Character Design for Video Games

  • Created by Fran Krause
  • Course Duration 9 hours
  • Price USD$
  • User Rating 4.7
  • Platform Coursera
  • Course Link Explore Course
In this course you will explore concepts and approaches involved in creating successful character designs that can be applied to video games

Discover the secrets of successful character design for video games with our online course. Join the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization and learn from industry experts like Fran Krause. No experience needed. Enroll now!

Introduction

Welcome to the World of Character Design, where imagination takes shape and characters come to life in the mesmerizing realm of video games. Character design is a vital aspect of game development, responsible for creating iconic heroes, villains, and sidekicks that players remember for years to come. If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting characters that captivate audiences, our online course on “Character Design for Video Games” is the perfect stepping stone to unlock your creative potential.

Course Overview

In this course, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey through the fundamentals of character design. Designed for beginners with no previous experience, the course offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace. With just 9 hours of engaging content, you’ll gain insights into the art of character design and its application in video games. Plus, with 45,329 students already enrolled, you’ll be part of a thriving community passionate about this captivating craft.

Our master class approach sets this course apart, offering you a unique opportunity to observe three professional character designers at work: Andy Ristaino (Adventure Time), Jacky Ke Jiang (Journey), and Robertryan Cory (SpongeBob SquarePants). Each week, you’ll dive into their creative process, witness their design challenges, and explore solutions to common issues in character design.

By joining this course, you’ll also be enrolled in the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization, gaining a shareable certificate to add to your LinkedIn profile. Whether you aspire to create characters for video games, animation in film and TV, or simply wish to hone your drawing abilities, this course is your gateway to a world of endless possibilities.

What You’ll Gain

Building your subject-matter expertise is at the core of this course. With guidance from industry experts, you’ll develop job-relevant skills through hands-on projects that push your creative boundaries. By the end of the course, you’ll earn a shareable career certificate, showcasing your newfound talent and passion for character design to the world.

Who This Course is For

This course welcomes everyone with an eagerness to learn and a love for character design. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an aspiring animator and game designer, this course caters to your needs. No prior experience is necessary, making it an ideal starting point for those embarking on their creative journey. The only prerequisite is a deep passion for character design and animation.

Understanding the Course Structure

The course comprises four modules, each carefully designed to nurture your character design skills. Let’s explore what each module offers:

Module 1: Foundational Concepts for Successful Character Design

Before you embark on your journey as a character designer, you’ll need to grasp the foundational concepts that underpin the craft. This module will take you through the core principles of character design, including the importance of character traits, physical attributes, and personality traits in creating memorable characters.

You’ll also explore the technical aspects of character design, such as movement and expression. Understanding how characters move and express themselves is crucial in crafting believable and relatable personas that resonate with players.

Throughout this module, you’ll delve into real-world examples and analyze successful character designs from popular video games. By the end of the week, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to breathe life into your own character creations.

Module 2: Andy Ristaino – Adventure Time

This week, you’ll be diving deep into the world of Adventure Time with the guidance of Andy Ristaino, the mastermind behind the show’s unique character designs. Andy will present you with design challenges he faced during the production of Adventure Time and demonstrate how he overcame them with creative flair.

Witnessing a professional character designer at work is an invaluable experience, and through this master class, you’ll discover Andy’s techniques, tips, and tricks. You’ll learn how to apply his insights to your own character designs, making them stand out and leave a lasting impression on players.

Module 3: Jacky Ke Jiang – Journey

The enchanting world of Journey will be your playground in this module, led by the talented character designer, Jacky Ke Jiang. Journey is renowned for its emotional storytelling and captivating characters, and Jacky will guide you through his process of evoking emotions through character design.

You’ll explore the role of character expression, body language, and design elements in conveying emotions and storytelling. By the end of this week, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to make your characters more expressive and relatable, further enhancing the immersive experience for players.

Module 4: Robertryan Cory – SpongeBob SquarePants

Brace yourself for a journey into the quirky and whimsical world of SpongeBob SquarePants. Led by the talented character designer, Robertryan Cory, this module will explore the art of designing characters with a touch of playfulness and humor.

Robertryan will take you through his approach to overcoming design challenges specific to the SpongeBob universe, such as creating characters that appeal to a wide audience while maintaining the essence of the show. You’ll learn how to strike the perfect balance between creativity and commercial appeal, honing your character design skills to a professional level.

Course Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully journeyed through the captivating world of character design for video games. Armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and inspiration, you’re now ready to take on exciting opportunities in animation, gaming, and beyond.

As you continue to grow as a character designer, remember to keep experimenting, learning, and pushing your creative boundaries. The world of character design is ever-evolving, and with your unique perspective, you can shape the future of gaming characters.

Take the leap, unleash your creativity, and set your characters on an unforgettable adventure in the vast and dynamic world of video games.


FAQs:

Q1: Is this course suitable for beginners with no prior experience in character design?

A1: Absolutely! This course is tailored for beginners, providing a comprehensive introduction to character design and its application in video games. No prior experience is required, making it a perfect starting point for aspiring character designers.

Q2: How much time should I dedicate to the course each week?

A2: The course offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace. On average, students dedicate around 9 hours to complete the course, spread over several weeks. Feel free to adjust the pace according to your preferences and availability.

Q3: Can I access the course materials after completion?

A3: Yes, once you enroll in the course, you’ll have lifetime access to the materials. You can revisit the content, review the master classes, and refresh your knowledge whenever you like.

Q4: Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?

A4: Yes, upon successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a shareable career certificate. Showcase your accomplishment on your LinkedIn profile and boost your visibility in the creative industry.

Q5: Are subtitles available in languages other than English?

A5: Yes, in addition to English, the course offers subtitles in German and Russian. This ensures a more inclusive learning experience for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.