Syllabus


Syllabus: ART 487E-03 11596
Special Studies in Ent. Art/Animation - Character Design
Course Number and Title: ART 487E Special Studies in Ent. Art/Animation - Character Design
Semester: Fall 2018
Section Number: 03
Units: 3
Times: Sat 9:00am - 3:45pm
Location: VA-E292
Instructor: Stone Perales
Office Hours:
Walk-In:
Sat 3:45 to 4:45pm
Office Location: Classroom
Office Telephone: (657) 278-7319?
E-mail: sperales@fullerton.edu
Website: www.fullerton.edu/arts/art

Advisement
All students are encouraged to meet with a full-time faculty member in the area of study (program or concentration) that they have chosen or are inclined to choose at least one time each semester. Faculty names and office hours are available in the Art Office. When scheduling an appointment, ask the Art Office staff for your file, as this will help the faculty/advisor assist you. Advising is also available in the Student Success Center, VA-280A.
Course Description
Capstone portfolio/reel building experience. The class will be focused on creating one new Sci-fi, Fantasy, Cartoon, and Pop Culture character design per week, with additional lecture and demo. Maximum of 12 units, but no more than 3 units in any one area in a single semester without permission of instructors. One or more sections may be offered in any online format. (6 hours activity)
Prerequisites: 6 units upper-division courses, including ART 355 or ART 353A
Course Objectives
To improve the skills necessary to be a video game/animation character designer. Objectives include developing a competitive understanding of visual appeal, function, and design in creating characters for Video Games, Film, Comics, and Digital/Analog Animation.
Students will learn how to incorporate the following principles in character design:
-           Research- how to compile and arrange photo reference material to support and inform your concepts
-           Learn techniques to effectively resolve design elements of a character’s costume and equipable items
-           Gesture- assignments that explain the importance of posing, silhouette, and rough gesture studies
-           Shape Theory- understand how shape language helps define a character and sell your concept
-           Imagination- discovering how to apply imaginative ideas to your drawing for unique concepts
-           Rendering- learn different traditional and digital rendering techniques for creating a character design
-           Style Exploration- make attempts at developing each student’s personal “artistic voice”
-           Presentation- learn the importance of selling your conceptual images by use of packaging and presentation
-           Visual storytelling and animation principles (such as posing, line of action, staging, acting, etc.) will be used to visualize, create and design interesting and unique characters.

Student Learning Goals
This course is designed to teach Character Design for Animation, Video Games, Comics, TV, and Film. In addition to learning new rendering techniques, each student will choose one of these areas to focus and create a portfolio.
By the conclusion of Character Design Class, students will have been taught to:
·           To be able to demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of popular character design styles from different sci-fi and fantasy licenses for use in various media, both in TV production, feature filmmaking, video games, and for use in 3-D Digital animation productions/Traditional hand-drawn animation productions.
·           To create character designs with expression sheets, turnarounds, construction models, and props. 
·           To be able to create an an illustration that a 3D modeler can use to create and complete a high or low poly 3D model for Video Game animation.
·           Be skilled at drawing/painting using a Wacom tablet/Cintique
·           Color your characters using a variety of rendering methods.
·           Understand the production process of creating characters for games and animation
·           Package your artwork in a compelling way to effectively present in an online portfolio

Course Content and Method of Instruction:
·              Lectures, Demonstrations, Presentations
·              Hands-on Experience
·              Critiques and Peer Review
·              Print Visuals, Videos and TITANium resources
·              Course materials and resources will be distributed and oftentimes collected via TITANium, Shotgun, and Dropbox.

Grading Criteria and Scale
This class is broken down into several homework assignments and in-class exercises. Students are required to participate in class critiques, discussions and post notes online critiquing the work of other students. These assignments, exercises, critiques, and notes all combine to form your final grade as described below.
All assignments are due at the beginning of each class in which they will be reviewed. It will be the student’s right to know his/her grade at any reasonable point that information is requested by that student.
The grading system incorporates letter grades, including +/-, and codes that have the following definitions and numeric equivalences:

Grading System:
A – Outstanding performance
B – Above average performance
C – Average performance
D – Below average performance
F – Failure 3
Letter Grade
Numerical Grade
GPA
A+
98-100
4.0
A
93 - 97
4.0
A-
90 - 92
3.7
B+
87 - 89
3.3
B
83 - 86
3.0
B-
80 - 82
2.7
C+
77 - 79
2.3
C
73 - 76
2.0
C-
70 - 72
1.7
D+
67 - 69
1.3
D
65 - 66
1.0
D-
64
0.7
F
63 or below
0.0






The assignments and graded exercises completed are each graded based upon how well the student demonstrates an understanding of the design principles taught, creativity in solving the problems presented, and technical accomplishment. The sum average of these project grades constitutes 75% of the final grade. The student’s development and growth during the semester are evaluated and constitutes 15% of the final grade. Participation in class is evaluated and constitutes 10% of the final grade.
Remember that to earn either the BA or BFA, art students MUST achieve grades of C (2.0) or better in all art courses required for their degree.
Estimated Homework: To be successful in this course it is required that you invest an average of hours per week towards research, projects, and goals.
Attendance
Attendance will be taken and is expected. Failure to attend class may impact your final grade.
Art Materials/Supplies:
·         Sketchbook
·         Cintiq HD Compatible Stylus
·         External Hard Drive or Flash Drive
·         Drawing tools (pencils, pens, erasers, paper, etc.)
·         Other miscellaneous supplies may be required depending on the specific needs of each assignment

Cintiqs
The labs are outfitted with Cintiqs. If you wish to draw digitally (recommended), you will need to do so using a Cintiq or a Tablet PC. Cintiq pens will not be provided. To use the Cintiq, you will need to purchase your own Cintiq HD Compatible Stylus. Cintiq HD Styluses are available in the bookstore and can be purchased online.
The local Blick Art store is offering the Cintiq Styluses for 15% off! You need to bring your class schedule for the spring with you to Blick indicating that you are enrolled in a class at CSUF using the Cintiqs. 4

Recommended Reading:
·         The Silver Way: Techniques, tips, and tutorials for effective Character Design, Stephen Silver
·         Creating Characters with Personality, Tom Bancroft
·         Drawn to Life, Volumes One and Two, Walt Stanchfield
·         Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation, Wayne Gilbert
Recommended Viewing:
·          Star Trek (2009)
·           DragonHeart (1996)
Assignments:
All assignments will be uploaded to Shotgun for credit and critique. Please review the Shotgun video tutorials, links to which can be found on the class Titanium page. It is required that students also bring a backup of assignments to class on a flash drive. File formats and other specific requirements will be given on a per assignment basis, but for the most part, still image assignments will be delivered as jpeg files, animation assignments will be delivered as .mp4 QuickTime movie files and written assignments as pdf files.

Software and Hardware Requirements
Software and hardware will be provided within the labs for the student during class time and the current semester’s open lab hours. While many will find lab times to fit their schedules, students may also use personal computers and acquire the necessary software on their own. Below is a list of the most common software found in the labs. Opportunities are available to volunteer as a lab monitor, allowing students access to labs when it is not in use or closed.
Software
Adobe CC – available to CSUF students for free. Maya/Mudbox - Primary 3d Animation Package - available from Autodesk for free: students.autodesk.com (student version)
Hardware
Each piece of software listed above has a minimum requirement to run; please review the current requirements and ensure the hardware and Operating System you might purchase can run any software you may acquire.
Technology is constantly changing – When purchasing a new computer, be sure to check the latest specs for the software you are using at websites such as:



Technical Requirements/Pre-Requisite Knowledge
Students are expected to
1. Have basic computer competency which includes:
a. the ability to use a personal computer to locate, create, move, copy, delete, name, rename, and save files and folders on hard drives, secondary storage devices such as USB drives, and cloud such as Google Drive (Titan Apps) and Dropbox;
b. the ability to use a word processing program to create, edit, format, store, retrieve, and print documents;
c. The ability to use their CSUF email accounts to receive, create, edit, print, save, and send an e-mail message with and without an attached file; and
d. The ability to use an Internet browser such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer to search and access web sites in the World Wide Web.
2. Have ongoing reliable access to a computer with Internet connectivity for regular course assignments
3. Utilize Microsoft® Office 2013 (for P.C.) or 2011 (for Mac) including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to learn content and communicate with colleagues and faculty; can regularly print assignments
4. Maintain and access three times weekly their CSUF student email account
5. Use Internet search and retrieval skills to complete assignments
6. Apply his/her educational technology skills to complete expected competencies
7. Utilize other software applications as course requirements dictate
8. Have a competent understanding of human anatomy as applied to drawing
9. Possess a basic understanding of Color Theory
10. Possess intermediate Draftsmanship Skills- be able to copy an image accurately from reference material.
11. Be able to express ideas on paper without reference material, from imagination.

Emergency Contacts & Preparedness
Students: You should add the following emergency telephone numbers to your cell phone directories: University Police – Emergency 911, or for University Police Dispatch – 657-278-2515, and for information on Campus Operation and Emergency Closure 657-278-4444 (in the event of an earthquake or some other unusual occurrence information is disseminated via this number). Also, please remember that the University website home page has a link to an + Emergency Preparedness page that can be found under “Quick Links” or: http://prepare.fullerton.edu/.

Health and Safety
Many art materials are potentially dangerous, and some materials used in art classes may be harmful or fatal with repeated and prolonged overexposure. Care must be taken to avoid misuse. For your fellow students’ and your own good health, please read all labels and exercise good judgment. Spray adhesives and fixatives are not allowed and may not be used within the university’s interior or exterior spaces. All containers stored on campus—in lockers or classrooms—must be labeled with contents. (OSHA fines for unlabeled materials will deplete art department resources.) Please do not bring or store any art materials of any sort that are not currently available for purchase in the state of CA as of Jan. 1st, 2010.

Chemical solvents are known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm and should be avoided. For more information on health and safety concerns, including the use and disposal of artist materials and ergonomics, please access Occupational Health/Safety at http://ehis.fullerton.edu/healthandsafety/.
Students with Special Needs, Academically Dishonest Policy, Emergency Preparedness, Undergraduate Student Learning Goals, General Education Learning Goals & Requirement, and Graduate Student Learning Goals: http://fdc.fullerton.edu/teaching/syllabus.php
Student Wellness, Health, and Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) strives to help students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Counselors can help students improve coping skills, strengthen personal relationships, navigate the college transition, recover from traumatic experiences and engage in self-exploration. CAPS offers counseling for individuals and couples, group counseling, psychiatric services, referrals, crisis intervention, and workshops to eligible CSUF students. For more information: http://www.fullerton.edu/shcc/
Disability Support Services
Students’ Support Services are accessible 657-278-3112 and at http://www.fullerton.edu/DSS/.
Art Class Content Disclaimer
Please be advised that the study of art frequently includes physical nudity, social, philosophical, psychological, and/or political content and imagery. Such course material may be considered controversial, offensive, or conflicting with some participant’s ethical or religious beliefs. If a student is uncomfortable, he/she may leave class but is required to arrange an appointment with the professor to address individual concerns. Efforts will be made to address these concerns and the necessary course requirements. Alternative assignments are not available.
After Hours Passes
Passes are available so students may use university studios after hours. Applications and passes are obtained in the Art Office. To gain entrance to locked buildings or classrooms, students may call campus security at 657-278-2515. Campus police will let students into classrooms and, as a safety measure and courtesy, will walk or drive you to your cars when you stay late. (You may also use hall phones to call the police.) Please remember to check the class meeting times before entering the classroom.
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

COURSE OUTLINE:
Week 1 - 08/24/19
Lecture: Introduction to the course
Upload Portfolio Art to the website for review, or make a new one on Art Station
Create a Linked in Profile
Individual Portfolio Review and Assessment
Lecture: “Concept Art for Production”
Discussion on different types of Designers
Review of Drawing Fundamentals for Character Design
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Week 2 - 08/31/19 – STAR TREK ALIEN 1 Design
Lecture “Diversity and Constraints in Design”
Demo on Creating a Character Sheet
Staging and Posing: Silhouettes and rough ideas
Research and Reference Material principles and methodology
Assignment #1A STAR TREK ALIEN 1
- Render in Color a front and back view of your Alien, dressed in its traditional clothing, that could fit on a human actor, in any art style.
- Provide an additional sheet of any face studies you did to develop your idea.
- Write up answers to the list of 12 questions (to be given in-class) on the origin and culture of your alien.
Formatting: 
- fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300 dpi. (Horizontal or Vertical alignment)., 

Week 3 - 09/07/19 Special Guest Demo and Lecture
Assignment #1 - STAR TREK ALIEN 1 due
Critique
Special Guest Artist, Demo on Shape language in Traditional Animation and Toy Design
Shape/Size/Variety, Variation/Texture/Contrast, Balance/Rhythm
In-Class Exercises
Assignment #1B STAR TREK ALIEN 2
-Design an opposite gender alien based on your first alien design, in their native clothing.
-Pick one of your two alien designs and dress in a federation uniform, and indicate what role they would most likely have been well suited for.
Formatting:
13x19 at 300 DPI for all final Star Trek characters on one sheet

Week 4 - 09/14/19 STAR TREK ALIEN 2
Critique
Lecture
In-Class Exercises
Work in Class
Individual feedback and demos
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Week 5 - 09/21/19 – Creature Design - DRAGONS
Assignment #2 STAR TREK ALIEN 2 due
Critique
Lecture on Creature Anatomy, Concepts, and Design
Assignment #3 DRAGON SKETCHES
-1 8.5x11 @300dpi page that includes black silhouettes of different body types
-1 page of 8.5x11 @ 300 DPI of just head sketches 
Demo- early concept exploration, How to Draw Scales
In-Class Exercises
Work in Class
Individual demos and feedback

Week 6 - 09/28/19 - Creature Design - DRAGONS (Continued)
Assignment #3 DRAGON sketches and silhouettes due
Critique
Lecture on Creature Anatomy, Concepts, and Design
Demo- Refining existing drawings and digital block-in
Assignment #4 DRAGON RENDER
- 1 full render of the dragon in a side view or 3/4 view.
- can be vertically or horizontally aligned.
- Final render will need to have basic colors added.
- Due to time limitations, a highly detailed grayscale render is also acceptable.
Formatting:
- Fit render on a sheet that is 13x19 at 300 dpi.
- Include, Name, Date, Class
Work in Class

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Week 7 - 10/05/19 – Fantasy D&D CREATURE
Assignment #4 DRAGON RENDER due
Critique
Optional Annual Animation Student Challenge- Any student wishing to participate is exempt from assignments in this class for this day.
Lecture: Lecture part 1 of 2, “Archetypes and character races in Fantasy Games” Player Characters 
Work in Class
Personal feedback and review
Assignment #5 D&D Creature Archetypes
- 1 full render of a creature of your choice, from a set of 5 options
- Full Color
Formatting:
- Fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300DPI, Horizontal or Vertical Alignment
- Include, Name, Date, Class

Week 8 - 10/12/19 - Fantasy D&D Creature
Critique
Follow up on Animation Student Challenge
Mid Semester Pre-Grade and Progress Review
Work in Class
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 9 - 10/19/19 PLATE ARMOUR
Assignment #5 D&D Creature Archetypes due
Critique
Lecture
video overview on the history of Medieval Plate Armor
Assignment 6: Plate Armor
- 1 render of a complete suit of Medieval Combat Plate Armor
(Not Tournament Armor used in Jousting)
- Include 1 Front View, 1 Rear View of a full suit.
- Basic Color
- 1 Helmet Design
- 1 Render of Character without Helmet
 (Can add a breakout render of character with or without a helmet for this requirement
- 1 Melee Weapon (Short Sword, Long Sword, Mace, Flail, Battle Axe, Morning Star, Horseman's Pick, Pernach)
Formatting:
- Fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300DPI, Horizontal or Vertical Alignment
- Include, Name, Date, Class

Work in Class

Week 10 - 10/26/19
Critique
Lecture
Assignment 6: Continue Armor Plate Design, move to render Backside of Armor and Weapon
In-Class Exercises
Work in Class

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Week 11 - 11/02/19 COCO 2017 Character Design
Assignment 6: Plate Armor assignment due
Critique
Lecture
Assignment 7: Coco (2017) Character Design
- 1 full render of a character in Dia De Los Muertos makeup and seasonal clothing, of your choice, in color, from the front or 3/4 view
Formatting:
Fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300DPI, Horizontal or Vertical Alignment
- Include, Name, Date, Class
Exceptions:
At the teacher's discretion, it is possible to create a Skeleton in costume or an Alebrije.
In-Class Exercises
Work in Class

 Week 12 - 11/09/19 Design a DC CHARACTER or DESIGN A CARTOON NETWORK CHARACTER
Assignment 7: Coco Character due
Critique of Coco Character
Short Lecture
Assignment #8 
OPTION 1: Make your own D.C. Green Lantern Hero Character
- 1 Full Render of Front View
- 1 Full Render of Back View
-Include a summary that includes a description of: a). Homeworld, b.) Alien Race Physiology, and c). Racial disposition d.)personality.
Formatting:
Fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300 DPI, Horizontal or Vertical Alignment, on an all-White background (or 50% grey background if glow effects are used).
- Include: Name, Date, Class, and name of a character.
Work in Class

Homework: Watch"The Green Lantern: First Flight"


OPTION 2: Make your own D.C. Batman w body Armor Design

https://comicbookandbeyond.com/20-coolest-batsuits-concepts/ for starting point.- 1 Full Render of Front View with cape- 1 Full Render of Back View no cape-Include callouts with a brief explanation of what the properties of each item are.This includes:BootsGlovesChest and arm/leg  ArmorToolsWeaponsspecial items with different modes, such as lenses or forearm weapons.Formatting:Fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300 DPI, Horizontal or Vertical Alignment, on an all-White background (or 50% grey background if glow effects are used).- Include, Name, Date, ClassHomework: Watch Batman Begins 2005OPTION 3: Make your own Cartoon Network Character- Design an original character of any CN cartoon show, past or present, in the exact production style.- 1 Full Character sheet with turns, to look exactly like the character sheets from the cartoon you pick. - Include a copy of the character sheet you find of the show you are drawing for as an example of how you matched their formatting.- Formatting should include Name, Date, Class, and name of a character.Work in Class
 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 13 - 11/16/19 
Assignment  #8 Green Lantern/Batman Body Armor/Cartoon Network Character - Continue Working on.
One on one feedback
Short Lecture
Work in Class
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 14 - 11/23/19 REVIEW OF ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Assignment  #8 Green Lantern/Batman Body Armor/Cartoon Network Character DUE.
This class will be a critique of all work to date.
Critique is divided into two parts, Formatting Critique, and Art Critique
Revisions may be assigned if work is in need of significant improvement
Lecture

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
FALL RECESS - Class Canceled 11/30/2019
Thanksgiving Holiday
Go Play
Eat a lot of great food
Rest
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Week 15 - 12/07/19 FINAL EXAM - Ready for Job Submission 
This class will begin the final exam, which will be slightly different than a traditional test. It will rely on you being prepared to apply for a job as a professional artist.

Criteria include:
- Identify an industry job of your choice and meet requirements for submission/application
- Create a linked in Profile.
- Get one recommendation on your linked in profile
- Include a link to your online work on your LinkedIn profile
-1 Page Resume
-copy contents of resume onto linked in
-cover letter
-Instagram of daily work posts-for sketchbook/animation work

Lecture
Industry Opportunities and Standards
Work in Class
Portfolio Presentation

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 16 - 12/14/19
FINAL EXAM DUE Before End of Class 12/14/19
You can work in class until class is dismissed.

Disclaimer: This outline is subject to change.




Discontinued Below
Week 13 - 11/16/19 X-MEN CHARACTER
Assignment  #8 Green Lantern Character due.
Homework for Assignment #9 due.
Critique
Lecture
Assignment #9 Make your own Marvel X-Men Mutant Hero Character
- 1 Full Render of Front View
- 1 Full Render of Back View
-Include a summary that includes:
a). An explanation of what the mutant ability is
b.) Find an existing mutant villain who would be an equal/reasonable match for this ability
c.) Explain how this ability might have shaped the disposition of the mutant, and what possible forms of discrimination they might experience. 
d. Explain how X-Men can be used as a metaphor for marginalized people in society and site at least 3 examples.
e.) Explain the difference between professor Xavier and Magnetos' views/philosophies regarding the relationship between humans and mutants.
Formatting:.
Fit render on a sheet that is 8.5x11 at 300 DPI, Horizontal or Vertical Alignment, on an all-White background (or 50% grey background if glow effects are used).
- Include, Name, Date, Class, and name of a character

In-Class Exercises

Work in Class


Homework For Assignment #9: Watch "X-Men First Class"-if you have seen it, then pick one from this list: 
X2
"The Wolverine" 2013 (not 2009 "X-Men Origins Wolverine")
"X-men Days of Future Past"
"Deadpool"
"X-men"

SPECIAL OPTION: Do option 1 and 2 and erase one missing assignment from previous weeks.

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