Study Guide

Objective

You know how to write a character description document outlining the physical and personality characteristics of a script’s cast members.
You know how to use basic forms to create defined silhouettes for the ensembled cast and environmental locations.
You have a clear understanding of basic human body types and distinctive ethnic features.
You know how to produce a location list and environment plan based on a Game Design Document or script.
You are able create character turn-around sheets, expression sheets and basic environment production drawings for 3D modellers.

Content

How to design a character's individual strengths and weaknesses and their traits and skills?
How to create character sheets and game environment plans?
How to set up a graphics tablet?
How to sketch thumbnails exploring composition and camera placement in environment design?
How to use silhouetting techniques to develop physical character differentiation within a cast and to express aspects of personality?
How to create an expression sheet of facial reactions?
How to paint in grisaille technique?

Opiskelumateriaali

Learning materials
– Lectures and demonstrations with accompanying downloadable documentation for reference.
– Downloadable Work sheets and exercises
– Links and tutorials on Learn.

Yksilölliset oppimisväylät

Learning route based on a working week
You will attend teaching and guidance sessions as specified in the schedule. Your study routine is determined by the scheduled group sessions and by the self-study assignments.

Learning route that accelerates the studies
If you have acquired prior learning in the subject (fully/partially), contact the teacher in charge prior the course to discuss whether you have the competence required and what are the methods of demonstrating that competence. If you are unable to attend all the classes due to other courses, you are required to complete the learning assignments independently.

Work-based learning route
You need to contact the course teacher prior the course to agree on development assignments that you will perform at your work place. You are required to prove your learning both in theory and practice by giving a presentation at Game Design show and tell day.

TKI ja työelämäyhteistyö

RDI will be intergrated where possible.

Tentit ja muut määräajat

Deadlines:
– In order to benefit from the dedicated feedback sessions students must have at least partially completed the assignments on review at that time.
– If a student misses the deadline for an assignment feedback session, no assurance of feedback at a later date can be given. Current works take precedence.
– If a student can not achieve a required deadline the lecturer must be informed and an extension will be negotiated.
– Unauthorised late return of course assignments will have an effect on final grading. (Between 1 and 2 points deducted)

Opiskelijan työmäärä

Students complete assignments independently. In class, student will receive feedback and deepen their expertise.

Toteutuksen osien kuvaus

The student will create a series of character and environment designs based around a theme and/or time period. Elements include:
Primary visual research documents (mood boards, lifestyle boards, architectural, cultural and historical reference boards)
Story Beat analysis
Character profile document
Environmental requirements list
Silhouette techniques
Ensemble character design
Iterative design methods in character development
Body types, Poses and ethnicity in character design
Colour and shape language design
Stylistic approaches to game art

Further information

Further information
– Demonstrations and lectures (streamed via Teams) provide relevant theoretical content.
– Students complete a series of character and environment design assignments independently with the help of instructions provided on Learn.
– Students will receive dedicated feedback sessions on their assignments at regular intervals
– Students will deepen their expertise in the use of drawing techniques, iterative design methods, shape and colour language, Character psychology and motivational planning.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment Methods:
Collaborative Learning outcomes (Group works)
Peer review and self-evaluation
Register of Attendance
Adherence to schedules and deadlines
Activity Checklists
Performance Rating scale for classroom and homework assignments

Assessment Criteria
Students ability to develop ideas, logical thinking, creativity, ability to communicate one’s ideas both verbally and visually, quality of work, ability to follow instructions, ability to work to deadlines, level of attendance, activity and contribution to class, evidence of improvement in technical/design/aesthetic skills.

Grading. Fail, Incomplete, 1: pass, 2: pass+ 3:commended 4: Highly commended 5: Distinction

Qualifications

Required studies of Drawing and painting, Composition and colour, and Game design research & sketching or equivalent skills.