Character Design and Development (online) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Character Design and Development (online)

Characters are essential to making a successful story. Take time to observe and discuss how creators establish characters in visual media, including film, animation, comics, and games.

Course description

Create a final character portfolio by the end of this course. This course includes lectures, character development discussions, writing, reference and drawing exercises, and sharing of student work. Students also have the opportunity to include a brief written narrative and illustrations to accompany their final characters. / Each student will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the class.

Open to students ages 16 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This online course is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Students meet together online for synchronous class meetings on Tuesdays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. CST, using Google Meet for demonstrations, discussions, opportunities for students to ask questions, and check-ins. Asynchronous activities may include readings, video demonstrations and tutorials, online discussions, projects, and critiques. The Instructor will schedule office hours and provide individual feedback throughout the course. The class meetings are recorded for students to use as a review.

Prerequisites

Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but not required (example skills include digital drawing, editing, and painting).

Required materials

Supplies

  • notebook or sketchbook
  • general sketching tools such as
    • drawing pencils (HB-6B)
    • pens
    • markers
    • colored pencils

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD).

Hardware
Computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud with internet access, a camera, and a microphone; a scanner or scanning app on a smartphone; printer (optional).

Class resources
This class used Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management software. Please see the links for more information.

Recommended textbook
Any "The Art of..." books for film and games.

Class savings

Register on or before January 20 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$465.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens January 6.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    7:00–8:30 p.m. CST
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Tuesday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 16 and above.
  • Term:
    Spring 2025
  • Instructor: Lafe Smith
  • Location:
    Online
  • SKU:
    CSMA 9620 20 SP25

Prerequisites:

Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but not required (example skills include digital drawing, editing, and painting).