Pre-recorded
Assignment
Due each week. Expect to spend 10-15 hrs/wk viewing lectures, Q&A, and time on assignments.
PREREQUISITES
Shading and texturing experience in a film or gaming environment. Recommended courses: Substance Basics, Texturing and Surfacing for Films/Cinematics, Stylized Characters in 3D
MATERIALS
These are recommended, but each is not required. One of each, or an equivalent software package would work. Painting/Texturing Software: Substance Painter/Designer, Mari, Houdini, Photoshop. Shading/Rendering software of choice: Arnold, Renderman, Redshift; Unity or Unreal
The more you know, the better.
Week #1
Designing Your Character's Shading
Class introductions | Telling the story through character design and look development | How does look development fit into the animated film pipeline? | What tools are used? | How do you put together a shading packet?
Week #2
Setting Up Your Character For Shading
Review shading packet | Setting up your character: UVs, three point lighting set up, basic shaders, model refinements | Common shaders used on characters (skin, hair, cloth, eyes, mouth) | Using an art packet, and planning your work ahead
Week #3
Shader Development
Techniques and methods to develop textures and shaders | Identifying your characters main shaders | Setting up eye and mouth shaders
Week #4
Working Week
Finding the “look” | Iterating on your shaders | Cloth shading
Week #5
Midpoint Review
Receiving feedback from art directors and production designers | Evaluating your character | Preparing your work for reviews
Week #6
Improving Your Shaders Through Iteration
Plussing your shaders | Shading for an animated performance | Improving the quality of your shader’s through storytelling | Preparing your character for professional reviews and your demo reel
Week #7
Thinking About Illumination
Working with lighting (final client), and shading for a lighting “look” | LUT’s and IBL’s
Week #8
How Does Your Character Fit Into A Feature Film?
How does your character fit into a feature film pipeline? | Developing shaders for a cast of characters | Working clean and staying organized | Creating variants
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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