Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Instructor's Contact Info

Cecil Kim:
Downtownart@gmail.com (213)268-2236
If you are late or missing the class, please text me before the class starts.

Wayne Johnson:
wayne.dc2ek4@gmail.com

30 Character Thumbnails

10 Thumbnails per character.
Please put numbers on each thumbnails.
Add some descriptions on each characters.
Solid black flat shapes. (some interior lines and designs are fine)
Front facing view with slight gesture.
Please post images on blog by monday 3:45pm.

You can work on more than 1 idea on each characters.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Welcome everyone!!

Advanced Tools and Techniques I (for Concept Artists)     
Cecil Kim / Wayne Johnson


What is the class?


This class is for anyone who is passionate about becoming a concept artist, visual development artist, art director and creative director. It is recommended for student who
has a good basic understanding in human anatomy, perspective and modern / fantasy designs. Student will learn how to come up with visual directions based on narrative / story pitch from someone else.


What do we focus in this class?


  1. This class will focus on creating world and characters on 2 different narrative settings.
  2. Process will involve coming up with a reference style guide, sketching initial ideas, developing them through iterations and execute them as finished concepts and key frame illustrations.
  3. Students will explore different art styles to define the final look and overall design direction for each projects.
  4. It is not allowed to use photograph or 3D references for ideation stages but limited application of photo/3D images are allowed in final concepts and illustrations upon instructor’s approval.
  5. Students will think about the reason behind their design choices by coming up with narrative details and backstory on characters.


What are the important training subjects in this class?


  • Human Anatomy - Good figure / creature sketches
  • Design Decision - Costume & architecture design to reflect culture & story
  • Research - Reference and inspiration
  • Drawing - Speed and accuracy
  • Color and Lighting - Atmosphere and personality of your design
  • Storytelling - Explain why on your work


Projects


  1. Survivors  (5 weeks)
    Design a group of 3 characters trying to survive from a nuclear outbreak.
     Characters must include a kid, teenager and a handicapped / injured person.
     Design their shelter interior and also exterior.
     Design their main vehicle.


ex) 10 Cloverfield Lane


  1. Mutant (5 weeks)
     Design a character who has been affected by environmental changes.
     Design a character who is trying to save him/her
     Design a military/law enforcement unit
     Design his/her hideout
*Keep your stories and research relevant to our own
Environmental issues we are currently facing and or forseen hazards*
   Try to avoid recycled storyline tropes such as:
•radioactive contamination thus: superhuman.
•genetic engineering gone wrong
•bionic/robotic/cyborg/science experiment ect.


    Research must be real and scientifically agreed upon, nothing from one persons far fetched research into un-testable solutions and origins.


Example:


Climate change causes increased water levels causing colder polar regions incidentally causing Walruses to adapt by growing a callused boney horn atop its snout in order to break the heavier ice layer to forage, escape danger and sun bathe: Evolutionary changes brought about through climate and or human effect.


30595

Advanced Tools and Techniques I

Week 1
Aug 29th
Class introduction
Lecture on thumbnail ideas on characters
Homework Due
Week 2
Sept 5th
Labor day / No class

Week 3
Sept 12th
Lecture and Review on Character Design
30 Character Thumbnails
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on how to detail sketches

Week 4
Sept 19th
Lecture and Review on Character Design
9 Character Sketches
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on how to paint characters

Week 5
Sept 26th
Lecture and Review on Environment Design
3 Character Concept WIP
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on how to paint environment 1

Week 6
Oct 3rd
Lecture and Review on Environment Design
6 Environment Comps
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on how to paint environment 2

Week 7
Oct 10th
Mid-term : Project 1 Review
Environment WIP
Wayne
602
Project #2 Pitch

Cecil
412
Lecture on Concept Art & Industry

Week 8
Oct 17th
Lecture and Review on Character Design
30 Character Thumbnails
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Costume Design

Week 9
Oct 24th
Lecture and Review on Character Design
9 Character Sketches
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Creature Design

Week 10
Oct 31st
Lecture and Review on Environment Design
3 Character Concept WIP
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Environment Concept

Week 11
Nov 7th
Lecture and Review on Environment Design
6 Environment Comps
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Environment Concept

Week 12
Nov 14th
Project #2 Review
Environment WIP
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Vehicle & Prop Concept

Week 13
Nov 21st
Vehicle/Prop Polish
TBD
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Storyboard

Week 14
Nov 28th
Environment Polish
TBD
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Game Production

Week 15
Dec 5th
Character Polish
TBD
Wayne
602


Cecil
412
Lecture on Portfolio Preparation

Week 16
Dec 12th
Final Review
Final Presentation