Character & Prop Concept Art with Ian Su

Not currently in session, select the spectate option for lifetime access to recordings from last term!

I audited and learned a lot, he basically changed my whole mindset on thinking about props as an extension of the character, as in tune to them as an arm or a leg might be.

—Jake Posh

Ian’s course was one of the best learning experience I had since I began my artistic journey.

—Rayane

Learn the fundamentals of character and prop concept art! In this 8-week class, learn how to effectively use form and function to create engaging concept art that all feels like it is part of a cohesive world. In the second half of the class, students will apply these concepts to a design project, like a hero character with prop, VFX, and pose callouts, or a character lineup. There will be a combination of demos, lectures and homework assignments that we’ll review in class.

We’ll cover:
Visual design principles and shape design
How to use reference
Idea generation and iteration
Designing with a purpose
Props and VFX

Duration: 8 weeks
Date & Time: Starts Saturday January 6, every Saturday at 10:00 AM Pacific, 1:00 PM Eastern
Skill level: All skill levels welcome
Tiers: Receive feedback or spectate without homework feedback
Format: 4 hour live class with combination of lectures, demos, and feedback. Recordings will be provided within 24 hours of each class.
Materials: Any digital or traditional mediums. Paintovers will be done digitally.

All weeks will be a combination of lecture, demos and feedback.

Week 1: Visual Design Theory & Character Design Breakdown
Week 2: Extracting Visual Ideas from Reference
Week 3: Designing for a Purpose with Keywords
Week 4: Fleshing out a Design
Week 5: Worldbuilding through Costuming & Props
Week 6: Posing, Personality and Character Interaction
Week 7: Technical process & Rendering
Week 8: Presentation, Portfolio Advice, and Misc